'Bull' Season 4 Episode 11 Review: An emotional story on child abuse and how victims hide their trauma within

It has been that sort of a season for the legal procedural where each episode sets a new standard and this one doesn't disappoint
UPDATED JAN 7, 2020
A still from 'Look Back in Anger' (Craig Blankenhorn/CBS)
A still from 'Look Back in Anger' (Craig Blankenhorn/CBS)

This review contains spoilers for 'Bull' Season 4 Episode 11 'Look Back in Anger'

'Bull' is back with an emotional episode after the winter hiatus. It shakes off the rust by delivering 'Look Back in Anger', a chapter with a strong storyline themed on male abuse.

It has been that sort of a season for the legal procedural where each episode sets a new standard and this doesn't disappoint. It is typical 'Bull' as it sets up the case-approach-verdict just as it did from its pilot season. 

It starts off with Bull helping Marissa's (Geneva Carr) friend, war buddy, to be precise, Stephen Raposa (Aaron Dean Eisenberg) sue a popular, famous philanthropic businessman, Peter Maybrook (Kevin Kilner) for abusing him as a child.

Except, Stephen is looked at as a liar and the case seems to be a thorough goner after Maybrook's lawyer grills him on the stand terming the case as his ruse to make money from the businessman.

Not to forget, Stephen, looks to sue Maybrook after the latter also abuses his brother Ryan, who commits suicide. Maybrook, on his part, also paints the picture of a nice guy much to the team's chagrin. 

Despite hiring professionals to prove to the jury that Steven is, in fact, telling the truth, the move is ruled out saying he may be suffering from PTSD. Adding to the already insurmountable odds is the extensive witness list Maybrook has at his disposal.

Bull eventually searches for Maybrook's old assistant, Lydia,  a person not on the list. While she doesn't exactly confirm Maybrook's behavior, she does admit to finding pictures of the boys in his room when the camp he ran during the summers was about to be closed up.

Steven too admits Ryan stole some of Maybrook’s cameras when he was older. The truth is exposed when Benny Colon (Freddy Rodriguez) uses this as evidence and exposes Maybrook to the court and jury.

While justice is served and it is a good ending, it is great to see the procedural exploring different themes this season. It also offers valuable insight on how victims of abuse decide to keep mum hiding the trauma within. 

'Look Back in Anger' was the perfect kickstarter for the New Year and 'Bull' hopefully continues in the same momentum. 'Bulls' airs at 10 pm on Mondays on CBS.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The documentary series 'Neighbors' showcases the pettiness and reckless attitudes in neighborly disputes in all its glory.
1 hour ago
'The Pitt' Season 2 episode 12 will see the staff scrambling to control the situation as the code leads to more mayhem and disruption.
3 hours ago
A powerful family and a quiet investigator collide as buried secrets resurface in Maya Hawke's new role in a case that refuses to stay hidden.
3 hours ago
A dreamy Nantucket getaway turns tense as old friends reunite, and one unexpected guest changes everything
5 hours ago
Rapp will play Samantha in the upcoming season of the hit show alongside Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston
7 hours ago
Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, and Chase Sui Wonders are set to return to ‘The Studio’ Season 2
8 hours ago
The latest episode focuses on John and Carolyn, a year into their marriage, as their relationship becomes increasingly strained
9 hours ago
A chance encounter turns awkward fast as sparks fly between a quiet songwriter and a hockey star
10 hours ago
'The Real Housewives of Miami' ratings have significantly dropped since Season 1, and the reality series aired its last season in 2025.
1 day ago
Taylor's other reality series, 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' has halted production this week following domestic assault allegations.
1 day ago