Chicago Justice episode 3 review: Defining heroes
The third episode of Chicago Justice aired on NBC Tuesday night in the place of Chicago Fire. In the process, what we learned in that this show continues to be every bit as gutsy as you would hope that it would be.
The big question at the core of tonight’s episode was effectively simple: What does it mean to be a hero? If a man kills in order to stop other deaths, does that really make you someone fighting for good? Or, does that just make you just as much a villain as anyone? After one Muslim student killed another, and then claimed that he was trying to stop a mass attack on America, he proclaimed it to be the greatest thing that he’d ever done in his life. He thought it made him a positive example that he took matters in his own hands.
Here’s where things get a little bit complicated. There was not any real evidence that the murder victim was going to become a terrorist, and there were other reasons for the accused to go after him. Namely, there was jealousy over his accomplishments in the scientific field. Stone had to figure out a way to show that the defendant was truly guilty, regardless of what he said about being a hero. Even if it just so turned out that the deceased was a terrorist, there still had to be a better way. He made a case all about patriotism, and about doing the truly right thing as Americans — making sure that justice was upheld regardless of intent. Powerful stuff. You get Philip Winchester in front of a jury and wonderful things happen.
The overall verdict
The jury came back in, and it turned out that Stone was victorious in the case — the defendant was found guilty of murder in the first degree. Unfortunately, this is what we like to call a hollow victory, and that is what makes his job so difficult. Even when you have a victory, there’s the other side of it, where you are putting a man away in prison.
The story ended with a lengthy subject about racism, perception, and a further example of how outside the bounds of the courtroom, the defense and prosecution can get together in a moment or two of understanding, even despite differences in battles. There may have been a deeper meaning here about seeing different sides to the story, and still working, reaching for the one thing that binds us together.
Episode 3 was a strong reminder of why Stone is so good at his job, but also precisely how much it can weigh on him seeing present issues in society, including religious perceptions, play out even in the courts. This episode didn’t have the crossover power of Sunday’s with Atwater, but it was another darn fine installment that shows was Justice can do. Grade: B+.
Where do we go from here?
If you want to see a preview for what is coming up next on the show, head over here. Let’s just say that there is another complicated case coming up, and this one throws Anna Valdez into the center of a controversy.
Ratings: Take a look at the Chicago Justice episode 3 ratings.
What is your Chicago Justice episode 3 review? Let us know in the comments below! (Photo: NBC.)