The fifth episode of HBO Max’s crime series ‘The Staircase,’ titled ‘The Beating Heart,’ recounts the aftermath of Michael Peterson’s trial jury’s verdict. Michael suffers with the animosity of his fellow inmates after being imprisoned. He seeks the assistance of a fellow inmate in order to avoid being targeted by the powerful inmates. David Rudolf’s efforts to have his client released continue. Sophie tells Jean-Xavier and Denis Poncet about her correspondence with Michael. We examined the episode in greater detail because it concludes with a key judicial decision about Michael’s fate. Here are our opinions! SPOILERS FOLLOW.

Recap of The Staircase Episode 5

‘The Beating Heart’ begins by recounting Michael’s ordeals in prison. He befriends another inmate, who introduces him to a powerful prisoner. Michael strikes a bargain with the prisoner to ensure his safety inside. Denis requests that Sophie include footage of Dr. Deborah Radisch discussing the alleged strangulation Kathleen endured in the docuseries. Sophie does not believe Radisch’s conclusions and states unequivocally that she will not include the tape. She also tells Jean-Xavier and Denis that she has been in correspondence with Michael. Denis suspected her of favoring Michael when editing the docuseries.

Michael’s family begins to raise funds for the costs of his appeal and other case-related expenses. Todd and Clayton pay a visit to Michael in prison and inform him that Kathleen’s death has substantially reduced the value of their mansion. Clayton adds money to Michael’s account when Todd fails to do so and meets his father to notify him that he and Becky are expecting a child. Michael is overjoyed at the prospect of being a grandfather. Larry, the Petersons’ neighbor, examines Kathleen’s autopsy images. Meanwhile, Michael learns of his appeal from a jail television.

Why is Michael’s appeal denied in The Staircase Episode 5? Will He Be Released From Jail?

Following the verdict in Michael’s trial, David Rudolf files an appeal on his client’s behalf with the North Carolina Court of Appeals. In the appeal, Michael’s defense lawyer claims that the investigation into Kathleen’s death was conducted in an unconstitutional manner, citing the investigators’ use of Michael’s personal computer as an example. Due to the violation of Michael’s privacy while gathering evidence for the case, Rudolf believes the trial will be deemed unfair to his client. The appellate court recognizes that the seizure of Michael’s computer was unlawful, but it dismisses the case.

The court determines that the contents discovered in Michael’s computer had no impact on the jury’s decision to find the trial unfair to him. In other words, the court concludes that Michael’s bisexuality, as indicated by the files found on his computer, did not persuade the jury to convict him. Despite the fact that the appellate court denies the appeal, Michael has another opportunity to appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court because the prior court’s decision was not unanimous. Rudolf tells Michael that they have a better chance of providing him with hope at the NC Supreme Court.

Nonetheless, Michael succumbs to despair when he learns that he may have to wait a year or two for the NC Supreme Court to even examine the appeal and issue a verdict. As a result, Michael’s release from prison is not even a possibility until the higher court rules in his favor.

Do Sophie and Michael ever get together? Is Sophie’s Editing Favoring Michael?

When Sophie tells Jean-Xavier and Denis that she writes letters to Michael on a regular basis, the producer suspects his editor of favoring Michael. He asks her to incorporate material that appears to be critical of Michael in the docuseries, but she declines. Denis believes her reaction demonstrates that she is modifying their creativity to favor the convicted. To avoid more escalation, she informs Denis that she would cease writing to Michael for the sake of their docuseries.

On the night of the docuseries debut, Jean-Xavier assures her that her editing is “the throbbing heart” of their project, supporting her work despite Denis’ suspicions that she is biased against Michael. The director’s statements reassure Sophie that she has played her part in the docuseries honestly and without favoritism toward Michael. Sophie travels from France to the United States to meet him with that guarantee. Michael is informed that he has an unexpected visitor, only to meet the person who has been there for him since he was imprisoned.