Ep 8. Burned Out

In Contempt season 1 episode 8, titled "Burned Out", is a dramatic continuation of the events that have been unfolding in this Canadian legal drama series. Set in the high-pressure world of criminal law, the show focuses on a team of passionate young lawyers who work for the Legal Aid defence in New York City. In this episode, tensions are high as the defence team takes on a new case of a black man who has been accused of arson, and the lead lawyer, Gwen (Erica Ash), is struggling to balance her work with her personal life.

As the episode opens, we see Gwen venting about her frustrations to her therapist, trying to make sense of why she's feeling so burnt out. "I don't think I can keep doing this," she laments. "I need a break, I need to hit pause." But there's just no time for that right now, as she's got a big case to focus on. And when she shows up at the courthouse, she's immediately faced with a new challenge: a judge who seems biased against her client.

The case itself is complex, involving a black man who's been accused of burning down his own apartment building. But as Gwen and her team delve deeper into the evidence, they begin to suspect that there's more to the story than meets the eye. Meanwhile, tensions are high between the Legal Aid team and the district attorney's office, with both sides jockeying for advantage in the courtroom.

Aside from the case, there are plenty of personal dramas unfolding for the characters in this episode. In particular, Gwen's relationship with her boyfriend Miles (Christian Keyes) is on the rocks, with Miles feeling neglected and frustrated by Gwen's constant focus on work. There's also tension between two other lawyers in the office, Tracy (Mouna Traoré) and Charlie (Ian Anthony Dale), as they grapple with their own feelings for each other.

Ultimately, though, the episode centers on Gwen's journey as she tries to find a way to keep pushing forward, despite feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. We see her reach out to her fellow lawyers for help, trying to find a way to share the load and work together more effectively. We also see her confront her own demons, including her struggle with anxiety and depression, as she tries to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.

As always, the episode features plenty of strong performances from the cast, with Ash in particular shining in the lead role. Her portrayal of Gwen is nuanced and complex, showing us both the strength and vulnerability of this passionate lawyer who's determined to fight for justice, no matter what it takes. Ultimately, "Burned Out" is a gripping and engaging episode of In Contempt, showcasing the show's ability to blend intense legal drama with nuanced character development and complex personal storylines.