Burden of Truth Review: Shelter From The Storm (Season 3 Episode 8)
Time’s running out as Kodie’s final shot to get her children back looms as Joanna and Billy find themselves dealing with higher personal stakes and heartbreak on Burden of Truth Season 3 Episode 8, “Shelter from the Storm.”
The final hour of the season does a fantastic job tying in all the big emotional moments and arcs while offering a glimpse at a brighter future, especially when it comes to the core cast of characters.
Seeing the tactics, we’ve seen throughout the season employed on Joanna and Billy, specifically that unexpected and unwanted Millwood Family Services home visit, is so very creepy and disconcerting.
So many questions arise out of that visit. Who reported Joanna and Billy? Who told Family Services of her pregnancy?
It’s a quick moment in “Shelter from the Storm,” but it stands out because it feels like a gross invasion of their privacy.
Though we didn’t get many moments throughout the season, Joanna, and Luna’s sibling moment as they bond over childhood traumas and the baby on the way is sweet and very on-brand as it leads to a case breakthrough.
Luna: Childhood trauma, the gift that keeps on giving.
The energy and tension throughout the courtroom scenes in the latter part of the hour are marvelously acted and done so well to ratchet up the pressure and keep you on the edge of your seat.
The direct examination of Solomon Stone provides some of the most tension-filled moments of the trial, with incredible highs and lows, culminating in a fantastic and devastating moment of vindication.
“Shelter from The Storm” also does a beautiful job following Joanna and Billy’s personal arc with a lovely moment of emotion interspersed in their trial prep. It’s what makes the scene where they eagerly await to hear the baby’s heartbeat so realistic for their characters.
Billy’s trying to keep Joanna from avoiding the weight of the moment as she tries to bring up trial strategy, and you feel the nervousness at that moment, putting you in that moment with them.
The flash forward to see where everyone stands in the aftermath, from a thriving Crawford Chang to Taylor as a cadet and Luna’s legal career taking shape, is a beautiful end to the season.
Joanna’s words to her unborn child are sweet and emblematic of how much she’s grown and opened up over the last 3 seasons.
If this is the last, we see of each of these wonderful characters we’ve learned about over the last few years, it works as a solid end to the series as well. It’s been a pleasure getting to see Joanna growing and coming into her own over the last few years as she fights for the rights of those around her.
Random Thoughts
- While I’m glad we see the pair have made up, I’m not sure how I feel about the way Owen and Diane’s issues are resolved. But just like real life, it’s not necessarily bookended, but a process that flows throughout the relationship.
- Billy’s disappointment with his father’s drunken appearance during the trial is palpable and you can’t help but feel disappointed in his choice to drink before doing something that is so clearly important to his son.
- The “future lawyer” onesie is adorable.
- Seeing Kodie and Joanna’s childhood flashback in its entirety is a sweet moment that bookends their season-long arc together.
- Does the finale stick the landing for you? What would you imagine a season 4 to look like for Joanna, Billy, and company?
What did you think of this episode of Burden of Truth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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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.