who really killed ben in defending jacob

The new Apple TV+ miniseries, Defending Jacob, is sure to suck you in if its anything like the book its based on. It feels like a confession but, of course, its not, said Bomback. He's also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor. Here's how the TV show differs from the book ending. This was one of the most critical scenes because you have to believe that a mother is able to kill herself and her own son, that the uncertainty and the guilt becomes too much, said Tyldum. Andy then confronts his father Billy about this. Its told through Andys eyes and its not clear whether the crash is an accident or not, though Andy refuses to incriminate Laurie at all. It must be Jacobs lucky day, says a brawny old friend of Billy (J.K. Simmons), Andys estranged father, who is currently serving a life sentence in prison for murder. [This story contains spoilers from the finale of Apple TV+s Defending Jacob.]. Andy goes back home and drinks alone. Dr. Vogel concludes that Jacob does not have the murder gene as it is passed maternally but does show genetic traits of manipulation and violence. 115. Hence, he is possibly thinking about how his sons life and teenage years got ruined because of the accusation. "He finally got away with this one crime, and now he's going to quickly, within the matter of six months, kill somebody else. In the book Hope the girl Jacob meets in Mexico (Jamaica in the novel) washes up dead on the beach. Benjamin Rifkin | Defending Jacob Wiki | Fandom From there, the book becomes even darker:Laurie's crash results in Jacob's death, and she barely survives. The peace Laurie found when the charges against Jacob were dropped is irreversibly disturbed. And what I was interested in is, how do you go forward from there when you know that your son potentially could come out of this thing? Retiring to their room after a romantic meal, Andy and Laurie find Jacob back earlier than expected - without Hope or the white shirt hed worn. The kid that ran away. And with Hope missing, he mightve killed again. The main takeaway is that danger always lurks withintight-knit communities, andthat having a friendly smile can't be used in court as proof of innocence. The Apple TV+ crime drama web series - based on Willian Landays novel - has had viewers wondering whether Jacob Barber (Jaeden Martell) killed Ben Rifkin or not. We review, recap and give our theories on the ending of Defending Jaco. Defending Jacob ending explained: Who killed Ben? | Radio Times After seeing Mrs Rifkin, she feels so upset she wants Jacob to tell Andy he did it so she can relax. This conclusion gives the audience a climax and a satisfying sense of finality, while also being true to the idea that, as parents, you cant divorce your own child, author William Landay explained. His grandfather is a convicted killer but his father is an upstanding member of the community, albeit one with a tendency towards reckless behaviour. Here's what the science says. Joanna Klein. Laurie already knows Patz is a suspect, and to make it seem even more believable, she finds the kid Andy talked to before, who then confesses to having a deal with Patz. Jacob Owen "Jake" Barber is the titular character of the Apple TV+ limited series, Defending Jacob. Jacobs comatose status arguably leaves the story open for a second season. Is Defending Jacob Based on a True Story. Did Jacob Do It in 'Defending Jacob'? Spoilers on Who Killed Ben Its officially been ruled an accident in court after Andy testifies saying, It was raining. < Defending Jacob ending explained: Did Jacob Barber murder Ben Rifkin? To write an ending that allows Andy and Laurie to slip out of that permanent relationship with Jacob in any way isnt true to the experience of most parents, who are in a permanent relationship with their children whether they like it or not.. Defending Jacobdeviates from the book's heartbreaking ending. For more information, please see our Upon the recommendation of Jacobs lawyer, Andy and Laurie send Jacob to a genetic specialist, Dr. Vogel. When Laurie wakes up in the hospital, she insists that the crash was an accident, but Andy isn't so sure. Andy admits that his father is a murderer named Billy who is in prison. But in Defending Jacob, Jacob is shown to be using . The big reveal is foreshadowed by various meetings between Andy and Billy, with the latter refusing to offer any help. Defending Jacob Review: Chris Evans Stars in a Twisty Crime Drama, Den Of Geek Book Club: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, Always Sunny to Talking Sopranos: The Best TV Rewatch Podcasts Hosted By Cast & Creators, The Star Trek Story Bridging the Gaps Between Deep Space Nine and Picard, Taskmaster and The Underrated Comic Genius of Kiell Smith-Bynoe. Defending Jacob Summary: Ben Rifkin is stabbed to death with a knife. Before going to Mexico, Andy wasn't sure about his son being a murderer, but things changed after the trip - and he ultimately started to side with Laurie on the matter. Cosgrove was one of three Louisville officers who shot their weapons during the botched drug raid on Taylor's home in March 2020. Laurie expresses concern at the end of the final episode that Jacob might not believe it was an accident does this mean shes forgotten what she did? He confessed that he was the one who killed Ben. It did bother me, that the night during the trial that Andy and Laurie heard an animal being . Warning: This article contains major spoilers for the final episode of Defending Jacob. The suicide, confession, and photographs of Ben that Patz deleted from his phone - in episode two - all point towards him murdering Ben. Well, what am I playing here? Is that red mark on his bathing trunks really ketchup, or could it be blood? Throughout the season, Laurie has been trying to get to the truth, even if it means destroying herself, while Andy has been trying to protect their son, even if it means lying to himself, said Bomback. https://nerdround.com/ Defending Jacob Season Finale Explained | Who Killed Ben Rifkin ?#defendingjacob #whokilledbenrifkin #nerdroundMake Sure To Subscribe . 'Defending Jacob' on Apple TV mentions 'murder gene.' Is it real? - Los Jacob, Patz, Derek, Sarah, or even Billys henchman couldve done it. 113. Wes Anderson Directing Star Wars? arsy80 3 yr. ago. In the novel, youre a little more sure Jacob did do it, because of the disappearance of Hope, said Bomback. Laurie becomes convinced again that Jacob killed Ben, even though Hope turns up alive the following day. Defending Jacob: Differences Between The Show And Book Ending Thats the crux of the problem Laurie is facing: Shell never, ever get the truth. Andy had always suspected Patz, and after the police get the note confirmed to be that of Patz, Jacob is acquitted. Jacob says he didnt do it but he also wrote a story which sounded like it could have been a description of what happened. As it turns out, the henchman - Father OLeary (William Xifaras) - was instructed by Andys father and convicted murderer Billy (J. K. Simmons) to protect them. The ending of AppleTV+'s 'Defending Jacob' series diverts from William Landay's 2012 novel in two key ways. But later, in the hospital, she doesnt appear to remember what happened, and both she and Jacob will likely recover. And sometimes you really have to leave it up to the people around you and take that pressure off yourself, and then it will all unfold onscreen., For his part, Evans says he doesnt think the crash was a hugely premeditated move: I do believe its born of a subconscious choice. Laurie starts to believe that Jacob might have killed Ben after Andy tells her about his finding. However, Andy finds out that his father had arranged for Patz to be threatened into writing a confession and be killed. Its more just a process of elimination.. The last episode of Defending Jacob starts with the Assistant District Attorney and Jacobs father Andy Barber getting a phone call from their family lawyer, Joanna Klein, that Leonard Patz had left a notemoments before he had committed suicide. The eighth episode, which premiered Friday, begins with a big development: The murder charges that troubled teen Jacob (Jaeden Martell) had been facing all season are suddenly dropped. When she realises Andy knows about Patzs murder she blames Jacob because nobody but Andy knows about Patz, so Jacob is anyways safe. While Jacobs trial is going on, Patz commits suicide after confessing to have killed Ben in a letter. Her body turns up several weeks later, and an autopsy discovers that her windpipe had been crushed. Part of her must know that she was in a horrible place that morning, Bomback says. Jacob dies instantly in the car crash. The one sees the best in the child and the other only sees the worst. Whatever you want, just slow down, please., This is what Laurie, and the audience, have been waiting to hear, and yet its validity is still in question. She takes Jacob with her for a haircut but confronts him, to tell the truth. She asks Jacob about it while they are in a car. Yep, once again, we dont know! Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Apple TV+s limited series Defending Jacob, Apples new TV show reconsiders the murder gene. Heres what the science says, Review: Defending Jacob might be Apple TV+s first big flop, Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon blasted at White House Correspondents dinner, Tom Jones review: PBS Masterpieces latest period drama is laid-back and enjoyable, Michael J. When Andy asks his father if he did it, he repeatedly denies all knowledge albeit in a slightly stilted way. When Hope disappears she starts to be reminded of killing Ben and she feels so scared and guilty, that when Hope comes back all she wants to do is go home. Apple has a policy that villians in tv shows or movies can't use Apple Products. Before you give us your thoughts on Episode 1, let's break down what happened in the series premiere: Based on William Landay's 2012 novel, Defending Jacob stars Evans as Andy Barber, an . The ending of the series is much more ambiguous than the book in William Landays 2012 novel, the girl Jacob meets on vacation turns up dead, confirming Lauries worst suspicions. Q.V. As Laurie begs Jacob to tell her the truth, she pushes the car to go faster and faster, ultimately crashing and seriously injuring them both. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Was she trying to kill Jacob or herself? He could have lived with this burden of guilt in the same way that he's lived with this other lie for so long and gone on to live a more or less contented life, but he doesn't.". According to Billy, Andycan either be a good man or be a good father; hegets to "choose." This Lincoln car is similar to the one Father OLeary drives. The Defending Jacob ending reveals that Billy Barber orchestrated Patz's murder.Specifically, he enlisted a long-time friend known as "Father O'Leary" (William Xifaras) to frame and kill the pedophile, which would allow his grandson, Jacob, to receive legal "proof of innocence." The big reveal is foreshadowed by various meetings between Andy and Billy, with the latter refusing to offer any help. At the end of this, now hes going to be the one living with it did they or didnt they? I like that its ambiguous, that it could have been premeditated or that shes trying to put them both out of their misery, Dockery says. ALSO READ | The Vast Of Night Ending Explained: What Happens To Everett And Fay At The End? Though, the book does lean towards suggesting that Jacob might be the actual killer. In the end, it is shown that Jacob is in a coma. We want people to watch it and say, Holy , Morten Tyldum, who directed all eight episodes, told The Times. Unable to hide the truth any longer, Andy gets drunk and tells Laurie about his fathers involvement. Set in Massachusetts, Defending Jacob revolves around the Barber family. Laurie and Andy are depicted to be going through a lot as they defend their son. And if hes guilty? Patz commits suicide and leaves a note confessing to killing Ben. Defending Jacob | Season 1 - Episode 8 | Discussion Thread But Bens mother Joan was struggling to cope. Hope is found safe and Jacob had nothing to do with her disappearance. Distraught after learning about the cover-up, Laurie drives her car into a wall with Jacob inside. And as the final episode reveals, Defending Jacob never definitively weighs in on Jacob's guilt or innocence. The subsequent car crash suggests that Laurie felt purely isolated from reality - even from her husband and son. Taylor was a 26-year-old emergency room technician and aspiring . Absolute proof that Jacob did NOT kill Ben. "In fact, he's going to now be having the same doubts about his mom that she's been harboring about him throughout the entire story.". Jacob is set free. On the surface, it allows the family toescape from reality as they contemplate an impending move to Denver. Im not kidding. The Defending Jacobending reveals that Billy Barber orchestrated Patz's murder. Jacob does have some other genetic traits, we learn, that make him predisposed towards some anti-social behaviours. The story shows how both parents lives are unraveling due to the pressures of not knowing whether their child is guilty or innocent. Jacob keeps declining and Laurie believes he did kill Ben so she crashes the car deliberately. Laurie tells him to let go but he doesnt. How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! Anyways, Bye. I like this tragic notion of were in a prison of our own making as were leaving these characters. In Landay's source material, the Barbers go to Jamaica (rather than Mexico), and Jacob does indeed meet a girl named Hope Connors. He hesitates for a few days then accepts the offer. Ultimately, however, Andy . Unsettled, Andy visits Billy, who indeed arranged for a blackmailed confession and suicide. Its a different kind of bleak but hopefully, one that feels very much in keeping with the story weve been telling.. Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell and Chris Evans star in "Defending Jacob," the latest series to mention a "murder gene.". Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. I dont think Jacob did it because usually someone would confess when their life was on the line and he kept saying it wasnt him. Any difficulty or complexity that your child brings into this world becomes a part of your own life. Defending Jacob Ending Explained | Den of Geek Driving at full speed on a wet road, she crashes the car into the wall of a tunnel entrance, seemingly killing them both. But if I didnt, if I went too far the other way, it just looks like shes completely bonkers. The following story contains spoilers from the eighth and final episode of Defending Jacob, After.. The family go to Mexico for a vacation. Laurie begins to think that Jacob is really Ben's killer. Im more attempting to explore the subjective experience you have of seeing this situation through Andy and Lauries eyes and creating the sensation that they have, which is that you will never know. Of course, not everyone is convinced. Despite his discovery, Andy believes Jacob is innocent, as does his wife Laurie (portrayed on screen by Michelle Dockery). Laurie is now convinced that Jacob had killed Benand possibly Hope as well. Even thoughJacob didn't killHope in Mexico, Laurie becomes more suspicious than ever about the Rifkin murder. Just as one single thought crushed Andy's psyche in Mexico, a few simple words destroy Laurie's frame of mind, resulting in a near-fatal accident after swerving off the road. And then look at their partner and really talk about the question were asking: Is unconditional love bigger than our own morals?What happened in the last episode? Its perhaps not surprising but also not indicative of veracity that it would only be after the trial, when Jacob isnt at risk of going to prison and Andy is fully smashed, that hed drop his guard. Or are the family just the victims of circumstance? He was initially spotted by the couple in town, leaving them unsure about his motivations. More:Is Defending Jacob A True Story? And what do I believe? Same blade size, as well as "teeth" on the blade. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. One similarity between the book and the series that remains intact is how its never explicitly stated whether Jacob really did kill Ben. For Bomback, he says he wanted to write Jacob as a far more sympathetic, normal teen and as less of a psychopath-in-waiting, so he chose to focus the show primarily on Ben Rifkin's murder instead of Hope's. At this point, she just wants a definitive answer, and then asks her son if he killed Ben. Is Bomback open to a Defending Jacob followup? You really feel that shes unraveling, said Defending Jacob director Morten Tyldum of Michelle Dockerys character, Laurie. Father OLeary, the henchman, was asked to protect the family by Andys father and convicted murderer Billy. He chooses to lie again. At the end of the day, Im not super interested in this binary thing of did he do it or didnt he do it? Andy storms out but refuses to tell Laurie (Michelle Dockery) what happened. Fox Says Battle With Parkinsons Disease Keeps Getting Tougher: Im Not Going to Be 80, TV Premiere Dates 2022: The Complete Guide, Broadcast TV Unscripted Scorecard 2022: Whats New, Renewed and Canceled, TV Pilots 2022: The Complete Broadcast Guide, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. She offers to pay him even more money if he calls Andy and tells him about this without saying. Defending Jacob Cast Guide: Where You've Seen The Actors Before, Is Defending Jacob A True Story? Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, and director Rob Marshall share the tale behind making their underwater musical with a groundbreaking Disney princess. But whereas the TV series reveals thatHope merely disappeared, the book ends with her corpse being discovered on a beach, and that she'd likely been strangled to death. One could argue that Jacob'sodd behaviorimplies that he did indeed kill his classmate, Ben. When they find Jacob's fingerprint on Ben and other kids start talking on social media about how Barber owned a knife he liked to show off . Thats one of the plot points thats been altered from the book more on that later. Andy confronts his father over his apparent involvement. Laurie is badly injured and Jacob is in a coma. All in all, we dont know if Jacob did it. Patz because of some pedo infatuation. I think if Id given you a definitive answer on either one of those, you would have been a little bit frustrated because youve already entertained the possibility in both directions, says creator Mark Bomback. I dont think that our ending is any less bleak than the ending of the book, Bomback added. She cleans the knife in the water and goes home. Over the course of its eight episodes, the AppleTV+ limited series carefully doles out many of the hallmarks of a standard murder mystery, from red herrings and tense trials to more than a few shocking twists.

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