News

'Making A Murderer' Season 2 Could Go To Wisconsin

by Joseph D. Lyons

Did you race through the first season of "Making A Murderer," spending days glued to your TV screen like you never have before? You're not alone. You and more than 19 million other viewers should be relieved to find out that the story is not over. And, no, I don't just mean the updates on Steven Avery, Brendan Dassey, and their cases. I mean actual new "Making A Murderer" episodes created by the original filmmakers. They spoke at a panel discussion at New York’s IFC Center on Thursday and explained why they want to continue. A second season could even see them return to Wisconsin and follow the case.

Steven Avery's new lawyer Kathleen Zellner has been busy on Twitter and in Wisconsin trying to collect evidence that could ultimately acquit Avery. The filmmakers would like to document this process. Directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos said at the panel discussion that they have spoken with Zellner about the possibility of filming. They have also continued to tape their conversations with Avery. Combined with footage from a possible new trial with Zellner as counsel, and they could easily put together another season.

At the panel, Ricciardi explained why they want to continue the story:

From our perspective this story is obviously not over. It’s real life and [Avery’s and Dassey’s] cases are both still pending. We have no idea when the magistrate will make a decision in Brendan’s case. We do know that two potential outcomes are that the judge could order Brendan’s release or he could order a new trial. So we are on the edge of seats about that. To the extent that there are significant developments, we would like to continue documenting this [case].

Brendan Dassey's lawyers have appealed already, asking for a new trial or for his release. A federal judge is considering the matter as we speak. His attorneys expect a decision within the year. If he is granted a new trial, the filmmakers will surely want to cover it.

Avery's appeal is with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, but the Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court has filed and received an extension, meaning everything is now on hold until March 11. The clerk's office is in charge of gathering files related to the appeal to the Appeals Court. This is the second extension that has been granted. This should be the last extension, though, because the attorneys both the state's and Zellner have been given the files to go over, the last step before they''re submitted to the court.

One of Avery's motions with the Appeals Court requests that he be released on bond during the appeals process. The state has argued against it, but it would sure add a lot to a second season. Ricciardi and Demos would most definitely be headed to Wisconsin with the cameras.