Ep 2. The Ties That Bind

Joanna Chang, the lead character of the show Burden of Truth, returns to her hometown Millwood to represent a group of girls who are suffering from a mysterious illness. She teams up with local lawyer Billy Crawford to take on the case against Millwood’s biggest employer, a manufacturing company called Matheson Steel. The second episode, “The Ties That Bind,” picks up from the cliffhanger ending of the first episode. The girls have gone missing from their designated quarantine housing and Joanna races against time to find them.

The episode begins with Joanna receiving a call from Molly Ross, one of the sick girls, asking for her help. Joanna, accompanied by Billy, rushes to the girls’ quarantine housing to find it empty. They search the facility and find an empty bottle of cough syrup that was not prescribed to the girls. Joanna suspects foul play and decides to investigate further.

Meanwhile, Joanna’s father tries to reconnect with her after years of estrangement. She is hesitant to let him back into her life but eventually agrees to hear him out. While they are talking, Millwood’s Chief of Police, Charlie Matheson, interrupts them with news that the missing girls have been found at his family’s summer home. Joanna and Billy arrive at the scene to find the girls unconscious, with no signs of trauma.

Joanna and Billy take the girls to the hospital and demand that they receive proper medical care. However, the hospital refuses to admit them because of a conflict of interest with Matheson Steel, which funds the hospital. Joanna and Billy are left with no other option but to take the girls to a makeshift quarantine facility.

Joanna’s investigation leads her to a factory worker who claims to have seen Matheson Steel executives dumping toxic waste. However, he is too afraid to testify against the company because of the repercussions it might have on his employment. Joanna decides to take matters into her own hands and sneaks into the factory to gather evidence. She is caught by security but is able to flee before they can catch her.

In the end, the girls are finally admitted to the hospital for proper treatment and the evidence gathered by Joanna helps them get a restraining order against Matheson Steel. The company is forced to shut down operations until they can ensure the safety of their employees and the environment. Joanna also decides to give her father another chance and they reconcile.

“The Ties That Bind” is a thrilling episode that showcases Joanna and Billy’s determination to fight for justice. It highlights the corrupt practices of big corporations and the struggle of the working class to speak up against them. The sub-plot of Joanna’s reconciliation with her father adds a personal touch to the show, making it more than just a legal drama. Overall, the episode sets the tone for the rest of the season and leaves the viewers eagerly waiting for the next one.