It makes you empathize with Laurie, and the torture that causes her to snap.. In the book Hope the girl Jacob meets in Mexico (Jamaica in the novel) washes up dead on the beach. What I was really interested in trying to create for the viewer was this very subjective experience of what his parents are going through. Billy confesses to Andy that he hired a hitman to force Patz to confess then kill him. When she realises Andy knows about Patzs murder she blames Jacob because nobody but Andy knows about Patz, so Jacob is anyways safe. The story follows an assistant district attorney named Andy Barber, whos investigating the murder of 14-year-old Ben Rifkin. The suicide, confession, and photographs of Ben that Patz deleted from his phone - in episode two - all point towards him murdering Ben. In the car while they wait for Andy and their lawyer, Laurie decides to tell Jacob the truth, unaware he saw the whole thing. At this point, she just wants a definitive answer, and then asks her son if he killed Ben. Flashbacks are shown where he can be seen involved in this, but he refuses it in front of Andy. Wes Anderson Directing Star Wars? Derek yoo and sara because of the blackmail. Laurie becomes convinced again that Jacob killed Ben, even though Hope turns up alive the following day. It feels like a confession but, of course, its not, said Bomback. Jacob's trial ends with a declaration of innocence, after a pedophile named Leonard Patz (Daniel Henshall) hangs himself and confesses to Ben's murder in a suicide note. Jacob put the idea of killing Ben back in Lauries head after Hope went missing too. Defending Jacob: Who Is The Real Killer Of Ben Rifkin (Spoiler Alert ). It is based on a book with the same name byWilliam Landay. On the surface, it allows the family toescape from reality as they contemplate an impending move to Denver. With the amount of context involving what Jacob said regarding the murder, it does not persuade me to believe that he did actually kill him. Jacob Barbers fingerprint is found on Bens sweater and Jacob is arrested. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. However, Sarah was livid as she doesn't know what he did or what drama he was pulling her into. I thought it was true to this idea that parenting goes on after the end of the book and the end of childhood.. The last episode of Defending Jacob starts with the Assistant District Attorney and Jacobs father Andy Barber getting a phone call from their family lawyer, Joanna Klein, that Leonard Patz had left a notemoments before he had committed suicide. Unsettled, Andy visits Billy, who indeed arranged for a blackmailed confession and suicide. It would have to spring from some idea that hasnt occurred to me yet that would really feel as compelling as I hope this season has, he said. Thats one of the plot points thats been altered from the book more on that later. Defending Jacob is an American crime drama web television miniseries, based on the novel of the same name by William Landay, produced by Apple TV+. According to Billy, Andycan either be a good man or be a good father; hegets to "choose." The next day Laurie drives Jacob to get a hair cut. He tries to forget about this, but the truth comes out. The novel begins with Andy (played by Chris Evans in the show) suspecting the perpetrator to be local pedophile Leonard Patz. Their car incident is deemed as an accident and Laurie is also hurt gravely. Your next true crime obsession has arrived! Distractify is a registered trademark. AppleTV+s new crime drama Defending Jacob is a twisty turny tale which focuses on a father (Chris Evans) whose 14-year-old son Jacob (Jaeden Martell) is accused of murdering one of his classmates. Though police say there were some anomalies at the scene of Patz death they do rule it a suicide and Jacob is exonerated. The show keeps you guessing right up to the end (and beyond) about exactly what did happen to Ben (Liam Kilbreth), to Hope (Jessi Case), with OLeary (William Xifaras) and Billy Barber (J.K. Simmons) and of course what the future holds for Andy, Laurie (Michelle Dockery) and Jacob. Crucially, Andy doesn't tell Laurie about Billy until a family trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Defending Jacob Plot Summary: Jacob's classmate, Ben Rifkin, is found stabbed to death in a park. The following story contains . The next morning, Hope cant be found. Defending Jacob ending explained: Who killed Ben? | Radio Times 4. WARNING: Major spoilers concerning the source materials ending revealed below! After all Jacob rarely spoke for himself throughout the book, although he was the defendant and it was important to remain in a neutral sense. Laurie decides to take matters in her own hands. She freaks out because she is becoming more and more paranoid that someone will find out she killed Ben. Before you give us your thoughts on Episode 1, let's break down what happened in the series premiere: Based on William Landay's 2012 novel, Defending Jacob stars Evans as Andy Barber, an . The conclusion to the gripping limited series delivers some answers, but also poses more questions. Even thoughJacob didn't killHope in Mexico, Laurie becomes more suspicious than ever about the Rifkin murder. Defending Jacob ending explained: Did Jacob Barber murder Ben Rifkin In Defending Jacob Episode 7, the trial begins, and the prosecution does not hold back. Andy knows how tensed Laurie has been earlier, so he decides not to tell her anything. Jacob Barber has been accused of murdering his classmate, Ben. Fox doesnt think hell live to be 80: Every day its tougher, Jerry Springer kept his aggressive cancer a family secret in his final months. Is that red mark on his bathing trunks really ketchup, or could it be blood? Laurie becomes more withdrawn from Andy and Jacob. After that, all evidence already points towards Jacob so she decides to convince Andy that he is the murderer, since she already has a plan to make sure hes found innocent. Jacobs comatose status arguably leaves the story open for a second season. The big reveal is foreshadowed by various meetings between Andy and Billy, with the latter refusing to offer any help. And now this murderer is walking free and even though its my own son, its my fault.. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. 115. Andy is understandably angry, believing Jacob wouldve cleared his name in court if given the chance. The one sees the best in the child and the other only sees the worst. Reply. Thats the crux of the problem Laurie is facing: Shell never, ever get the truth. Andy carries the knowledge that his son may not be innocent all the way until the Barbers go on vacation in an attempt to destress after the trial. In contrast to Jacob, Leonard Patz is a grown adult who must be accountable for his decisions. I loved it you really feel that shes unraveling, recalled Tyldum. If the Apple TV+ series stays faithful to the book, here's what'll happen to the 14-year-old. And sometimes you really have to leave it up to the people around you and take that pressure off yourself, and then it will all unfold onscreen., For his part, Evans says he doesnt think the crash was a hugely premeditated move: I do believe its born of a subconscious choice. Would it really be that easy to fake a mans suicide by hanging? They go out on a romantic meal together, but Andy and Laurie see Jacob back home earlier than expected and not in the same white shirt that he had worn. The new Apple TV+ miniseries, Defending Jacob, is sure to suck you in if it's anything like the book it's based on. The discussions of empathy or lack of empathy coming from the parents was also interesting on this point. Defending Jacob Reader Q&A - Goodreads "Now we have this new thing that they're both going to live with, which is: 'When [Jacob] wakes up, what will he think? Landay never had a problem with the idea of making changes from the novel. Laurie - also hospitalised with various injuries - is told by Andy that the jury voted in favour of a car accident, and he heads home to sit quietly in Jacobs room as the credits roll. Defending Jacob book ending is also open-ended, with Laurie driving Jacob and crashing the car. However, the tight focus of the shot means that its not possible to see if anyone else is in the room coercing him. Defending Jacob Cast Guide: Where You've Seen The Actors Before, Is Defending Jacob A True Story? Was it a split-second decision, or did she plan it? The following story contains spoilers from the eighth and final episode of Defending Jacob, After.. Naturally, Laurie panics about the reveal, and once again believes that her son is indeed a killer. Laurie gets mad and kills him. Bomback says. At a party on New Years Eve, Hope goes missing and Jacob leaves his shirt at the beach. Later when the family are in Mexico Andy drunkenly tells Laurie he thinks his dad was responsible. 38. How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! The Defending Jacob ending reveals that Billy Barber orchestrated Patz's murder.Specifically, he enlisted a long-time friend known as "Father O'Leary" (William Xifaras) to frame and kill the pedophile, which would allow his grandson, Jacob, to receive legal "proof of innocence." The big reveal is foreshadowed by various meetings between Andy and Billy, with the latter refusing to offer any help. Andy and Laurie seem to believe that nobody knows who they are in Puerto Vallarta, when in fact a 16-year-old girl named Hope Connors (Jessi Case) immediately recognizes Jacob. The Defending Jacobendingdoes not unveil whether Jacob did kill Ben. But then a witness goes missing, and Jacob's fascination with the macabre, like "The . Patz because of some pedo infatuation. Bens father Dan, however, meets the Barbers in a car park but is stopped by a henchman who was stalking the Barbers. "That to me was a really interesting and tragic moment that nevertheless felt like a moment of growth for the character. Retiring to their room after a romantic meal, Andy and Laurie find Jacob back earlier than expected - without Hope or the white shirt hed worn. The story follows an assistant district attorney named Andy Barber, who's investigating the murder of 14-year-old Ben Rifkin. Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox! Jacob, afraid of his mothers gradual speeding on such a rainy day, says, Fine, I killed him, OK? Hope cannot be found the next day and the Mexico police think of Jacob as the prime suspect. Part of her must know that she was in a horrible place that morning, Bomback says. If I have a new narrative that took this as a starting point, Id be happy to explore it. Apple TV+ limited drama Defending Jacob stars Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery as the parents of a teenager accused of murdering a classmate. But then Hope show up, unharmed, after being drugged by vacationers. If you havent watched every episode, youll want to turn back now. Billy pointedly asks Andy if he is sure, which might be an indicator that he intends to do something about it. It appears as if he is sitting in Jacobs room. Dr. Vogel concludes that Jacob does not have the murder gene as it is passed maternally but does show genetic traits of manipulation and violence. Jacob goes to see if he is dead but then he leaves the body and goes to school. Jacobs case is dismissed. The subsequent car crash suggests that Laurie felt purely isolated from reality - even from her husband and son. Defending Jacob ending explained: Here is a detailed explanation of what happens at the end of the limited miniseries Defending Jacob starring Chris Evans. She visits the Rifkin household to seemingly confess to Jacobs guilt but, after seeing Bens mum Joan (Megan Byrne) struggling to cope, decides to take matters into her own hands. Defending Jacob Ending: Here's Why The Series Ends On That Scene Stabbed three times in the chest, his body was found on a dirt path in Cold Spring Park by Paula Gianetto . Laurie tells Ben not to mess with her, Ben laughs and twists her arm. In Apple TV+'sDefending Jacob, there's a somewhat hopeful ending as the Barbers all survive. If the TV adaptation stays faithful to the book, then viewers will be left guessing when it comes to Jacobs guilt. An alum of the Eugene ONeill Theater Centers National Critics Institute and Poynters Power of Diverse Voices, she leads workshops on arts journalism at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Same blade size, as well as "teeth" on the blade. Jacob comes and sees what is happening. THE END. She was really good at her job as well. But logic suggests that he's a quiet teenager who was bullied by classmates, and made some questionable comments for attention. Andy threw away Jacobs knife so it was never tested for Bens DNA. The revelation allows Jacob to walk free. Defending Jacob Review: Chris Evans Stars in a Twisty Crime Drama, Den Of Geek Book Club: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, Always Sunny to Talking Sopranos: The Best TV Rewatch Podcasts Hosted By Cast & Creators, The Star Trek Story Bridging the Gaps Between Deep Space Nine and Picard, Taskmaster and The Underrated Comic Genius of Kiell Smith-Bynoe. And what I was interested in is, how do you go forward from there when you know that your son potentially could come out of this thing? Andys journey has been this challenge to own up to everything that hes been trying to conceal: He comes clean about who his father is, and he tells Laurie the truth [about the forced confession], even if it means destroying everything hes been fighting to preserve this whole time. We see that Leonard writes the suicide note confessing to killing Ben. Defending Jacob (2020) - Ending Explained. | DMT - Digital Mafia Talkies Privacy Policy. But whereas the TV series reveals thatHope merely disappeared, the book ends with her corpse being discovered on a beach, and that she'd likely been strangled to death. He was accused of murdering a classmate, Benjamin Rifkin. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. All Rights Reserved. ALSO READ | 'Raktanchal' ending explained: A final face off between Waseem Khan and Vijay Singh. He eventually showed up at her house two days before Ben was killed with Ben's phone. The series was created and written by Mark Bomback and directed by Morten Tyldum. Ann Warman I believe that Jacob not only killed Ben, but Hope as well. Im not kidding. Laurie is now convinced that Jacob had killed Benand possibly Hope as well. He uses Apple products. Distraught after learning about the cover-up, Laurie drives her car into a wall with Jacob inside. Not only does he now know that his mother doesnt believe him, he also knows she tried to kill him which no one in the world will believe. Cosgrove was one of three Louisville officers who shot their weapons during the botched drug raid on Taylor's home in March 2020. Unable to hide the truth any longer, Andy gets drunk and tells Laurie about his fathers involvement. She asks Jacob about it while they are in a car. It ends up destroying their family, subverting the very central premise as a form of a slow-burn twist. I like this tragic notion of were in a prison of our own making as were leaving these characters. Andy cant help but feel suspicious over Leonards death, and learns that his gut feeling is spot-on during another trip to see his father. Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) co-stars as Andy's wife, Laurie, and Jaeden Martell (IT) rounds out the main cast as the couple's 14-year-old son, Jacob. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. Shes been an entertainment journalist for more than 15 years previously working at DVD & Blu-ray. I dont think Laurie had any sort of calculated master plan. Defending Jacob Ending Explained | Who killed Ben Rifkin Jacob immediately befriends a fellow teenager named Hope who, the morning after a party, has mysteriously gone missing. When Jacob is officially exonerated, Father O'Learyprotects the Barbers from a still-angry Dan Rifkin (Patrick Fischler),the father of the teenage murder victim, Ben. In case you are wondering who killed Ben, we are sorry to disappoint you because theres no evidence presented in the show as to whether Jacob is the killer or not. Inside, Jacob's continued silencekeeps dark thoughts swirling in Laurie's head. "He finally got away with this one crime, and now he's going to quickly, within the matter of six months, kill somebody else. Conversely though, at the end its his mother who is an attempted murderer. At first, the Barbers are shown attempting to fight the case as best as they can. The Barbers were on a holiday when Jacob meets Hope Connors. Defending Jacob Summary: Ben Rifkin is stabbed to death with a knife. Jacobs classmate, Ben Rifkin, is found stabbed to death in a park. But it wasnt written with that intention, and its not really something Im actively working on right now.. When they find Jacob's fingerprint on Ben and other kids start talking on social media about how Barber owned a knife he liked to show off . During a car ride withJacob, the internal and external "noise" becomes too much to bear for Laurie. Laurie starts to doubt Jacobs innocence, causing a rift between her and Andy. Youre at the mercy of the narrative in the same way that Andy and Laurie are.. Defending Jacob: Differences Between The Show And Book Ending He could have lived with this burden of guilt in the same way that he's lived with this other lie for so long and gone on to live a more or less contented life, but he doesn't.". It sort of strained credibility, especially in the way that I had written the character.". Here's how the TV show differs from the book ending. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Apple TV+s limited series Defending Jacob, Apples new TV show reconsiders the murder gene. Heres what the science says, Review: Defending Jacob might be Apple TV+s first big flop, Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon blasted at White House Correspondents dinner, Tom Jones review: PBS Masterpieces latest period drama is laid-back and enjoyable, Michael J. It's up to Andy and his wife, Laurie (Michelle Dockery), to protect their son from a firestorm of media attention, combative prosecutors, and neighborhood gossipall while privately questioning whether their own child could be capable of the unthinkable. There has been a lot of stress, so why not go relax. "What I was most interested in, just as someone doing the writing, was really creating this subjective experience on the viewers' part with the parents. Cookie Notice Lastly, it can also be presumed that Andy is thinking about Jacob. Jacob dies instantly in the car crash. At this point, Andy reveals to his wife that his father, Billy Barber, is currently serving a life sentence in prison for rape and murder. And then look at their partner and really talk about the question were asking: Is unconditional love bigger than our own morals?What happened in the last episode? Driving even faster now, Laurie says, I will never know over and over again an improvised moment from Dockery in that soundstage, with the machine-created weather conditions and projected landscape moving at full force.