As we inch closer to the climactic conclusion, "Defending Jacob" resurges this week, unveiling a trial that sheds light on hidden truths. Just when hope seemed to be dwindling for Jacob, the narrative weaves yet another intricate turn, leaving the ultimate chapter tantalizingly open for next week's reveal.
Episode 7 of "Defending Jacob" commences with a retrospective glimpse, where Andy imparts sage advice to Neal on the cusp of his maiden murder trial. The narrative then seamlessly transitions to the present, where Joanna declares Andy as her co-counsel in Jacob's trial, filing a motion to shield the mention of Jacob's grandfather from the proceedings.
As the lawyers deliver their opening salvos to the rapt jury, Neal paints a picture of Ben's bullying as the catalyst for Jacob's alleged retaliation, a triple-stabbed tragedy. In stark contrast, Joanna's voice resonates with serenity, weaving a tale of Jacob's innocence, elucidating the enigmatic fingerprint and the youngster's panicked discovery of Ben.
Following a recess for jury deliberation, the family exits, but Andy's keen eye catches a familiar silhouette from the blue Lincoln. With Duffy's astute assistance, they uncover the man's identity: O'Leary, a former underworld kingpin.
Back at their abode, Andy's phone rings, disrupting the silence. It's his incarcerated father, William, yearning for an update on the trial's progress. Andy remains tight-lipped, prompting William to broach the name of Leonard Patz and inquire about Andy's suspicions. Andy's response is unequivocal: he believes Patz is guilty.
The following day, the courtroom stage is set for Ms. Carlston from the state lab, who meticulously details the blood splatter patterns on Ben's body. Neal springs a surprise, presenting a knife he claims mirrors one once owned by Jacob, igniting a firestorm of objections from Joanna. During her cross-examination, Joanna deftly probes, querying if the witness was solely shown this particular knife as a match by the DA's office, to which she concedes, revealing a narrow scope of evidence.
Duffy takes the stand next, with Neal's interrogation initially delving into Andy's involvement in the case's evolution, culminating in Jacob's emergence as a suspect. The conversation then shifts to Jacob's laptop, where Duffy is probed about the incriminating evidence of deleted pornographic material, torture, and abuse websites uncovered. Joanna's cross-examination skillfully elicits an admission from Duffy that, in her entire career of searching laptops, pornography has invariably been present.
Tensions escalate when Neal abruptly pivots, inquiring whether Duffy has ever witnessed Andy displaying violent behavior. Compelled, she reluctantly recounts the instance where Andy shoved Neal against a wall, inadvertently revealing it stemmed from a heated provocation about his imprisoned father. Joanna promptly requests a mistrial, citing a pretrial agreement to exclude such matters. The judge summons both attorneys, sternly warning Neal that any further mention of the grandfather will result in Joanna's mistrial motion being granted.
The following day, as Derek prepares to testify, Joanna privately informs Andy of their struggle to locate Matt, posing a potential obstacle since he is slated to speak the next day. Neal's interrogation of Derek commences, painting a harrowing picture of Jacob's relentless bullying by Ben, which fueled Derek's anger. The discussion turns to Jacob's knife, with Derek explaining its possession as a personal preference rather than a show of bravado.
Finally, Derek unveils his suspicion of Jacob, sparked by a tale he posted on the extreme forum, "The Cut Up Room," detailing the murder of "Brent" by "Jason." As Derek narrates the chilling account, a single tear trickles down Jacob's cheek, while his parents are rendered immobile with shock.
Exiting the courtroom, the Barbers' demeanor is somber. Jacob, striving for composure, insists the story was harmless and insignificant. Unable to contain his concern, Andy confronts his son directly, inquiring if he committed the crime. Jacob's tearful denial precedes their return home, where they strategize with Joanna. Andy emphasizes the need to focus on Patz and Derek, proposing Sarah's involvement to underscore Derek's obsession, adding depth to their investigation.
Back in the solitude of his room, Derek desperately attempts to reach Sarah, but his calls are met with silence, as she's come across the tale he penned, now circulating online. Meanwhile, Andy and Laurie engage in a poignant conversation, reliving the day's tumultuous events. Laurie's trust in her son shatters, her voice tinged with resignation as she confesses her disbelief. Andy, in a gentle yet insistent tone, tries to reassure her, arguing that the narrative is merely a product of Jacob's imagination, a fantasy born out of his torment at the hands of bullies. Yet, Laurie stands firm, urging an end to the charade.
As the penultimate episode of 'Defending Jacob' draws to a close, it finally accelerates the narrative's momentum, unveiling crucial revelations surrounding Jacob's enigmatic persona. The sequence where Derek's story is read aloud is a harrowing spectacle, casting a dark shadow over the proceedings, imbuing the drama with a long-awaited sense of gravity.
However, the episode's conclusion, with Patz confessing to Ben's murder in a fit of despair, seems somewhat premature, leaving viewers to ponder if another unexpected twist awaits in the series finale. Even if Jacob's innocence is upheld, the depths of his psychological turmoil are undeniable, a wound that necessitates the intervention of his parents, whose own relationship appears frayed at the seams.
'Defending Jacob', though not the year's pinnacle of crime dramas, has moments of intrigue amidst its occasional sluggish pace and perceived lack of originality. Like several other AppleTV+ offerings, it walks a fine line between being a solid watch and standing out amidst a crowded field of similar genre fare. Whether the season finale leaves us hanging with a cliffhanger or ties things up neatly remains to be seen, but what's certain is that, while it offers enough to engage, it falls short of truly transcending the genre's conventions.
