All I needed to be enticed into watching this mini-series was the lead pair- Chris Evans & Michelle Dockery.

Jacob is their young son, and the storyline is exactly the title – “Defending Jacob”, after a series of unfortunate events. You may have watched countless procedural/ crime/ mystery series, but this crime drama is a breath of fresh air with the defendant’s perspective that it walks you through. When Jacob’s classmate is found murdered- his own friends point fingers at him, while his father is the lead detective on the case.

The narrative explores not only the mystery, but also the emotional impact on the parents, and how they deal with their minor child being accused of murder. Do they believe he is innocent, or fear they are living with a sociopath? Will they defend him either way?

I don’t need to praise the acting with such a star cast- you’ll see many more familiar faces throughout. 

As with most book adaptations, the ending has been changed here. It will leave you wanting a second season, yet (possibly) satisfied with the ending.

With 8 episodes, seemingly predictable, yet filled with clever twists, this series deserves a binge. Find it on Apple TV!