Ep 3. Chapter Three: Judgment

In Leavenworth season 1 episode 3, titled "Chapter Three: Judgment," the case against Clint Lorance reaches its conclusion as a military jury delivers their verdict. The tension is high as the fate of Lorance, who is accused of committing war crimes while serving as an army lieutenant in Afghanistan, hangs in the balance. The episode begins with closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense teams. The prosecution argues that Lorance acted recklessly and without regard for human life when he ordered his soldiers to fire on three Afghan men on a motorcycle, killing two of them. The defense, however, maintains that Lorance made a split-second decision in a dangerous and confusing situation and did what he thought was necessary to protect his troops.

As the jury enters deliberation, the episode takes a closer look at the jurors themselves. Each juror is interviewed about their thoughts on the case and their process for reaching a verdict. Some express sympathy for Lorance, while others are more convinced of his guilt. The interviews give the audience a sense of the weighty responsibility the jurors carry as they decide the fate of a fellow soldier.

In the midst of the jury's deliberations, Lorance's family gathers for a tense wait. His mother, father, and sister all express their hopes for a favorable verdict and their frustration with the military justice system. They discuss their belief that Lorance was unfairly targeted by the military for his decisions and that he is being punished for trying to protect his men.

As the episode draws to a close, the jury returns with their verdict. The tense atmosphere in the courtroom is palpable as the foreman delivers the verdict to the judge. The audience is left waiting along with the family and Lorance's fellow soldiers to learn the outcome of the trial.

Overall, "Chapter Three: Judgment" is a gripping episode that delivers on the promise of the series. The tension is high throughout, and the viewer is left wondering whether justice will be served in this controversial case. The interviews with the jurors and Lorance's family give the audience a deeper appreciation for the stakes involved and the emotions at play. This is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in military justice and the experiences of soldiers in war zones.