‘Defending Jacob’ Premiere episode makes perfect use of gray surroundings to set the tone for a murder mystery
Spoilers for 'Defending Jacob' Episode 1: 'Pilot'
Sometimes, the surroundings and the tone around the character in a movie or a TV series can speak volumes about the plot. In 'Defending Jacob', the elements around the characters set the tone for a grim and unbelievable murder mystery. In a way, they make up for the truth. The truth that pain can be felt, but never described accurately. The scenery around the characters is almost black and white, almost muted, and the pall of gloom is just spread over.
The pilot episode shows a picturesque Barber family. Chris Evans as Andrew Barber is a Massachusetts assistant district attorney, living with his wife, Laurie (Michelle Dockery) and 14-year-old-son, Jacob (Jaeden Martell). They're a happy family. They're quite well-to-do, share a good bond with each other and spend some time at the breakfast table despite their hurried and draining schedules. However, this image is of the happy family is quickly forgotten when the town they live in is shaken with the murder of a teenage boy, Ben Rifkin (Liam Kilbreth).
Ben is seen brutally stabbed and that's when the surroundings just seem to get heavier. The rain, dark clouds, all seem to suggest that the town isn't a place of happiness and sunshine. It's a town where people will now live in fear that a murderer walks in their midst. Credit to Mark Bomback, the series creator, and the man behind 'Imitation Games' for choosing the perfect environment to set up the intriguing crime drama.
And all the while, it just feels like the dull environment hasn't got to the Barbers. Andy has his hands full with the Rifkin murder while Laurie is out "mothering the mothers". Left on his own is Jacob, who looks like he doesn't mind being the cynosure of all eyes. It is only in the final minutes that Andy finds a shocking revelation when Jacob's classmates accuse him of carrying a knife and killing Ben. The darkness completely sets in when the father finds the knife wrapped in a white napkin.
This goes on to further supplement that the setting and tone of the series can actually tell the story. Behind the veil of normalcy, there's enough gore and darkness that's waiting for an opportune moment to break out. Over the course of the episode, the behavior of the people adds to the surroundings. There's constant unease, fear that their own kid(s) might be the next one to go. Even at Ben's home post the funeral, the only thing weighing on their minds is the murder in a town that's been to itself and quiet.
Despite all this and the ominous first hint that Jacob could be the murderer, the teen doesn't give anything away. When asked about his relationship with the dead boy, his response, plain and simple is, "He was alright". No giveaways there. A deeper look at his character says a lot about his mindset. While the other teens and children come across as terrified, Jacob is eerily calm and collected. Not to forget, he's funny. His behavior with Andy is as normal as it can get.
And it is only when the focus shifts to Jacob that the surroundings are forgotten, albeit briefly. But that's not to say it didn't play a prominent role in setting the tone for the series.
The pilot episode of 'Defending Jacob' is available for streaming on AppleTV+.