Unless you’ve been completely offline recently, you must have heard about the Netflix docuseries Making a Murderer. I delayed watching it for as long as possible, still savoring my binge of a different show. However, when my daughter, a sophomore in college home for the holidays, suggested we watch it together, I couldn’t refuse. When your college kid invites you to do anything with them, you take the opportunity. Thus began our marathon session; we were hooked.
Living in Minnesota, the Midwestern nuances didn’t distract us as much as they might have for others. For those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan, the Avery family is all too familiar. I only realized they used subtitles after a friend’s comment on Facebook. The quirky charm of the 1990s Midwest was entertaining at first—think mullets, oversized glasses, and Dolores Avery’s remarkable owl lamps. But soon enough, the story became our sole focus.
To avoid spoilers for those yet to see it, here’s a brief overview: Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man, was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985, spending 18 years in prison before DNA evidence exonerated him. Despite his troubled past, including other legal issues, the flaws in his case were glaring. Shortly after his release and while suing Manitowoc County, he was arrested again, this time for the murder of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach. I won’t delve into more details—head over to Netflix to discover the rest.
As a mother with nearly 22 years of experience, my perspective has undoubtedly shifted. Watching this series through “Mom Goggles” was eye-opening. My heart went out to Dolores Avery, Steven’s gentle mother, as she shared her experiences visiting him in prison. “Even when it was icy, I drove there,” she said in her distinct accent. Anyone familiar with harsh winter driving knows that such dedication is born from deep maternal love.
Another poignant figure is Barb, the mother of Brendan Dassey, who becomes entangled in Teresa’s murder investigation. Brendan is one of the most tragic characters I’ve ever encountered. His recorded phone calls with Barb are heartbreakingly simple yet reveal a profound bond. One line that struck me was when she reassured him, “You’re not stupid to me.” For any mother comforting a child struggling with self-doubt, those words resonate deeply.
The stories of these mothers highlight the stark contrasts in our lives. They face unimaginable challenges, from Dolores’s visits to prison to Barb’s emotional breakdown amid reporters, while Teresa Halbach’s mother quietly endures the greatest loss. This narrative illuminates the various resources, educational opportunities, social classes, and personal circumstances that shape parenting and ultimately the futures we carve for our children.
The entire unfolding of this story is akin to a fitted sheet tumbling out of a linen closet—a chaotic mess that defies reason. If you haven’t yet watched it, I highly recommend you do. It’s infuriating and heartbreaking but will shift your perspective in unexpected ways.
After witnessing the struggles faced by these mothers, the dirty dishes left by my teenager didn’t feel like such a personal insult anymore. Yes, I hugged my kids tighter than ever.
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In summary, Making a Murderer is more than just a crime documentary; it’s a deeply emotional exploration of motherhood, resilience, and the complexities of the human experience.