Ep 2. Episode 2

Defending Jacob season 1 episode 2, titled "Everything is Cool," picks up immediately where the first episode left off. Andy Barber, played by Chris Evans, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his son, Jacob (Jaeden Martell), is the main suspect in the murder of his classmate, Ben Rifkin. Meanwhile, Jacob is dealing with the fallout of having his locker searched and being questioned by the police.

The episode begins with Andy walking through the town, trying to make sense of everything that's happening. He runs into a coworker, who offers his support, but Andy brushes it off. He then receives a call from his wife, Laurie (Michelle Dockery), who tells him that a local reporter wants to speak to them. Andy is hesitant, but Laurie feels that it could be a good opportunity to clear Jacob's name.

After the call, Andy goes to the courthouse to watch the proceedings. Jacob is being arraigned, and the judge sets bail at $250,000. Andy is horrified, but he can't help but feel a sense of relief that at least Jacob will be coming home. Laurie, on the other hand, is much more guarded. She's worried about how this will affect their family, and she's especially concerned about how this will impact Jacob's future.

Over the course of the episode, we see Andy and Laurie grappling with their own emotions as well as trying to support Jacob. They visit Jacob in jail, and the experience is harrowing for everyone involved. They try to reassure Jacob that they believe in him, but it's clear that Jacob is struggling with guilt and shame. He lashes out at his parents, accusing them of not knowing him as well as they think they do.

Meanwhile, the town is buzzing with rumors and speculation about the case. Andy's colleagues at work are supportive, but they're also curious about what's going on. They want to know if Andy thinks Jacob is guilty, and Andy is torn. He wants to believe in his son, but he's also starting to wonder if there's something he's missing. He confides in his boss, who is sympathetic but also warns him that this case could have serious repercussions for Andy's career.

As the episode progresses, we start to get a sense of the larger themes that will be explored over the course of the series. Defending Jacob is not just a murder mystery, but a meditation on the nature of guilt and innocence, the complicated relationships between parents and children, and the fragility of reputation.

One of the most striking aspects of the series so far is the way that it portrays grief and trauma. Andy and Laurie are both struggling to come to terms with the fact that their son is a possible murderer, and it's clear that this is tearing them apart. At one point, Andy attends a parents' support group, and the emotions on display are raw and intense. It's a reminder that, even in a small, seemingly idyllic community like this one, violence can have devastating consequences.

Overall, Defending Jacob season 1 episode 2 is a powerful continuation of the series. It's a tense, emotional exploration of the aftermath of a brutal crime, and it sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable journey. With top-notch acting, writing, and direction, this is a show that demands your attention.