As a long-time admirer of Morris Chestnut’s versatile acting skills and charisma, I was thrilled to learn about his latest role in “Reasonable Doubt.” His decision to join the show, based on the captivating narrative and well-crafted character, is testament to his commitment to delivering high-quality performances.
[This story contains spoilers from season two’s first two episodes of Reasonable Doubt.]
As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: In the gaming world, Reasonable Doubt managed to dodge the cancellations due to Hollywood strikes that affected many new series. Now, in its second season, I find myself stepping into the shoes of the brilliant L.A. defense attorney Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi). However, compared to last season, there seems to be a slight dip in her fiery determination.
At the beginning of the second season of the Hulu legal drama, Jax, who had been kidnapped and nearly killed by Damon (Michael Ealy), a man she believes was wrongfully imprisoned due to her inadequacies as an attorney, is clearly still struggling with the trauma. Although she and her husband Lewis (McKinley Freeman) are physically close and attending couples therapy, they haven’t fully reconciled. Their issues stem not from their relationship in bed, but rather from Jax’s work-life balance, particularly as it pertains to their children.
In a turn of events, Shanelle (Shannon Kane), a lifelong friend, finds herself in a tough situation after suffering years of domestic abuse at the hands of her prominent NFL husband. She now requires a top-notch lawyer to prevent imprisonment. However, Jax, who promised to prioritize Lewis and their family, is unable to take on her case. When Shanelle appoints Corey Cash (Morris Chestnut) as her lead attorney, the strain between Jax and Shanelle only intensifies further, particularly as hidden truths are unveiled. The case takes an unexpected turn, and another possible complication rears its head, putting additional pressure on her marriage.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter at the Essence Festival, “Reasonable Doubt” creator/showrunner Raamla Mohamed expressed that she wanted to explore Jax’s traumatic experiences from season one more deeply instead of dismissing them lightly.
“The actress, known for her roles in ‘Scandal’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’, discussed a book titled ‘Rest is Resistance’ by Tricia Hersey. This work emphasizes the significance of rest, particularly for Black women, and how this practice was historically essential even during slavery. In essence, she explained that prioritizing self-care and taking breaks can be seen as a form of resistance.”
Through emphasizing Jax’s dilemma of possibly sending her “sister” to prison if she doesn’t defend her, while demonstrating her devotion to her husband and children, Mohamed portrays an intensified depiction of the delicate work-home equilibrium that countless women strive to maintain daily. “Jax needs to be more exposed for the struggle to truly perform her duties, as I firmly believe that we all need to confront our difficulties in order to improve ourselves. That was my starting point, and everything else followed logically.”
“Moving the game’s production from L.A. to Atlanta gave us an unexpected surge of energy, I must say. The crew here are already die-hard fans of our show, and you could feel their enthusiasm in every corner. During a rehearsal, our boom operator and another team member even jokingly expressed concern about a scene, only to be met with laughter from everyone. It was a warm welcome indeed, and being surrounded by such passion made Atlanta an incredibly exhilarating place to work.”
Including Chestnut, who effortlessly blended with the group, was another shrewd decision. “Admittedly, we’ve been admirers of his talent for quite some time,” she said. “Sometimes there’s apprehension when a prominent figure joins, but he arrived, showed interest in our scripts and characters, asked thoughtful questions, and demonstrated respect towards everyone. He integrated so well and was enjoyable to collaborate with.”
As a massive fan, it’s me! The ’90s heartthrob who starred in blockbuster films like “Boyz N the Hood,” “Juice,” and “The Best Man,” couldn’t resist the opportunity when presented. To be honest, when my representative called about joining this project, I enthusiastically agreed. I had already fallen in love with the first season, and once Raamla shared the character details and plotlines, there was no question – I was all in!
Actor Chestnut, who’s ventured into television and recently appeared on the new BET+ series “Diarra from Detroit“, appreciates that his character Corey Cash, a prominent lawyer from an elite family fighting for domestic abuse survivors, could have been flat and overly confident. However, he believes that the creator, Raamla, skillfully delved into Cash’s personal history to reveal his vulnerabilities, making him more relatable. In the courtroom, where some might perceive him as confident, Cash exhibits vulnerability. Similarly, in his personal life with his father, there are moments of emotional depth that make the character intriguing for Chestnut.
Corinealdi highly commends the writing in “Reasonable Doubt”, particularly how it delves into the intricacies surrounding Jax and Lewis’ marriage. He marveled, “When I read the first script, and Raamla and I had dinner together, I asked, ‘How did you so accurately capture those issues in a marriage that are hard to put into words?’ It’s not about one significant issue; it’s usually the small things that matter. And she nailed it perfectly. One of the strengths I believe this show has is that it allows us to examine all these small details that collectively form the larger fissure we see. That’s what audiences really appreciate about the series.”
In the second season, I find myself reflecting on the idea that marriage requires effort. Jax and Lewis, despite their deep affection and lovely family, have encountered a few roadblocks, much like many other married couples do. Sometimes, emotions can get lost in translation, leading to cracks that grow wider over time. This is what we saw in the first season; they’re now grappling with these issues, trying to redefine their lives in light of recent events. These experiences have shaped Jax and significantly altered the dynamics of his marriage. Trust has become a major concern… it’s uncharted territory for her. She’s been striving to be more open, more present, without losing herself in the process.
Freeman added, “Often, people feel overwhelmed when they’re unsure of their actions amidst numerous complexities. This is particularly true in the context of a marriage, where individuals may have preconceived notions about their actions, but when faced with the tangible aspects of family life, like raising children and the emotional bond with a partner, and the fear of leaving something behind, they must consider what changes they’re willing to make to achieve the life they truly desire.”
Freeman added, “I believe it’s an incredibly intriguing path for Lewis this season. It’s not just about his bond with Jax, but also encompasses his relationships with the children. Additionally, it delves into how he expands his understanding of Jav and her world, learning to give her space, and becoming a supportive partner to such a strong, influential woman while still maintaining his masculinity. These are the captivating aspects we delve into during this season.”
Currently, the initial pair of episodes from “Reasonable Doubt” can be found streaming on both Hulu and Disney+. Fresh episodes will be added every Thursday moving forward.
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2024-08-24 19:55