Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Unless you’ve been offline for a bit, you’ve likely heard of or watched Netflix’s original series Making a Murderer. I delayed diving into it for a while, still savoring my binge of Luther. But when my daughter, a college sophomore back home for winter break, asked me to watch it with her, I knew I couldn’t say no. When your college kid invites you to do something, you jump on it. Thus began our marathon viewing session—we just couldn’t stop!
Being from Minnesota, the Midwestern quirks of the show didn’t hit us as hard as they might for others. If you’re in parts of Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin, you’ve met people just like the Avery family. I didn’t even notice the subtitles until a friend mentioned them on Facebook. The nostalgia of the upper Midwest in the ’90s was amusing at first—everything from the mullets and oversized glasses to Dolores Avery’s fantastic owl lamps in her living room. But soon enough, the gripping story took over our attention.
Overview of the Case
For those who haven’t watched yet, here’s a brief overview: Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man, was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985. After spending 18 years in prison, DNA evidence pointed to another perpetrator. Steven had a troubled past, with multiple run-ins with the law, and I still can’t shake the memory of his actions involving a family cat. He wasn’t exactly a role model, but the case against him had more holes than my socks from the ’90s.
Fast forward two years after his exoneration, and just as he was gearing up to sue Manitowoc County and its officials, he was arrested again for the murder of Teresa Halbach, a 25-year-old local photographer. I won’t spoil the details, but trust me, you need to watch it on Netflix.
A Mother’s Perspective
As a mom with nearly 22 years of experience, my perspective is forever changed. This show hit me hard. My heart went out to Dolores Avery, Steven’s weary yet gentle mother, especially when she recounted her visits to him in prison. “I drove there, even when it was icy,” she said in her charming accent. Anyone from our area knows that braving icy roads isn’t something you do lightly, but a mother’s love knows no bounds.
Then there’s Barb, the mother of Brendan Dassey, who becomes involved in the investigation. Brendan is one of the most heartbreaking characters I’ve ever seen. His recorded phone calls with Barb are painfully simple yet reveal so much about their bond. One of the most gut-wrenching moments is when she reassures her son, who struggles with self-doubt, saying, “You’re not stupid to me.” Any mother who’s comforted a child riddled with insecurities can relate to that.
Every mother featured in this gripping, infuriating tale faces unimaginable challenges, from Dolores’s prison visits to Barb’s meltdown in front of relentless reporters, and we even hear from Teresa Halbach’s mother, who suffers the greatest loss in this tragic saga.
The Complexities of Motherhood
The narratives of motherhood in this series highlight the stark differences in our lives. The resources we have—or lack—impact how we raise our children, along with education, genetics, income, and social class. All these factors shape our parenting journeys and the lives we provide for our kids.
The entire narrative unfolds like a fitted sheet tumbling out of the closet—a curly, frustrating chaos that defies reason. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out. It will likely stir up feelings of anger and sadness, but it will also broaden your perspective.
After watching, the stack of dirty plates in my teenager’s room didn’t feel like a personal affront anymore. And yes, I hugged my kids. As tightly as I could.
Additional Resources
For insights on parenthood and family dynamics, visit the CDC’s pregnancy resource for invaluable information. For anyone interested in exploring at-home insemination options, check out this authority on the subject. And for more discussions on related topics, feel free to explore our privacy policy here.
Summary: This article explores the emotional narratives of motherhood found in Making a Murderer, focusing on the unique challenges faced by the mothers in the series. It reflects on the complexities of parenting while also recommending the series for its thought-provoking content.