As a woman who has seen her fair share of love triangles and complicated relationships, I can understand why some viewers might see Jax staying with Lewis during Lewis’s break baby situation as a reflection of the resilience and loyalty Black women often display in real life. However, it’s important to remember that every relationship is unique and has its own set of circumstances. In this case, Jax’s decision to stay was not just about unwavering love, but also about accepting the responsibility for her actions and working through the guilt she felt.
[This article contains spoilers from the season two finale of Reasonable Doubt.]
The case at the heart of season two of Reasonable Doubt held deep personal significance for Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi) and her husband Lewis (McKinley Freeman). Not only was Jax tasked with defending one of her closest friends, Shanelle (Shannon Kane), who stood accused of first-degree murder in the death of her abusive husband JT (Christopher Mychael Watson), but she also had to cross-examine a witness on the stand who, unknown to her, was carrying Lewis’ child. This unexpected truth served as an unexpected bonding experience for their marriage — almost like a form of couples therapy — and they would need to stay strong together following the revelation that Toni (Tristan Cunningham) had filed a lawsuit against them, claiming they were responsible for the death of her and Lewis’ baby in the season finale.
According to the show’s creator, Raamla Mohamed, what seems to be causing Toni pain is her belief that there would still be a connection between herself and Lewis, which clearly no longer exists. It appears that Toni’s behavior aims to maintain a link, and she struggles to accept that they can move on with their lives. This struggle leaves her feeling sad and empty. Mohamed shared these insights during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Regardless of the potential legal trouble facing the Stewart family, as they were unaware of an incoming younger half-sibling, a joyful conclusion is presented in the finale, “Encore.” This conclusion paves the way for a promising fresh start for Shanelle. Following a challenging trial, she successfully avoids prison time upon being found guilty of manslaughter. The judge grants her leniency at the request of prosecutor and domestic abuse survivor Lucy Wargo (Melissa Ponzio), who herself had faced an abuser. This leniency was granted after Shanelle’s own abuser was confronted, and it was revealed that JT’s daughter was the one who accidentally killed him while protecting her stepmother.
Mohamed expresses that he desired a sense of optimism and contentment when deciding not to convict Shanelle of first-degree murder,” Mohamed explains. “I can’t speak for everyone, but watching Shanelle exit and being greeted with hugs as she is declared free brings immense joy and emotion. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness such a heartwarming moment in the conclusion.
In the discussion below, the executive producer of Reasonable Doubt, Mohamed, discusses illuminating the issue of domestic abuse in the second season of the Hulu legal drama. She also delves into Jax’s character development, such as why she chose not to get romantically involved with defense attorney Corey Cash (played by Morris Chestnut) when given the chance, and her choice to remain with Lewis. Additionally, Mohamed hints at possible directions for the show’s narrative in a potential third season.
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I need to rewind to the first episode and ask about the person responsible for music selection and the amount allocated for it, as I’m curious since there are many recent hip-hop and R&B songs featured in the show. Who is the music director, and what is the music cost?
Jen Malone and Whitney Pilzer are our fantastic music supervisors, but it’s me who selects all the tunes for the show. There might be only a handful of songs, across seasons one and two, that weren’t my choices. I have a deep passion for music, and often, certain songs spark ideas for scenes in my mind.
In the seventh episode, when Luther’s “A House is Not a Home” played, I couldn’t help but notice the way he climbed the stairs. That tune just had to make it into the script. Sometimes they swap things out, as clearance can be tricky. Our music team begins the process early to secure the rights, but they often face challenges. For instance, in episode eight, I initially wanted Jodeci’s “What About Us” for the love scene, to set a ’90s romantic vibe. But I realized that even though it fit, it might distract from the characters’ complexities and unresolved issues, so I decided against it.
Afterward, there was a tune by an Usher and H.ER., titled “Risk It All,” which I altered to suit my needs, and it was truly enchanting. However, when Muni Long’s song “Make Me Forget” played, I felt a strong connection. It resonated with me as if it encapsulated the essence of the moment I was in, and I wished to be fully immersed while forgetting about everything else. Of course, the show later demonstrated that you can’t truly forget about the past, but I must admit that the lyrics do make me ponder their meaning.
In the first season, viewers witnessed signs of JT emotionally abusing Shanelle. At what point did it become clear that you wanted to develop their relationship along these lines and establish this theme as the basis for season two?
At first, the idea was that this issue would be introduced in either season three or four, with later appearances throughout the series helping to clarify it. However, when I joined the writers’ room during the first season, we began discussing potential storylines and one of the writers, Tash Gray, shared a personal anecdote about her family. I recall thinking at that moment, “Is it worth holding onto this if there may not even be a second season, let alone a fourth?
This is such a great personal case for Jax. So I knew in season one, because in every episode that you see Shanelle or JT, there’s some mention of violence or something like her saying, “Girl, I’m sleeping on the couch.” Or him saying, “I’m just trying to survive the day.” There are little things you put in so that it was a surprise at the end of season one, but it also added up.
It’s surprising how many people comment, “The plot is so relevant now,” when in reality, we were working on this piece over two and a half years ago. The topic has always been timely, it’s just that others seem to be recognizing this only now. I’m glad we could bring attention to the issue of intimate partner violence, which has been a longstanding problem. It’s heartening, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to see more people acknowledging this as a significant concern.
In season two, we witness several instances of domestic violence affecting various characters. Could you discuss your methodology for depicting this sensitive subject matter?
There’s a focus on two things when it comes to domestic violence. One is, why did you let a person put their hands on you, and then why didn’t you leave after that? There is a big focus on the physical abuse, and it’s a big part of it, obviously, because it means people’s lives end, but it actually is a small part because a lot of times the abuse starts way before someone puts their hands on them. Even with the Cassie situation, it’s like, “Well, she has money. She knew the life she was living.” She doesn’t have money. [Diddy] has the money. Everything’s paid for. If she leaves, she doesn’t have anything. And I don’t think people really understand that part of it. You don’t have any freedom.
Beyond emotional manipulation and control, there are numerous barriers that keep someone in a relationship. This includes the fear of a restraining order, which can be challenging to obtain, especially against someone known to you. Courts often presume you’re upset or should attempt reconciliation. Furthermore, if granted, the order becomes public knowledge, making it harder due to the person involved being aware.
What we observe with Lucy is her apparent struggles of her own nature. This often happens with politicians who are against gay rights but privately have a same-sex partner, which can indicate deep self-loathing. Similarly, I feel that Lucy might think, “I’ve overcome this, so why can’t Shanelle?” It isn’t until she encounters a situation reminiscent of one she thought she had left behind and experiences the same suffocating feelings that she begins to understand and empathize with Shanelle.
Discussing the decision to conclude the storyline where empathy led to Shanelle’s sentence being held over, and in that same episode, Isabella learns she will be freed too. Can we explore why this plot was wrapped up after Isabella informed Corey she desired a different attorney?
In my story, I connected Shanelle and Isabella in some way, so I felt it fitting for Corey to emerge victorious. His personal struggles, such as dealing with his father and overcoming the guilt related to Isabella’s imprisonment, were significant hurdles that needed resolution. I desired a happy ending for him as well. Initially, we encounter Corey having sex with a woman and then pushing her away, but in the end, he is shown taking a woman out on a date. My intention was to illustrate Corey’s transformation, and I was thrilled at the prospect of witnessing his relationship development with Dr. Michaels (Essence Atkins).
Do you see a future for Corey Cash in Reasonable Doubt?
At the moment, I’m clueless. However, let me clarify that Morris is simply fantastic, not just on-screen but also off-camera while working with him. He’s equally busy and occupied, as he’s the lead in another show. Therefore, I was delighted to secure his presence for a brief period.
In the early part of the season, there was a strong hint that Corey and Jax might or might not become romantic, creating an anticipation. Why did you choose not to let their relationship develop beyond that point?
I was eager to depict Jax’s development. I’ve come across tweets expressing, “Season one Jax would have defeated him,” and I can wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. However, I incorporated scenes of errors in the script, which our editor skillfully tied into the Damon character (played by Michael Ealy) and Lewis, selecting clips that perfectly fit the narrative.
I wrote in it that you hear the therapist’s voice say, “you hurt me, I hurt you,” to stop this cycle. This is why they went to therapy, to show that she is healed. So if she sleeps with Corey, what does that do? That doesn’t make her feel better. That doesn’t make the baby not come. All it does is hurt him, and it’s the same cycle that they were in. So I wanted to show that she’s now making better decisions, that she’s not making decisions based on impulse. And I think if there’s any test to show growth, it’s Morris Chestnut behind you, touching you and you leave the room.
Fundamentally, I’m hoping the series will focus on Jax and Lewis finding healing. Their journey isn’t always smooth sailing, with periods of conflict, but ultimately, there’s a significant loss they face in the finale. However, I envision the series to demonstrate that beneath their messy moments, these two genuinely care for each other. They’ve attempted to cause pain, yet deep down, they are good individuals who enjoy each other’s company and share a strong passion. Their bond is unique, with aspects that many people don’t experience in relationships. Therefore, if they can truly grow and be their best selves, what potential could their relationship hold?
Some viewers interpret Jax’s decision to stay with Lewis during his break as symbolizing the unwavering, fight-to-the-end kind of love that many real-life black women exhibit.
This scenario intrigues me, as I’ve observed its various aspects, because some viewers might query, “But what about Damon?” It seems that people tend to forget quickly. In the storyline, Damon had the potential to harm Jax, and if Lewis hadn’t been able to locate her, who knows how things could have unfolded. As a result, Jax’s actions can be seen as reckless. He became infatuated with someone else. To further elaborate on this point, she questioned, “When did it begin?” To which he replied, “When I saw you with another man.” This contributes to the pain. I hope that when viewers watch the finale and witness her conversation with Damon, they truly empathize with her healing process, understanding her guilt, which is one reason she’s staying. However, in episodes nine and ten, as well as at the end of eight, we also see her internal struggle – a constant choice to remain, a decision she must make daily. She restrains herself from speaking out, tries to understand the situation, and this was an important aspect for me too.
I’d prefer if people didn’t draw parallels between this situation and a man who betrays an innocent woman, compared to a more complex parting of ways. Life can be unpredictable, and we all must decide on what path suits us best in our personal lives. It’s likely that those observing have made decisions they wouldn’t wish to broadcast publicly. My aim is to portray positive responses to life’s challenges rather than negative behavior.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the heart-wrenching finale where Toni tragically loses her baby and decides to take legal action against Jax and Lewis for the deceased’s death. The question that arises is: what are the legal grounds for such a lawsuit, and what broader themes might be explored in a potential season three?
It’s possible to take legal action against someone for emotional distress, but it doesn’t guarantee success. Given that the story concluded as expected, there were instances throughout the season where Toni expressed apprehension about being involved, viewing it as something she had already endured. I believe her primary pain stems from the fact that she thought she and Lewis would maintain some kind of bond, and now that bond is clearly severed. This could explain why Toni seems determined to remain connected; she can’t accept their move on with life. Her actions might be seen as vindictive, a desire for retribution. Moreover, she seems frustrated that others kept insisting on involvement when she initially wanted to handle things alone. Additionally, being a witness in the trial and exposing her business only adds to her resentment. It seems Toni wants someone to bear the consequences of what she experienced over the past few months.
Have you heard any word on a season three?
They undoubtedly enjoy the success of the show and it’s thriving, with viewers being genuinely enthusiastic about it. This brings me great joy, and I’m anticipating some news by the end of the year regardless. The crucial aspect is maintaining viewership and encouraging word-of-mouth recommendations. Representative content for Black audiences matters, no matter the genre. Each person connects uniquely with these shows. For instance, when Power first aired on Starz, it resonated strongly, making me feel, “I’m hooked.” It was captivating to see Black actors excel. I’m pleased that Bel-Air is prospering, and I hope the audience remains dedicated to Black content and keeps supporting shows generating conversation.
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Reasonable Doubt season two is now streaming all episodes on Hulu.
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2024-10-18 05:56