HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

'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

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.