Ep 3. Episode Three
- TV14
- March 19, 2015
- 42 min
-
7.8 (579)
In American Crime season 1 episode 3, titled "Episode Three," the investigation into the murder of Matt Skokie continues to unravel as new evidence leads detectives closer to identifying the killers. Barb Hanlon, the mother of the deceased Matt, becomes increasingly frustrated with the investigation and takes matters into her own hands. Distraught and angry, she confronts Carter's girlfriend Aubry in a heated exchange that leaves both women emotionally exhausted.
As the police continue to interview suspects, a clearer picture of the night of the murder begins to emerge. We learn more about Tony, the Mexican-American suspect who was arrested, and his relationship with his cousin Hector, who he believes may have been involved in the crime. Meanwhile, Carter's sister Aliyah struggles to come to terms with her brother's possible guilt and the negative attention it brings to their family.
The episode also delves deeper into the issues of race and class that are at the heart of the show's themes. We see the stark differences between the wealthy Hanlon family and the struggling families of the accused suspects. We witness the tensions that arise between the mostly white police force and the Hispanic community in Modesto, California, where the crime occurred. And we observe the complex attitudes towards race and justice from both the white and black characters, such as the Hanlon family and the prosecutor Barb confronts.
Ultimately, "Episode Three" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of a violent crime and the effects it has on all those involved. It raises important questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and the ways in which our society continues to be divided along racial and economic lines.