Bull Review: A Higher Law (Season 3 Episode 10)
On Bull Season 3 Episode 10, “A Higher Law,” Jason and Benny defend the idea of confession as a protected sacrament.
For all talk of religion being one of those things we “just don’t talk about,” it’s a common trope in television to have believers and skeptics interact with everything from banter to serious discussions of passion and logic.
It shouldn’t be too surprising that Jason Bull is one of those skeptics (at least when he’s not on a plane experiencing turbulence,) or that he might find it hard to relate to the very religious and even rub them the wrong way.
We also see, then, why he might struggle with the idea of a priest refusing to admit a crime told to them during confession—even when circumstances mean that priest is in turn arrested for that very crime.
However, we also see very easily why Bull and TAC take on the case anyway. After all, it would hardly be the first time he let his personal opinions get in the way of taking on a case where he can see justice defended.
Religion is still undoubtedly a complicated issue, and all sides are explored in this episode. Benny is a Catholic and the one who is first brought the case. But Bull is not alone in being slightly more resistant.
One of my favorite lines comes when Chunk, who takes mock trial a bit too personally, discusses his personal relationship with the church as a gay man. Specifically, that he has been driven away. Instead of condemning him, Father Andy says
I’m glad you didn’t give up on God because your church gave up on you.
So yes, he’s a good guy, especially in a world where so many use religion to defend their mistreatment of others. Yet we can understand the frustration in the team.
It seems to me that protecting confession and drunk driving are two separate issues within this case. While Father Andy has as good reason as anyone to drive after a drink in wanting to save a victim, he is still guilty of that.
As such, I’m surprised they never take the approach of having him admit to that and attempt to protect his confession in an entirely separate charge. Although, in that case, we might not get an obligatory “contempt of court” scene.
In the end, TAC does what it so often does—find the real guilty party. Frankly, I’d have started the case by making a plea to all parishioners for that person to step forward to prevent an innocent man taking the blame for their crimes.
Instead, the driver who hits and kills a young woman is himself a young man, Harvard-bound (though not anymore) and terrified. Another pull on our heartstrings and Father Andy’s conscience alike.
It’s still hard for Bull to relate when the priest admits to considering taking the blame anyway. His own perspective of strict logic doesn’t always jibe with what is necessary for complete faith.
There are parts of the case I (as an admitted complete non-expert) may have done differently, but the conversations make this a solid episode. They’re nuanced and balanced and everyone involved has a point.
One thing I like about Bull is that despite such different beliefs about such important things, TAC always respects and supports each other wherever they can. Here, that teamwork helps them win again, even if it’s a bittersweet ending.
What did you think of this episode of Bull? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Bull airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.