Episode 1 of *Reasonable Doubt* Season 3 opens with a heart-pounding scene: Jax pounding on a door. The door flies open, and she bursts in, her voice rising in a frantic scream for help. Whoever—or whatever—she glimpses inside the room must signal imminent peril. All we know for sure is that this drama is unfolding within the walls of her own home. So, what exactly transpired?
The narrative then flashes back six months. Back then, Jax and Lewis were in a good place in their relationship. Their son, Spenser, was away at boarding school, leaving them to navigate the occasional teenage turmoil thrown their way by their daughter. Yet, another source of tension loomed over the couple: Toni. Nearly a year had passed, and they were still entangled in her web. Frustration had reached a boiling point for Jax, leading her to fire their lawyer, Ben, in a fit of exasperation. It seemed Jax kept forgetting that she couldn't be her own attorney in this legal maze.
At work, boredom gnawed at Jax. She yearned for a high-stakes case, something to ignite her passion. Her fellow partners, however, were growing anxious. Jax wasn't raking in the big bucks, and her recent client's decision to settle out of court only added fuel to the fire.
During a partners' meeting, the topic of promoting Bill to partner surfaced. Jax stood her ground, insisting that Bill needed more time to accrue the necessary experience before ascending to such a lofty position.
After the meeting, Jax found herself face-to-face with a potential new client: Ozzie Edwards. Ozzie was no ordinary client; he was a famous child actor seeking to carve out a new path for himself. Accompanying him were his parents, Monica and Sal, who doubled as his manager and agent. Their request was straightforward yet loaded: they wanted Ozzie's White girlfriend/stylist to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
But Ozzie, ever the hesitant soul, asked for more time to think it over. Jax, attuned to the subtle cues, sensed his reluctance. With a nod, she excused herself, granting the family some space to deliberate their decision.
At home, Jax confides in Lewis, her voice laced with a mix of emotions, about the Outstanding Black Professional Association's decision to honor Corey for his handling of the Shannon case. While her heart swells with pride for Corey's achievement, a twinge of hurt creeps in at the realization that he is the sole recipient of the recognition. The conversation naturally drifts towards Toni and the delicate matter of how to navigate their interactions with her. Lewis, with a gentle tone, urges Jax to extend a bit of grace to Toni, reminding her of the profound loss Toni has endured—the loss of her son. Jax, however, perceives this as Lewis taking Toni's side, a sentiment that stirs a whirlwind of emotions within her. Through patient explanation and heartfelt reassurances, Lewis succeeds in convincing Jax of his unwavering devotion to her. Their differences melt away in a passionate embrace, culminating in an intimate moment of love.
The next day, Jax attends the OBPA gala, her presence a silent show of support for Corey. Amidst the glittering crowd, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Ozzie and his girlfriend, Wendy. Seizing the opportunity, Jax imparts some candid advice to Ozzie, encouraging him to shed the infantilizing treatment he often receives from those around him. She challenges him to muster the courage to fight for his love if he truly believes Wendy holds his heart.
A few evenings later, Jax and Lewis step out for a romantic dinner. Over the meal, Lewis's face lights up with joy as he shares the news of hiring another talented Black coder at their company. Their evening takes an unexpected turn when they bump into Toni and her date. Toni, perhaps emboldened by the moment, attempts to engage Jax in a verbal sparring match, but her bravado quickly fades. Jax, with a poised elegance, effortlessly outmaneuvers Toni, leaving her speechless and regretful.
After the encounter, Lewis and Jax retreat to a quieter setting to discuss the incident with Toni. In a rare display of vulnerability, they both acknowledge their missteps, with Jax admitting to a lingering fear. She voices her concern that Toni might once again become a wedge between them, threatening the stability of their relationship.
Meanwhile, Ozzie pays a visit to his parents, his announcement sending shockwaves through the room. He declares his intention to forgo having Wendy sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Instead, he reveals plans to marry Wendy, sever ties with his parents professionally, and abandon the high-profile pig project he was expected to headline. Wendy, he proclaims, will become his new manager. The revelation is met with stunned silence from his mother, who reacts with visceral disapproval. In a moment of desperation, she warns Ozzie, hinting at a secret Wendy has been keeping from him. Whatever revelation Ozzie receives next leaves him utterly astonished, his world turned upside down by the unexpected twist.
He storms home, confronting Wendy head-on. As she tries to make an exit, he gives chase. The argument escalates, with Wendy lashing out, accusing Ozzie’s parents of having manipulated him. She starts making her way toward her car, but Ozzie isn't finished. He yells after her, insisting the conversation isn't over, and continues to pursue her.
Meanwhile, at the office, Bill seeks counsel from two senior partners, eager to fast-track his ascent to partner status. Their advice? Get in Jax’s good graces. Bill corners Jax, extending an invitation to lunch. Over their meal, he casually mentions his Black wife, and a connection sparks as they find common ground in the challenges of raising children.
As the lunch conversation progresses, Bill broaches the topic of partnership. Jax, ever the strategist, suggests he gain more experience in criminal cases and advises patience, hinting that his time will come.
Later, Jax and Lewis convene with Toni for another round of negotiations. This time, Toni is demanding more money, alleging that Jax had intimidated her in their previous meeting. Her lawyer chimes in, proposing a face-to-face discussion with Toni to provide her with the closure she seeks.
Back at home, Wendy’s assistant reports her missing. The police summon Ozzie, seeking insights into Wendy’s disappearance. Ozzie admits to the altercation but downplays its severity, suggesting Wendy is just taking some time to herself after their fight. He insists he’s not concerned or actively searching for her. However, as the police probe deeper with questions, Ozzie clams up. He frantically calls Jax, requesting an urgent meeting.
Jax arrives at Ozzie’s residence, only to find Corey already present. Ozzie explains his police interview. Jax, with a grave expression, warns Ozzie that he’s in serious trouble, and the situation looks dire from the outside. She stresses the need for a Black female lawyer to represent him, expressing surprise at Ozzie’s lack of urgency in finding Wendy.
While Ozzie steps away to confer with his father, Jax engages Corey in conversation. Corey voices her concerns, fearing that Ozzie has already damaged his case by speaking with the police. Once Ozzie officially hires her, Corey advises him to maintain a low profile and reach out to someone he can trust.
The next morning, Jax enlists Daniel’s help in tracking down Wendy’s whereabouts. She also invites Bill to assist on the case, and he eagerly accepts. Elsewhere, Lewis meets with Toni, hoping to bring her some semblance of closure.
That evening, the news of Wendy’s disappearance breaks, sending shockwaves through the media. The scene shifts to Ozzie, screaming in the bathroom, his body marked with scratch wounds.
Jax arrives home to find Lewis drowning his sorrows in tequila. He reveals a shocking proposition from Toni: she’ll drop the lawsuit if he spends the night with her. The absurdity of the situation hangs heavy in the air.
