Defending Jacob – Series Premiere (First three episodes)
Air Date: Friday, April 24, 2020 on Apple TV+ (first three episodes)
Reviewer Rating: 5 Stars
The burning question — who killed Ben Rifkin?
Defending Jacob presents us with a murder mystery, a seemingly open and shut type of case. All the evidence and circumstances conveniently placed in front of us on a silver platter, but nothing is as it seems. Family secrets are revealed slowly and methodically throughout the series, setting the stage for intense drama. Who killed Ben Rifkin (Liam Kilbreth).
Chris Evans stars as ADA Andy Barber; Michelle Dockery as his wife, Laurie Barber; and Jaeden Martell as Jacob Barber. The series hosts a bevy of talent throughout, including Sakina Jaffrey as District Attorney Lynn Canavan, Pablo Schreiber as fellow attorney, and Andy’s rival, Neal Loguidice, and Cherry Jones as defense attorney Joanna Klein.
Defending Jacob is visually rich and robust in the production value. It feels like watching a mini-movie in every single episode. From the direction, cinematography, pacing, locations, and interiors; every single minute of Defending Jacob entices you to keep watching while trying to piece the puzzle together. Did the son of the town’s respected Assistant District Attorney (ADA) murder a fellow classmate?
Admittedly, my initial interest in this show was because of, well, Chris Evans. He’s gorgeous, obviously, and I would love nothing more than to hear him use that Bostonian accent in anything. Sadly, the accent isn’t utilized as often in this series, but Evans does not disappoint. He is so much more than just the hot-guy (which he does extremely well), or the beloved hero Captain America. Hello, have you seen Snowpiercer (the 2013 movie), Gifted, Before We Go, or The Red Sea Diving Resort? And to answer your question (because inquiring minds) – no, he is not shirtless in the series. He’s a respectable married man, for Pete’s sake. Although, there is that one sexy scene in episode…well, I guess you’ll have to watch to find out.
I digress.
After watching the first episode, I was hooked, and by the end of the third episode, I realized there is so much more to this new drama series from series creator Mark Bomback, based on the novel (of the same name) by William Landay. While I haven’t read the book, I’m certainly more inclined to peruse its pages to see what aspects were left out due to adaptation from book to screen.
Morten Tyldum directs the entire series and its absolute perfection. I’m a huge fan of Tyldum’s work on
the films Passengers and The Imitation Game, and the Starz series Counterpart.
As the series progresses, you get a sense of foreboding around every corner. Martell does a magnificent job of portraying Jacob in the most peculiar way; he looks innocent, yet he does things to make you question your own judgement. I’m very curious about Jacob’s behavior in the novel and what aspects of his demeanor had to be left out in order to adapt to the screen.
Evans does an impeccable job of playing Andy – both as a father and an attorney. His quiet reserve and level-head get pushed to the limits as the case progresses, and he does things he never thought he would have to do for the sake of his son. And Dockery portrays Laurie with aplomb and conviction (no pun intended). She is a mother desperate to find out the truth, even if it terrifies her. Could her own son be a cold-blooded killer?
As the case progresses, and the trial looms, we come to know the characters a little more. Despite being married for 15 years, Andy is still a bit withdrawn, even from his wife. There is obvious trauma from Andy’s past that is explored throughout Defending Jacob; however, it’s how the whole process from being the well-liked and respected family in a small New England town to suddenly being the parents of an alleged murderer that is truly riveting and captivating to watch unfold.
As parents, of course Andy and Laurie believe Jacob when he says he didn’t do it; however, as the trial approaches, behaviors and revelations begin to surface, putting doubt in the minds of many. Again, the acting is so good. I empathize with Laurie as she tries to grapple with being forced out of her job during the trial, her friends shunning her, and having to go to the grocery store in the wee hours of the morning to avoid seeing anyone for fear of gossip and harassment. I feel Andy’s frustration as he must now view this from the other side of the table – as the defense instead of the prosecution. He’s a father who is as desperate to clear his son’s name as he is to shed the stigma of his own troubled past. The Barber family is in for a tumultuous ride.
If you are looking for a great murder mystery/family drama series, Defending Jacob should be topping your watch-list. Apple TV+ put out the first three-episodes on Friday, April 24, and will have the remaining five episodes (eight total) weekly on Fridays.
DEFENDING JACOB Official Trailer
Defending Jacob is produced by Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content, and created, written and executive produced by Mark Bomback, who also serves as showrunner. All eight episodes of the series are directed by Academy Award nominee Morten Tyldum, who also serves as executive producer. Chris Evans stars and executive produces, alongside Rosalie Swedlin and Adam Shulman who executive produce for Anonymous Content.
Watch Defending Jacob on Apple TV+ (first three episodes available April 24, 2020 and subsequent episodes airing weekly on Fridays.)
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Judy Manning
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