Ep 2. Tear Asunder

Life season 1 episode 2, "Tear Asunder," follows the continuing story of Detective Charlie Crews, a former prisoner who was falsely accused and convicted of a murder case. In this episode, Crews and his partner, Dani Reese, are assigned to the murder case of a high-powered executive who was found dead in his maserati. The investigation takes an unexpected turn when the team uncovers a sex scandal with the victim's wife and other players in his business, making several people potential suspects.

Crews, who was incarcerated for over a decade, uses his experience behind bars to understand the psyche of the lead suspect - a convicted criminal who once did time with him. Meanwhile, Reese struggles to come to terms with her own past demons, which poses a threat to her work and her partnership with Crews. The show also touches on political corruption, with Crews and Reese discovering a link between the murdered executive and a powerful politician.

"Tear Asunder" does an excellent job of setting up the ongoing story lines and character developments for each of the main characters. The episode deals with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and finding a sense of purpose in life. It is fascinating to see how Crews, once labeled as a criminal, is now making a difference in the world through his work as a detective. The contrast between his past life and his current one makes for a compelling narrative.

The episode also touches on the psychological effects of incarceration and trauma. Crews' experience behind bars has left a lasting impact on him, and he often shares anecdotes of his time in prison with Reese, who sometimes struggles to understand where he is coming from. The show addresses the struggles that come with reintegrating into society after a traumatic experience, and how it can shape one's perspective on life.

The investigation of the murder itself is also thrilling, with many twists and turns as the team uncovers the victim's secrets and tries to pin down a suspect. The show does an excellent job of balancing the personal storylines of the characters with the overarching murder case, making for a well-rounded and engaging episode.

One area where the show shines in this episode is its character development. Crews and Reese's partnership is continuously evolving, and we see how they are struggling to communicate with each other and find common ground. However, as the episode progresses, we see some character growth in both of them as they learn to trust and rely on each other.

The supporting characters in the episode also add depth to the show, with the victim's wife and business partners all coming under suspicion as potential culprits. Each character is well-developed, with their own motivations and backstories, making the investigation all the more intriguing.

Overall, "Tear Asunder" is a strong episode of the show, and it sets up the ongoing storylines and character developments for the rest of the series. The investigation of the murder case is thrilling and well-paced, while the personal struggles of the characters add depth and complexity to the show. Life season 1 episode 2 is not one to miss.