Bull Review: Split Hairs (Season 3 Episode 12)
On Bull Season 3 Episode 12, “Split Hairs,” TAC represents a medical examiner suspected of planting evidence whose conviction could have devastating consequences.
Julia isn’t the first client TAC has had that “isn’t good with people.” She isn’t even the first to declare as much about herself word for word. She is one of the few, though, where we are told Bull should adapt to her, not the other way around.
There are strong scenes between Bull and Julia, who isn’t exactly Miss Congeniality, but in this case has earned the right to her indignance. She’s no-nonsense, and it’s been a while since Jason’s had that in a client. Personally, I think it’s good for him.
Their dialogue shows how well they both know their jobs. Unfortunately, that means detailed discussions of subjects like the specific kind of man’s hair that can be found in the “deepest recesses of a woman’s throat”
So, yes, ick. But I like a client that’s on the same level as her lawyers all the same, in part because it means she’s not handled with kiddie gloves. She takes responsibility for her actions but refuses to admit she could make a mistake.
For those reasons, I’m not a huge fan of the “lets get jurors who will just think she was stupid” approach, even if there’s rationale for it. Julia’s not, either.
Her resistance can be frustrating at times, but it also calls out the jury manipulation that TAC convinces so many other clients to accept with ease. We ignore too often just how much “manipulation” is blatant lying.
As she continues to give a strong showing, we also have to hear more about that hair, which winds up being a potential saving grace. After all, what motivates someone to plant such a hair in…the place that it is found? (Again, ick. )
That questions leads to a conversation with a serial killer (always fun) that is disconcerting for reasons besides those connected to his actions. He’s calm and charming in that creepy way, but he’s not the focus.
While the eeriness of the interview is effective, the realization it leads to—that the man’s lawyer is really pulling the strings—isn’t as much of a surprise as we’re meant to think, given said lawyer is much too eager about a killer being set free.
I find the end goal of getting all Julia’s cases re-examined because one of those cases is that of his brother to be absurd and alarming. First, I suppose there’s a reason he didn’t get plant evidence in the brother’s case. Why not give it?
Second, consider the lengths he has in mind. It’s doubtful we’ll ever see him again, but I kind of wish we would. Here, a man willing to set many killers free for his own ends is just jarring. As a season-long villain arc, he could set up real tension.
Of course, Bull isn’t exactly a “season-long villain arc” kind of show. I’m happy to settle for clients like Julia instead, so long as they don’t get all the screen time. I admit, that kind of happens this time.
The episode closes with just a hint of something for Bull and Diana. I wish it was more. I want more character plot in general. Among other things—how long has it been since someone has even mentioned Cable’s name?
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.