As Episode 1 of "The Staircase" (2022 release; 8 episodes of about 60 min. Each) opens, it is "February 24, 2017" and Michael Peterson wakes up and gets ready for the day. We then go to "December 9, 2001" as we hear Michael make a frantic 911 call and he sobs about his wife having fallen down the staircase and not breathing. We then go to "September, 2001", when we get to know the Peterson family, a blend of 3 daughters and 2 sons. At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1 but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience. Couple of comments: this is the latest from creator-director Antonio Campos ("Christine"). Here he reassesses the facts of a mysterious death of Kathleen Peterson: did she fall down the stairs? Was she murdered? This mini-series is based on the 2004 French documentary series of the same name, and in fact the making of that documentary is featured prominently in this new TV mini series. Colin Firth (as Michael) and Toni Collette (as Kathleen) are terrific in the lead roles, but the supporting cast is quite good as well (check out Olivia DeJonge and Patrick Schwarzenegger as two of the children). For some reason Firth's physical appearance kept reminding me the University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari. For some reason when I saw "The Staircase" featured on HBO Max, I thought that this was a 3 part mini-series, but it is in fact an 8 part series. The initial 3 episodes premiered on HBO Max only a few days ago, and new episodes are released on Thursdays. I've really enjoyed these three episodes and am looking forward to seeing the remaining 5 episodes in the weeks to come. There is good reason why "The Staircase" is rated 95% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes! If you like true crime or simply are a fan of Colin Firth or Toni Collette, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion. *UPDATE* I just saw Episode 4, and this just getting better. I've upgraded my rating to 8 stars. Can't wait to see the remaining episodes, even though I am wondering what more territory will be covered in the remaining 4 episodes. *UPDATE* I've now seen all episodes, and this mini-series simply got better and better along the way, ultimately becoming riveting viewing, simply must-see TV with towering performances all around. Juliette Binoche, not very prominent in the initial episodes, turns in an outstanding performance as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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