‘Defending Jacob’ Recap: ‘Pilot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

​For the most part, our experiences with violent crime are limited to what we see on the evening news. Which makes sense, simply because the horrible things that happen in the world, rarely impact us directly, and not being at the epicenter of such matters, allows for us to be silent observers, the kind that only have to endure a taste of the horror of such events. Which gives us a supreme sense of safety and satisfaction when the case finally comes to a close. But what we often forget about, because of our distance to the crime in question, is that violent acts rattle communities and shatter lives and truly, the lasting impact of said acts is something that is rarely covered in detail since the news cycle just rolls along. 
 
Which is why it is important to take the time to hear the stories of those impacted, so that we can properly understand the gravity of what occurred and in lieu of that, any fictional story that is brave and bold enough to show the human side of crime in an unfettered fashion, can definitely help us to understand such matters as well. And it just so happens that the brand new AppleTV+ series, Defending Jacob accomplishes this particular feat in incredible fashion. Because this show really does offer up a raw and visceral presentation of how these crimes cause outright devastation and the series premiere of this particular tale accomplishes that by plunging us into the heart of a small community; Newton, Massachusetts to be specific, where the unthinkable has happened.
 
For a young man named Ben Rifkin is found brutally murdered in the park and it doesn’t take long to experience the impact of his untimely passing upon this idyllic community. Because the instant his body is discovered, a powerful sense of foreboding danger hangs over the story. For this is suburbia, where these kinds of acts shouldn’t happen. But someone has now crossed that ultimate line and since there are no clues or any indications as to who might have done this, this cozy community no longer feels safe to the viewer, and that is quite the accomplishment, one that is further enhanced by showing us the direct impact of Ben’s death. Because we are able to meet his family and see how hard it is for them to cope with his passing and that makes for some powerful and poignant moments for certain.

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​But while that is some powerful stuff to bear witness to, it means nothing without well-developed and dynamic characters to carry the story and thankfully this opening chapter features plenty of those as well, and the one that stands out the most, is our protagonist; Assistant District Attorney Andrew Barber. Because we spend a lot of time with Andy in this tale and doing so allows for us learn what kind of man he is, and what he believes in, and his gentle and understanding nature is downright refreshing to see in this tale, since so many crime shows provide us with a protagonist that is grizzled and ready to crack the case at any cost. But while it is lovely to spend time with a good man that believes in justice above all else, what’s heartbreaking about Andy’s journey in this story, is that the finale of this tale informs us; that his wonderful beliefs are going to be challenged like never before.
 
Because in the closing moments of this story, it is revealed that Jacob Barber may have more involvement in Ben’s death than his father ever expected, since his classmates seem to believe he’s committed the act, and Andy is able to discover a knife that looks to be the murder weapon and that is what will bring about the challenge in question. Because if Jacob is involved, how does a father, one who also puts away criminals, reconcile the fact that his son might be the anthesis of everything he stands for? And if by chance the crime does indeed point toward Jacob, that will also add a layer of realism to this story as well, since we often forget that those who commit these crimes are also sons and daughters and outright human beings who have made a powerful decision to take a life.
 
If anything, this is just a phenomenal setup to a powerful story. One that will most certainly tug at our emotions as we continue to spend time in a community torn apart by a killer. Plus, this pilot also features solid acting all around, with special attention to the show’s lead Chris Evans, who turns in a wonderfully dynamic performance as Andy Barber since he is able to sell every moment in appropriate and believable fashion. And it should be interesting to see where the second episode takes us now that Andy has discovered his son’s knife and seen some harsh words from his classmates. Because that is some damning evidence for certain, the kind you hope is wrong. Because if Jacob did indeed commit this heinous crime, then nothing will ever be the same for the Barber family. Until next time.   

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