Ep 1. Fake

In the first episode of season one of Chicago Justice, entitled "Fake," viewers are introduced to a new ensemble of characters who work for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The show is a spin-off of the popular Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med.

The main plot of "Fake" revolves around a high-profile case involving a wealthy hotel magnate named Paul Robinette (guest star Dylan Walsh) who is accused of killing his mistress. The victim, a young woman named Hannah Tyler, was found dead in Robinette's hotel room from a gunshot wound.

The case quickly becomes complicated when it is revealed that Tyler was not Robinette's only mistress, and that the gun used in the murder was registered in her name. Robinette vehemently denies any involvement in Tyler's death, and the prosecution must work to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the crime.

Leading the prosecution team is State's Attorney Peter Stone (Philip Winchester), a charismatic and driven lawyer who has a personal connection to the case. Stone's father, a former Assistant State's Attorney, handled a similar case involving a hotel magnate who was accused of murdering his mistress. Stone is determined to seek justice for Hannah Tyler and her family, and to make sure that Robinette is held accountable for his actions.

Assisting Stone in the case is Assistant State's Attorney Anna Valdez (Monica Barbaro), a bright and ambitious attorney who is new to the office. Valdez is initially reluctant to work on the case, but Stone convinces her that it is an opportunity to prove herself and make a difference.

Rounding out the prosecution team is Investigator Laura Nagel (Joelle Carter) and Chief Investigator Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), who is also a character on Chicago PD. Nagel and Dawson work together to gather evidence and build a case against Robinette, while also dealing with their own personal issues.

On the defense side, Robinette is represented by high-powered attorney Albert Forest (guest star Richard Schiff), who is known for getting his clients acquitted even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Forest is confident that he can prove Robinette's innocence, and he pulls out all the stops in his defense.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also introduced to the personal lives of the characters. Stone is in a complicated relationship with a journalist named Megan O'Sullivan (guest star Tonya Glanz), while Valdez is dealing with the fallout of a recent breakup. Nagel is raising a teenage son on her own, while Dawson is struggling to balance his work and family life.

Overall, "Fake" is a thrilling and engaging start to Chicago Justice, with a strong central case and compelling characters. Viewers are left on the edge of their seats wondering who will come out on top in the battle between the prosecution and defense.