Making a Murderer's Second Season Lacks Purpose

for Ramapo News

The second season of “Making a Murderer” finally premiered on Netflix last Friday, Oct. 19. It has since received criticism for its representation of the opposing sides in the case.

The Netflix docuseries’ second season primarily focuses on convicted murderer Steven Avery’s new lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, as she attempts to reverse the decision that sent Avery to prison for the death of freelance photographer Teresa Halbach.

This season reflects on her duty to create a strong appeal for Avery’s apparent wrongful conviction. The process involves Zellner taking each piece of evidence that was used against Avery in court and then proceeding to evaluate its elements to find the truth behind them.

The viewer will feel a sense of déjà vu as Zellner reconsiders each piece of evidence. The prolonged analysis of each component of the case is unnecessary, as they were previously explained in the first season.

“Making a Murderer” spends much time debating the possibility Avery was wrongly convicted. His defense argues the validity of the evidence used to convict him is questionable. Among the pieces of evidence challenged are Halbach’s car keys, which were found in Avery’s bedroom.

The keys and other evidence called into question by Avery’s defense are one of the reasons the Netflix series became internationally popular after the debut of its first season. Nonetheless, Avery as well as his nephew and convicted partner, Brendan Dassey, are both currently serving life sentences.

With all of this in consideration, one may ask: What is the point for season two?

Seemingly, the purpose of this season is to build a case in Avery’s favor. While the first season leans slightly in the direction of Avery’s innocence, this newest season is much more forward in its point of view.

To have the bulk of the season fall on Avery’s defense attorney is nearly asking for the prejudice to arise. There is obvious misrepresentation of the side opposing Steven Avery.

This season would have been much more profound if both sides were equally represented.

Also, focusing certain episodes on Avery and Dassey’s celebrity status seems a bit eerie. At the end of the day, they are currently guilty for murder and should ultimately be treated as such.

The documentary series is informative for those that want to learn more about the flaws in our country’s court and prison systems. However, season two does not necessarily give new information about the case.

While the first season advocated for justice in Halbach’s case, season two merely touches on the victim and instead emphasizes the Steven Avery of today. The victim under the bed because her story is apparently less entertaining than Avery’s.

Ask someone familiar with the series to name the murderer. They will likely respond with Steven Avery’s name. Ask them the name of the murdered woman, and they will be far less confident in their response.

3 stars