Bull Review: Separate Together (Season 3 Episode 11)
On Bull Season 3 Episode 11, “Separate Together,” Diana Lindsey returns to pull Bull into another case that highlights their unique relationship.
A note: given events involving Michael Weatherly and CBS’s treatment of Eliza Dushku, I’ve debated not continuing these reviews. For the time being, I will still explore the stories being told.
That said, one of the reasons I like Bull is that it so often challenges power dynamics. Those same dynamics have proven deeply problematic in this situation and how responsible parties have responded.
Michael has been defended by many close to him as a good person. To truly show that, he and others should also make a real effort to change—doing better instead of only saying they’re sorry.
All people deserve to be treated with respect, and the ease with which we continue to write off sexist and derogatory language should give us pause. Humor is subjective, but some “jokes” just aren’t funny.
Those who these words and actions are used against deserve to be heard and believed. To instead sweep them under a rug only makes a problem worse. To all involved and the climate at CBS in general: you can be better, and you must, especially in the “Me Too” era.
For now, TAC’s work continues. This time, a couple is accused of armed robbery. Claire is, by all appearances, a genuinely nice girl. Her (very) new husband Randy…well, that’s more debatable.
Perhaps more important, though, is that Claire just happens to be the niece of one Diana Lindsey. Has her relationship with Bull ever not been complicated?
Having her represent Claire as TAC defends Randy may or may not meet the ethical standards of legal practice, but it does at least make for some interesting plot once we let go of the “they couldn’t do it because they’re a happy couple” angle.
As ever, we head onto a downhill slope, but, not as ever, it largely only applies to Randy. Problem is, he and Claire are for all intents and purposes a package deal and that inevitably leads to some tension.
Seasoned viewers shouldn’t be too shocked that Diana nearly throws Randy under the bus. It’s hard to blame her in the moment. We shouldn’t even be surprised at how quickly everyone lets it go. It’s all part of their relationship.
We also get another tidy ending that lets everyone leave happy. A small part of me likes the idea of a twist—perhaps Claire being the more dangerous one all along?—but it is nice to simply see a happy couple be happy, too.
Many viewers are going to be more invested in the dynamics of this couple outside the courtroom than inside it. These haven’t changed much. The only problem is, Jason Bull has changed.
At first, I worry about Diana’s initial dismissive attitude toward the change in Bull. I especially worry about his early willingness to disrupt his health routine, though that falls in on itself soon enough.
It turns out Diana doesn’t know all that much about what her sometimes-beau has been through. That explains quite a bit but is troublesome by itself. If we want these two to have a real shot beyond random hookups, we’ll need the openness Bull often struggles with.
(Having them not turn on each other during tough moments in court wouldn’t hurt either, but that’d just be less fun.)
We do see hints of that honesty in the closing minutes. It’s enough to suggest the possibility of something more. After all, Diana says she’s not good alone, which is certainly something we’ve heard before.
Whether Bull will continue past this season in the wake of all that has happened remains to be seen. Since the show is not cancelled yet, though, I hope all the characters, both Bull and his team, are able to find some happiness before a potential finale.
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.