The Staircase Review: Red in Tooth and Claw (Season 1 Episode 6)

The Staircase Season 1 Episode 6, “Red in Tooth and Claw,” may mark my favorite episode of the season so far.

Admittedly, the episode started off a bit slow, and I thought I would ultimately dislike it, which is always a disappointing feeling. There’s a lot of focus on Michael and Sophie, which, as I stated in my review of The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5, “The Beating Heart,” I find often feels disjointed. 

Of course, it’s only natural we see the development of the pair’s relationship but I don’t like how much it seems to eclipse the case aspect that drew me into the show in the first place. 

The first ten minutes or so of “Red in Tooth and Claw,” focuses heavily on the two as they’ve now begun a proper relationship. We watch as Sophie looks for a new house for her and Michael to live in, we see her go to work and spend time with her son — all things that feel like filler more than actual story progression.

And while I do still think it was unnecessary, all is forgiven as our main storyline in this episode begins to unfold. 

If you’re someone who’s read up on the case, you may know of a little something called the “Owl Theory.” It was hinted at in The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 “The Beating Heart,” with a zoom-in on an owl’s talon and it’s given a full episode here. 

I had no idea what the “Owl Theory” entailed, which left me thoroughly entertained throughout the episode because it’s a doozy. As ridiculous as it may sound, there is a theory from Larry Pollard, (the Peterson’s next-door neighbor), that Michael didn’t kill Kathleen, an owl did. 

And if you’re confused about how this theory could possibly be, allow me to explain. 

The theory originated in 2008, 7 years after the death of Kathleen Peterson, and 5 years after Michael’s trial had ended. He claimed that the Barred Owl is common in North Carolina and often would attack people from behind, usually striking at their heads. 

He stated that in December, Barred owls are mating and are known to be aggressive and territorial. He believes that Kathleen was outside and was attacked by an owl, suggesting that the talon of the animal is the cause of the wounds on Kathleen. 

He believes that in her quest to fight it off, the owl’s talons scratched her face and hands. He also says it is the reason there was no skull fracture found in the autopsy. 

There’s so much more to the theory that I can’t possibly break down all of it, but it’s portrayed marvelously in this episode. 

Larry explains his theory to Sophie who has already been fighting tirelessly to clear Michael’s name. She’s ultimately convinced and proceeds to share the theory with those involved in Michael’s case in an attempt to re-open the case and set him free. 

It’s a storyline that could very easily come off as ridiculous, or be played for laughs. After all, it’s quite a ridiculous idea, but it’s done so well that I found myself seeing the plausibility in it more and more. 

We also see it play out in yet another flashback to the night of Kathleen’s death, and seriously, these flashbacks never get easier to stomach. 

It’s horrifying to see such a traumatic event unfold, and even though we’ve now seen a version of the event multiple times, it still leaves me squirming in my seat. I’ll never stop singing the praises of Toni Collette in this role; as she had to recreate this night so many times and yet it never seems repetitive or like she’s tired of it. 

Each time is slightly different than the next, but all have the same cinematography, leaving me to wonder if each outcome was filmed on the same day for continuity purposes. 

As I said, this episode is the “Owl Theory” episode, meaning not much else happens in terms of present-day plot development, but there are quite a lot of flashback scenes. And they’re not all light-hearted like past episodes, some of the lines and scenes made my heart ache due to how bittersweet they feel. 

The flashbacks all take place on Thanksgiving of 2001, 17 days before Kathleen passed away — and as we learned in The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 “The Beating Heart,” it’s set to be a lonely holiday. 

Margaret and Martha are celebrating separately, Caitlin is attending dinner at Candace’s with Michael and Kathleen, and Todd and Clayton take advantage of the empty house. 

The flashbacks show just how frayed everyone in the family is, not just with each other, but with themselves. This is especially evident in Kathleen. 

Our first scene with her is a sweet one between her and Caitlin, where you can clearly tell something is bothering her, we’re just unsure what. 

It’s the first time the episode really tugs at your heartstrings when Kathleen, near tears, promises Caitlin she’ll do better to be there for her. This hits like a ton of bricks when you remember this scene takes place 17 days before Kathleen passes away. 

I really enjoy the scenes between Kathleen and Caitlin, and in earlier episodes as well. You can tell they have a strong bond, and the actresses pair really nicely together. It was nice seeing a simple and genuinely sweet moment between them, especially when the show gets so dark at times. 

Kathleen is increasingly short-tempered at Candace’s house, picking fights multiple times and not listening to simple requests. Through a scene with Michael and Candace, Michael tells how stressed she’s been and how “even Kathleen isn’t good enough for Kathleen.” 

It’s a sad look into the character and opens up a deeper story for her. I really hope it’s something we continue to delve into in future episodes. 

I really believe the flashbacks help make the show as good as it is — you come to feel for these people and have sympathy for them. It makes them human, and in a show like this, I feel that adds an extra layer of depth to the story. 

What did you think of this episode of The Staircase? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. 

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The Staircase airs Thursdays on HBO Max. 

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