'Defending Jacob' Episode 8 Ending: Fans react to the massive twist, say they 'didn't see this coming'
Spoilers for 'Defending Jacob' Episode 8 'After'
Right off the bat, this wasn't an ending people expected. Such was the massive response the AppleTV+ drama garnered that some fans finished the book by William Landay. The show was based on his best-seller and the ending was wildly different. For starters, Jacob Barber (played by Jaeden Martell) on the show was supposed to be dead in a car accident by the end, but in this case, he survives and Laurie Barber (Michelle Dockery) tells Andy (Chris Evans) the doctors are optimistic of his recovery.
Fans were quite surprised by the ending, especially the ones who had read the novel as they expected a rather grim ending. But those who hadn't been teary-eyed, but happy. "Finished watching the end of #DefendingJacob with the storm in the background was the best. So different to the book but nice and, “happy”(?) Great job everyone Btw, I love You @ChrisEvans," a fan wrote. "I'm still teary-eyed at that ending to #DefendingJacob" seconded another fan. Needless to say, there was no answer on who committed the murder of Ben Rifkin.
"Another home run of a series for Apple TV. #DefendingJacob - Andy deserved way better! I was two scenes too quick to connecting dots. Then all I wanted desperately was to be wrong about it... I loved the show!" a fan said.
"WHAT A FUCKING SERIES AND WHAT A FUCKING ENDING!!! #DefendingJacob," a tweet read while another said, "We didn't see this coming."
"Finished the last ep of #DefendingJacob and I might be in a loss of words to describe how scared, happy, helpless, and anxious I felt along with the Barber Family. It didn't make me feel as if it was something I was watching but as if I was a part of it. Such a commendable series," a fan said.
"What the hell was that ending??? Who killed him?? Why did the girl reappear I don't get it could've gone better ... #DefendingJacob" a fan opined. "That’s how y’all gonna end it?? like fr?? that’s it?? #DefendingJacob" another asked.
"Now what if they decided to keep Jacob alive because they're having thoughts about making a second season? #DefendingJacob" asked one of the fans. "Two parents who have gone through a literal nightmare holding onto each other when they hear the news about Patz, I will always love andy & Laurie," wrote a fan.
Here's a final one that echoes the sentiments of fans who watched the finale right now. "I'm over after what I just watched. I needed answers and they don't give it to mee omg I wanna scream. #DefendingJacob," a viewer posted.