‘Making a Murderer’ - The Netflix sensation that will not die

Graphic by Vicki Mellino

For the average crime lover, shows like “Law and Order” and “Criminal Minds” provide the perfect gateway into the law enforcement world. Recently, a crime documentary has taken the world by storm. That storm – “Making a Murderer” – was released on Netflix Dec. 18 and since has been progressively gaining viewers with the thrilling criminal story of Steven Avery. Avery, who is from a small town in Wisconsin, was arrested and incarcerated for 18 years until police later discovered he did not commit the crime. Shortly after his release, Avery was accused for the murder of Teresa Halbach. The show continues to follow the trial and tribulations of Avery, but with many twists and turns throughout, “Making a Murderer” will leave you shocked.

Freshman McKenna Graham recently just started watching the show. With one episode down she is looking forward to seeing what is yet to come.

“I heard about it a lot from others, and it was recommended to me on my Netflix homepage,” Graham said. “I hope the show can explain what the government does, what the police do or how people really do get away with murders.”

For senior criminal justice major Devin Blue, “Making a Murderer” was a great show to watch that also applied directly to her major. Blue began the show over Christmas break and finished it a few short weeks later, and by the end was amazed at the outcome.

“I enjoyed the show but I was extremely frustrated watching it. I couldn’t imagine being on that jury and coming to the decision of guilty, which comes with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. From the facts that I understand and were provided through Netflix, I would not feel comfortable coming to that decision at this time,” Blue said.

After watching the show “Making a Murderer” many viewers have expressed feelings of frustration for the ‘injustices’ Avery experienced. Blue knew this feeling well as the story unfolded with every episode that passed.

“I was extremely frustrated watching the documentary. Right from the beginning of the show I was amazed at the injustice that was a result of the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department. It was clear throughout the entire documentary that the constitutional rights of Mr. Avery were violated,” Blue said.

“Making a Murderer” tells the riveting story of Avery, and although the end has yet to be written, it has left all viewers on the edge of their seat.