HBO Max’s “The Staircase” miniseries retells one of true crime’s most notorious cases: the death of Kathleen Peterson, through a fall from a staircase in her home. “We felt a lot of pressure,” series creator, showrunner and executive producer Antonio Campos told Variety. “I remember, when something wasn’t right, we’d be like ‘it’s called the Staircase! We just need to get this right.’” Campos was joined by executive producer and writer Maggie Cohn and actor Toni Collette, who portrayed Kathleen, for Variety’s “Making a Scene,” presented by HBO. In a conversation with Variety deputy editor Meredith Woerner, the three discussed the three depictions of Kathleen’s death that are seen over the course of the miniseries, and broke down how the sequences were staged and shot. The complete article and video can be found over at Variety.

Collette’s intentionally, hard-to-watch portrayal of Kathleen’s death was always going to be silent Cohn revealed. There were never going to rely on past Hollywood antics to hype up the moment. The brutality of this real woman’s passing was to be laid care with just Collette’s breathing marking her passing. “I remember being surprised and affected by what she was doing, I mean it,” Campos said. “It was very shocking to see because you can kind of suggest the sound or what kind of movement would be, but when you see an actor as good as Toni commit to an idea 150% and go for it, it’s shocking.” The crew actually had to pad the staircase to protect Collette and the stunt actor from injuring themselves on the green screen staircase. As for Collette, her intent was to give Kathleen a voice beyond what the public already knew from previous conversations. “The documentary doesn’t really see her as much more than a victim, she’s quite objectified, so it was a bit of a responsibility to kind of create her from not very much,” Collette said, referring to the 2004 documentary series the miniseries depicts the filming of. “It’s a lot to have to do that three times. But the reality of it is worse, so I just hope I did her justice.”

The final episode of “The Staircase” entitled “America’s Sweetheart or: Time Over Time” aired last Thursday, bringing closure to an otherwise ongoing real life saga that will most probably never be solved. Many thanks once again to Jess, who has been capping the entire series for us. Much appreciated.

After navigating a possible retrial, a 73-year-old Michael confronts a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, Martha and Margaret each share long-buried truths, and Sophie comes to terms with a revelation.

Screencaptures from the sixth to seventh episode of “The Staircase” have been added to the photo gallery, with many thanks to Jess for sending them in, much appreciated as always. The final episode will be airing next week.

In 2006, Sophie pursues a far-fetched new theory about the night of Kathleen’s death. Then, in 2017, Michael grapples with compromising his principles in exchange for his freedom. After a body with similar injuries to Kathleen’s turns up at the county morgue, Sophie continues her quest to uncover what really happened to Kathleen. Meanwhile, Martha decides to dig into her fraught past, despite pushback from Margaret.

Screencaptures from the second to fifth episode of “The Staircase” have been added to the photo gallery, with many thanks to Jess for sending them in, much appreciated. Episode 6 has just aired and the remaining two episodes will be shown on HBO Max until the second week of June, so if you haven’t tuned in, make sure to do so.

While working on his defense, Michael considers an opportunity to tell his story in a documentary. As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense. After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends. In the aftermath of the verdict, the Petersons struggle with the court’s decision, and Michael finds solace in an unlikely friendship from thousands of miles away.

Screencaptures from the first episode of “The Staircase” have been added to the photo gallery, with many thanks to our chief screencapper Jess :-) Spoiler warning ahead, although I’m sure most of us watching the series have watched the documentary at some point before. Earlier today, Variety has confirmed that Toni will be considered in the outstanding lead actress in a limited series category by HBO Max for the Primetime Emmys, whose nominations will be announced in July, so fingers crossed.

Screencaptures from episodes 3 to 8 of “Pieces of Her” have been added to the photo gallery, which means our coverage on the series is now complete. Once again, big thanks to my friend Jess for spending so much time to help me make this site such a complete source. It means a lot. Up next: “The Staircase” screencaptures.