Bull Review: Absolution (Season 2 Episode 16)

It’s all about justice — and dance numbers — on Bull Season 2 Episode 16, “Absolution”

A week after taking down a killer using the system to escape jail time in Season 2 Episode 15, “Witness for the Prosecution”, Bull does a 180 and sets out to free a wrongfully imprisoned man who has been blatantly set up by the cops.

The Good

We get a lot of strong players in this episode, from Bull’s dedication to the case, from the client’s no-nonsense understanding of his position, and from Chunk’s struggle in reaching out to, and waiting to hear back from, his daughter. It all makes for some serious emotional investment in the end result.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen the team have personal ties to a client. It may be the first time we’ve seen Bull doubt himself, as well as the first mention of him losing a case. Actually losing, that is—not just getting a bad result at first and then pulling out a win anyway.

We get some good scenes from this level of significance, including Benny tearing into the evidence against Derrick and Jason thanking him when all was said and done. It would still be nice to see the cops get more comeuppance for their actions, but I’ll take what I get.

The Bad

Once again, though, the actual delivery of justice comes in a matter of moments, too rushed to be appreciated or even fully explained. This is the second time in a handful of episodes we’ve had a new suspect, complete with all necessary evidence, be found guilty literally overnight.

There are a couple problems with this pattern. First, it feels like a major part of the storyline isn’t given the thought it deserves. Derrick spent years in prison and, most likely, long hours debating the worth of another trial. Getting from a very bad position to a solid win should take longer.

The other issue with this specific case is that we skip over the resulting emotions entirely. Derrick is free but also learns his best friend is a murderer who killed his potential love and who happily let him spend years locked up. That should have more impact.

I’m also still not thrilled with how Cable’s absence is being handled. All we get are a couple pointed comments from Danny. When will there be more?

The…What?

Finally, we have to talk about that scene. Yes, the one where Chunk has a musical dream sequence about the discovered daughter he longs to connect with.

The majority of this story line is wonderfully told and acted. We feel for Chunk while still understanding his daughter’s apprehension. And I, at least, can’t wait to meet her.

It’s not that the scene is bad, exactly.  It is just that it feels like a sudden interlude into Glee or one of those other musical shows that only lasted one or two seasons.

I mean, I like music. Sometimes I hear it in my dreams. And yet I’ve never sung an entire (illustrated!) original song about my life problems in any dream I’ve had.

Oh, well. At least it looked like fun.

What did you think of this episode of Bull? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Bull airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.

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