Reasonable Doubt: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Can’t Knock The Hustle” [Premiere] – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

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While legal dramas seem to come every season and are rather just the same, because “Reasonable Doubt” isn’t afraid to lean into its lead’s culture – it is strikingly different.

This content contains pertinent spoilers.

Summary

Jax, short for Jacqueline, formerly was a public defender, but after losing the case of Damon Cooke, it seemed the private sector, working for the rich and wealthy, was easier on her. Mainly since they had less to lose. However, with this transition came more work, her husband, Lewis, trying to give her ultimatums about work or him, and a strained relationship with her son, Spenser. Luckily though, her daughter, Naima, is still close with her, and she has her friends Autumn, Shanelle, and Sally.

But, at times, her friends are but a distraction from what troubles her. For example, Mama Lu’s husband, Paul, seems to have said or done something which triggers Jax. Also, at work, a case for Brayden Miller, dealing with one Kaleesha Moore, a former employee, and mistress, who he fired, rocks her nerves a bit. Granted, she wasn’t active in that case where sexual assault was alleged, like she was for basketball player Devin MacDonald, but while Devin was being extorted, Kaleesha just wanted the truth revealed.

And for her desire to have the truth be known and potentially ruin Brayden’s marriage and his quest to become a billionaire, she might have been killed by Jax’s client.

Things To Note

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Is Lewis a cuck? Why was he watching his wife, separated or not, having sex with Will, his former security detail for her?
2. At one time, was Rich an ass, likely due to his White privilege, but then he chilled out? The way Sally talked about him, it sounds like his former nickname was “Rich the B***h.”
3. Was Krystal, Jax’s assistant, inherited or hired by her?

What Could Happen Next

1. With Damon potentially confessing to a crime he didn’t commit and getting out of prison, expect him to look up Jax, who clearly is ready to move on from Lewis
2. Meeting Brayden’s wife and maybe Kaleesha’s husband, and Jax discovering all kinds of drama about their personal and professional business
3. Learning more about Shanelle’s husband, who is messing around with another woman
4. Understanding better what is expected of Jax at Binder, Hurwitz, and Stewart, and whether she is there for the sake of diversity or they truly value her

Review

Highlights

Full On Black, No Wink-Wink

From Jax using the N-word, talking about social justice in terms of Damon’s situation, being a hip-hop head, how she talks to her friends, and more, “Reasonable Doubt” isn’t the kind of show that tiptoes around culture. There are no moments like in “Scandal” when Olivia’s mom or dad reminds you the lead is Black, subtly or blatantly. The entire show makes it clear you are dealing with a Black woman who minimally code-switches, assumes folks are kin folk, not skin folk, and isn’t bringing a representative to the table.

This feels so good to watch since it helps make Jax and Corinealdi’s performance different. You don’t feel any sort of constraint or holding back. There isn’t this vibe that, in pursuit of a general audience (read: White), they avoid anything which could feel alienating. “Reasonable Doubt” just goes for it.

You Can Get Hints of Shonda Rhimes, But It Isn’t Biting

In some ways, Jax is your generic messy lead who enjoys a good drink, has a troublesome relationship, and does seem to mix the professional with the personal. With Washington being a major part of “Reasonable Doubt” behind the camera, you can even see hints of “Scandal” and Shonda Rhimes’ universe here and there.

However, while Rhimes’ influence can be seen, this doesn’t feel like a rip-off or a bite of Rhimes’ productions. For one, Jax isn’t messing around with a problematic White man. As of this episode, past and present interests have all been Black men. On top of that, while Rhimes championed this T.V. generation’s diversity, as said above, when it comes to culture, her productions were never as bold as “Reasonable Doubt.”

So while those familiar with “Scandal” or “How To Get Away With Murder” may find some comfort and familiarity with “Reasonable Doubt,” by the end of the series premiere, you can tell this will not be the same journey.

On The Fence

The Pacing Is Slow

The one thing we have to knock “Reasonable Doubt” for is that it is a slow watch. Not a slow burn that leads to this major climax, but the type of show that feels overstuffed. With building out nearly every facet of Jax’s life in a single hour, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed. Especially since time and attention are given to most characters so they can leave something to remember them by.

But, in the process of getting to know Jax’s friends, colleagues, family, and some of her personal struggles, it’s like listening to someone on a first date who is self-absorbed. At times something interesting may be said, but after a while, your focus lingers away from what’s happening, and you have to jolt yourself back into the conversation so that you can keep up.

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