Burden of Truth Review: Hungry, Cold & Tired (Season 2 Episode 5)
Things get from bad to worse for Luna as the evidence paints a pretty unfavorable picture of the events leading up to David Hanley’s death on Burden of Truth Season 2 Episode 5, “Hungry, Cold & Tired,” in another engrossing hour.
Seeing the power trips and abuses continue in the Millwood Police Department, as Mercer decides to follow the target instead and lazily pursuing Luna instead of legitimately investigating David’s murder is one of the more frustrating aspects of the story arc.
But it’s precisely that frustration and sense of grounded nods to the injustices in the existing criminal justice system (that exist on an international level) that continues to make this such an engaging arc.
It’s heartbreaking to see Luna suffering and in utter shock, as she lives life as an inmate, getting a taste at how utterly warped things are. Hearing her cellmate’s story is equally adds to the frustration, hearing about the terrible advice she got from her legal aid attorney, someone who is assigned to give her a chance at a competent defense against the charges, absolutely failing her.
There’s something maddening seeing dramatized versions of the kinds of stories that are sometimes heard from people in vulnerable positions in the criminal justice system.
The moment Taylor takes her journal to Mercer, a sense of doom descends on the case and investigation because Mercer does what you’d expect from him and twist her entries in the diary in a way that piles on guilt.
You want to be upset about Taylor’s choices, thinking she could have gone to Billy and Joanna with the entry. Considering that she’s desperate to help her friend, you kind of can’t fault her for not thinking that one through.
Hopefully, it’s a lesson learned for Taylor not to trust Mercer or her father (again).
While it may not be the most light-hearted way to approach it, but the fact that we’re seeing Joanna’s devotion and affection for Luna growing and taking the spotlight as she fights to save her sister from doing any time.
Joanna’s always committed to her cases and her clients, but there’s something about the way she’s actively fighting for Luna that is heartwarming. Luna’s case also allows her to continue working through her own loss in a very Joanna kind of way.
Joanna obviously isn’t a fan of Billy’s approach of really examining feelings, trying to talk through things though it’s lovely to see him offer his support in any way he can. I am very much here for every single minute of it.
I am especially here for their moment out on the deck, staring up at the stars, and just talking about their upbringing—and Billy’s phrasing of his hopes for the next generation.
Billy: I think it will be different with our kids.
There’s just something about the way he said and quickly clarified that added a moment of levity to the situation and felt like there was more to how he said it.
The question remains, though, why is Mercer doing all of this? Is it as simple as he refuses to look bad to the Mayor? Is there dirty money involved? Or is it as simply disheartening as the police asserting power over those he would consider vulnerable?
Random Thoughts
- Matt Gordon’s appearance as Mr. Bennet jumpstarted my Rookie Blue-loving heart, especially when he shares a scene with Peter Mooney’s Billy as they’re negotiating a plea deal for Luna. Will he be at least a reasonable prosecutor? Only time will tell.
- I love that Owen is still fighting for Luna and helping Billy and Joanna with the case even as Mercer continues his lazy investigation. How long before they get rid of Mercer and make him chief (please)?
What did you think of this episode of Burden of Truth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Burden of Truth airs Sundays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Brianna Martinez
Brianna spends her time away from briefs, legal research, and pleadings, watching TV and writing about it. She generally has a lot of feelings about TV, which you can read about here and on Twitter.