On a commercial, a company tells us that they sell the best toothpaste in the world – we say, “that’s biased.” During a political campaign, a candidate says that the other guy is the wrong choice – we say, “that’s biased.” Two movie producers, who are unsatisfied with the country’s justice system, suggest that an entire police department wrongfully imprisoned a man – we write a national petition directed at the White House asking for a presidential pardon to take place. Yes, I am talking about "Making a Murderer."
So, first, a disclaimer: I love this docuseries. I jumped right on the bandwagon and finished it in a matter of like five days over Winter Break. And, I love Netflix, I value binge watching just as much as anyone else. However, I value logic and common sense a lot more. I know, that took a turn real quick. But, whether we’re aware of it or not, when we are watching Netflix we are observing and analyzing film – and for whatever reason, film has a pretty powerful effect on us. When we read literature, we don’t tend to develop as passionate feelings as we do during a film. ("Fifty Shades of Grey"might be an exception, but that’s a different story.) If someone published an article in the NY Times about a man who was in jail because his local police department may have framed him, 400,000 Americans would not be furious with the country’s justice system. That’s also not just because 400,000 Americans simply don’t read the NYTimes, because 400,000 people certainly don’t watch documentaries on Netflix regularly either. Instead the outrage wouldn’t be produced from the journal article because we have always been taught how to analyze and critique written literature.
Year after year in English class we were handed books and told to pick apart every single sentence, to learn about the author, and to formulate arguments about the plot, so naturally, we are at least fairly mindful of written pieces of work. But, on the days when the class was more tired than normal, or you had a sub, a movie was put on and all that went through your mind was “Why did I even come to class today?” Not very many teachers or professors ever even suggest analyzing movies. Luckily, I had an English teacher who did. But, I’d like to think that even if I didn’t have her that I would be able to recognize biased when it is as obvious as "Making a Murderer."
Steven Avery and his defense team are the entire focus of the show. You see their evidence, their witnesses, and their plans. When the prosecution is shown, it is simply in response to something that was brought up suggesting Avery’s innocence. Which, is still interesting, because even with the biased perspective, there is no doubt in my mind that Avery’s case and trial were not conducted completely correctly. However, there is no way from simply watching that documentary that I would believe that he was 100% framed.
I mean, yes, the blood in the car is suspicious. I think it is bizarre that they couldn’t find blood stains on his property. But, call me naïve, I also think it is pretty extreme to accuse police of committing something as heinous as moving a victim’s burned, shattered bones simply to accuse an innocent man.
Jurors, news reporters, and friends and neighbors of the Averys, have released multiple statements since the national craze providing more information than what was shown in the series. Some of it includes details about Steven Avery’s personal behavior, county employees were able to clarify, or at least tried to answer, some of the questions regarding the evidence, and people who were more involved with the case were able to tell more information about what happened in the courtroom.
Now, I have no idea if Steven Avery is innocent or not; no one really does except for him. But, I beg of you, please, do not form your opinion on this matter simply from "Making a Murderer" It will be hard not to be swept up by the emotional outrage you will feel at times, but please take an extra hour or two and research the matter further. If you haven’t seen it yet, I definitely recommend it – perfect for snow days – but, just remember whose eyes you are looking through when you watch this show.