Ep 16. Absolution

Bull season 2 episode 16, titled "Absolution," follows Dr. Bull and the TAC team as they take on the case of a priest accused of negligent homicide after a man died during a botched exorcism. The team must navigate the tricky waters of religious belief while also uncovering the truth about what happened.

The episode opens with a man dying during an exorcism performed by Father Leo (played by Timothy Busfield), a well-respected priest in the community. The man's sister, who was present during the exorcism, accuses Father Leo of causing her brother's death through negligence. The priest denies any wrongdoing, insisting that he was performing a sacred duty and that the man's death was simply the will of God.

Enter Dr. Bull and his team, who are hired by the diocese to defend Father Leo in court. Bull is initially skeptical about taking on a religious case, but soon realizes that this is about more than just faith - it's also a question of legal liability. As he puts it, "there's a reason the law doesn't recognize miracle cures or divine intervention - because we need someone to be accountable."

The TAC team gets to work, interviewing witnesses and conducting their own exorcism to try and recreate the events of the fateful night. Along the way, they encounter resistance from both the church and the deceased man's family, who are deeply traumatized by what they saw. Bull and his team must tread carefully to avoid offending anyone's religious sensibilities while still getting to the truth of what happened.

Meanwhile, Marissa (played by Geneva Carr) is dealing with her own personal demons. She discovers that her father is in the hospital and possibly dying, forcing her to confront her unresolved feelings about their troubled relationship. This subplot adds an emotional depth to the episode and allows for some powerful scenes between Marissa and Bull.

As the trial approaches, tensions mount and secrets are revealed. The TAC team uncovers evidence that casts doubt on the prosecution's case, but also reveals some unsettling truths about Father Leo's past. The episode ends with a dramatic courtroom showdown that leaves everyone questioning their beliefs.

Overall, "Absolution" is a thought-provoking episode that tackles some challenging themes. The show handles the topic of religion with sensitivity and respect, while also providing plenty of intrigue and suspense. Fans of the show will appreciate the deeper character development for Marissa, as well as the intensity and drama of the courtroom scenes.