Burden of Truth Review: Crisis of Faith (Season 3 Episode 5)
There’s something far darker going on in Millwood Family Services, and Joanna and Billy are determined to figure out what it is on Burden of Truth Season 3 Episode 5, “Crisis of Faith.”
The hour shifts from the emotional focus falling on Kodie and the aftermath of losing her daughters to Millwood Family Services to uncovering a potential plot to take children away from parents in the town without taking away any of the emotional resonance of those actions.
The case becomes complicated, with the possibilities of something far crueler and more sinister going on beyond what’s going on with Kodie and her children. What Joanna and Billy uncover involves ties to Clear Dawn Labs, a lab that is responsible for a host of drug testing.
The way that the hour continues to build on this mystery, taking several disconcerting turns, is interesting, especially as the possibilities about what the source of corruption is. From the private school that seems to be a pipeline for family services to the Clear Dawn confrontation, it hints at this unrelenting authority without any oversight in the process.
With the apparent non-answer at the end by the head of Clear Dawn Labs, it makes me wonder how far this will go, and how dangerous things will get for all involved. What else will Joanna and Billy uncover in their mission to get Madison and True back to their mother?
Owen’s situation with Mercer continues to escalate in a way that is equal parts frustrating and frightening. The fact that Mercer games the systems in such a capable way is a frighteningly clear reflection of the way the system works in general when it comes to racial inequities.
It’s heartbreaking that Owen has to take a step back from Diane and the kids to keep them safe. It’s also concerning that it’s becoming difficult to see that there’s no one Owen can turn to since Mayor Sheppard’s not much help after seeing her urge him to make a public apology.
Owen: I don’t apologize to bigots.
It makes me wonder how far this is going to go and how much danger may be heading Owen’s way.
Meanwhile, Joanna’s dealing with the newfound knowledge that she’s pregnant to a mix of sweet, worrying, and emotional results. From talking with Diane to the awkward announcement at the end, it seems like a turnabout of everything we’ve learned about Joanna.
Seeing Billy take the opposing position at the end is painful, and you can see it on Joanna’s face as she tells him bluntly that they’re expecting.
Considering there’s been this strange bit of distance between them this season, how will the news of a baby go over? What will the pair decide? Will they be talking it through or avoiding it at all costs?
Random Thoughts
- Diane asking Joanna the question that’s been on my mind for about an episode and a half is fantastic. The signs are all there and seeing how that inevitable positive test ties into Joanna’s epiphany about Kodie’s drug test plays very well and very on-brand for her.
- The fact that Joanna craves oranges is kind of hilarious.
- Clear Dawn Labs’ Dr. Stone looks an awful lot like Rookie Blue’s Ben Bass.
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 Thursdays 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.