Episode 3 begins with Rusty revealing to Barbara that he was at Carolyn’s house the night she was murdered. This revelation shocks Barbara, who needs time alone to process the news. Meanwhile, Raymond wakes up from a nightmare about Rusty killing Carolyn, causing concern for his wife, Lorraine.
Rusty receives a mysterious text directing him to an address at 3 o’clock. Despite Raymond’s advice against meeting the texter, Rusty’s curiosity drives him to find out more. Barbara, struggling with the press attention, finds solace in talking to a bartender and later confides in Lorraine.
At the prosecutor’s office, Detective Rigo is warned off Rusty’s case, though she’s determined to investigate further. Rusty arrives at the address to find Michael, Carolyn’s son, who claims to have incriminating evidence against Rusty and has already shared it with the DA.
In a tense courtroom scene, Raymond discovers he’s listed as a prosecution witness, adding another layer of complexity. That night, Rusty discusses the evidence with his family, leading to a heartfelt moment of reconciliation with his son, Kyle.
Tommy and Nico, the prosecutors, strategize at a bar, while Raymond hires Mya to assist in Rusty’s defense. Rusty reflects on his relationship with Carolyn, revealing it was a mix of love and lust, sparked during a sensitive case they worked on together.
Barbara endures judgmental stares at Kyle’s baseball match, underscoring the public scrutiny they face. Rusty revisits Carolyn’s house, haunted by memories, and is advised by Raymond to abandon the Bunny Davis angle. The episode concludes with Rusty receiving photos and videos from Michael, including a startling image of his son, Kyle, outside Carolyn’s house on the night of the murder.
The third episode maintains the show’s slow-burn pace but delivers a significant twist with the reveal of Kyle’s presence at Carolyn’s house. The investigation unfolds methodically, demanding patience, but it’s the personal dynamics that truly drive the episode.
Barbara’s struggle to balance family loyalty and personal desire is poignant, while Raymond’s inner turmoil over defending his friend adds depth. Michael’s vendetta against his mother and his manipulation of Rusty brings a darker edge to the narrative.
The courtroom scenes and legal maneuvers are well-crafted, though the twist of Raymond as a prosecution witness feels underexplored. The emotional core of the episode—Rusty’s strained family bonds and his haunting memories of Carolyn—provides a rich backdrop to the unfolding mystery.
While the episode might lack the high-stakes urgency of typical legal thrillers, it compensates with strong character development and a tantalizing cliffhanger. The reveal of Kyle’s potential involvement adds a new layer of suspense, promising more twists ahead.
