Apple TV+’s limited crime drama series “Defending Jacob” came to an end Friday, and the final episode features a mind-boggling plot twist.
The story follows the Barber family, made up of Laurie (Michelle Dockery), Jacob (Jaeden Martell) and Andy (Chris Evans). When Jacob is accused of murdering his eighth-grade classmate Ben Rifkin (Liam Kilbreth), Andy, the assistant district attorney assigned to the case, crosses legal lines to prove his son’s innocence.
The final episode sees Jacob acquitted of the murder, but Laurie’s relief is short-lived. It turns out that Andy was hiding the truth from her that his father, convicted murderer Billy Barber (J.K. Simmons), had hired someone to frame child sex offender Leonard Patz in order for his grandson to go free.
What happens next is shocking. Laurie, whose mind has been slowly unraveling throughout the season, finally reaches her breaking point — she takes Jacob for...
The story follows the Barber family, made up of Laurie (Michelle Dockery), Jacob (Jaeden Martell) and Andy (Chris Evans). When Jacob is accused of murdering his eighth-grade classmate Ben Rifkin (Liam Kilbreth), Andy, the assistant district attorney assigned to the case, crosses legal lines to prove his son’s innocence.
The final episode sees Jacob acquitted of the murder, but Laurie’s relief is short-lived. It turns out that Andy was hiding the truth from her that his father, convicted murderer Billy Barber (J.K. Simmons), had hired someone to frame child sex offender Leonard Patz in order for his grandson to go free.
What happens next is shocking. Laurie, whose mind has been slowly unraveling throughout the season, finally reaches her breaking point — she takes Jacob for...
- 5/29/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Spoiler Alert Do not read if you have not yet watched the series finale of “Defending Jacob,” streaming now on Apple TV Plus.
Apple TV Plus’ adaptation of “Defending Jacob” ends with closure regarding the murder case in which the titular character is embroiled, but not necessarily justice, let alone the ultimate truth.
Jacob Barber (Jaeden Martell) goes free after being on trial for murdering his school mate Ben Rifkin (Liam Kilbreth) because local sex offender Leonard Patz (Daniel Henshall) confesses to the crime in what appears to be a suicide note. But he didn’t actually kill himself over guilt: He was murdered when Jacob’s grandfather (J.K. Simmons) put a hit out on him to save his grandson a life in prison, like the one he is living.
And after all Laurie Barber (Michelle Dockery), Jacob’s mother, has seen and heard, she begins to question whether or not her son is guilty,...
Apple TV Plus’ adaptation of “Defending Jacob” ends with closure regarding the murder case in which the titular character is embroiled, but not necessarily justice, let alone the ultimate truth.
Jacob Barber (Jaeden Martell) goes free after being on trial for murdering his school mate Ben Rifkin (Liam Kilbreth) because local sex offender Leonard Patz (Daniel Henshall) confesses to the crime in what appears to be a suicide note. But he didn’t actually kill himself over guilt: He was murdered when Jacob’s grandfather (J.K. Simmons) put a hit out on him to save his grandson a life in prison, like the one he is living.
And after all Laurie Barber (Michelle Dockery), Jacob’s mother, has seen and heard, she begins to question whether or not her son is guilty,...
- 5/29/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you have not seen the series finale of “Defending Jacob” on Apple TV Plus.
“Defending Jacob” reached its explosive conclusion this week, which began with Jacob (Jaeden Martell) being set free after Leonard Patz (Daniel Henshall) was found dead in an apparent suicide. Patz left behind a note taking full responsibility for Ben’s (Liam Kilbreth) death, clearing Jacob’s name.
But questions lingered about Patz’s death and Jacob’s guilt. According to Martell, not even the show’s creative team knows if his character was ultimately the murderer.
“When I met with [director] Morten [Tyldum] and [creator] Mark [Bomback] for the first time, I asked if Jacob was guilty,” Martell tells Variety. “Morton told me that I had the freedom to decide if he did it and I wasn’t supposed to tell anybody once I decided. So not even Morton and Mark know. They essentially...
“Defending Jacob” reached its explosive conclusion this week, which began with Jacob (Jaeden Martell) being set free after Leonard Patz (Daniel Henshall) was found dead in an apparent suicide. Patz left behind a note taking full responsibility for Ben’s (Liam Kilbreth) death, clearing Jacob’s name.
But questions lingered about Patz’s death and Jacob’s guilt. According to Martell, not even the show’s creative team knows if his character was ultimately the murderer.
“When I met with [director] Morten [Tyldum] and [creator] Mark [Bomback] for the first time, I asked if Jacob was guilty,” Martell tells Variety. “Morton told me that I had the freedom to decide if he did it and I wasn’t supposed to tell anybody once I decided. So not even Morton and Mark know. They essentially...
- 5/29/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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