Ep 1. Pilot

Rebecca Wright is a highly respected Los Angeles County Court Judge, well-known for her unorthodox behavior both inside and outside of the courtroom. Her daily routine consists of spending her nights partying, smoking marijuana and hooking up with younger men, which sometimes leads to her being late for court the next morning. Throughout the pilot episode, viewers get to meet Rebecca, her colleagues, and some of her closest friends, who mostly consist of one-night-stands, including a young bartender named Tom who Rebecca confides in and repeatedly hooks up with.

The story quickly picks up when Rebecca begins to preside over a case involving a young girl named Olivia, who is being raised by her father after her mother's death in a car accident. The father had been taking Olivia to a local arcade as a way to bond with her but was arrested for kidnapping when he refused to bring her back to her mother's parents who gained custody after the mother's death. As Rebecca listens to the case, she becomes emotionally invested, hearing their plea for justice and the father's desperation to be reunited with his daughter, prompting her to make some unconventional decisions that results in her being investigated by the Commission on Judicial Misconduct.

As the pilot episode progresses, Rebecca juggles the multiple aspects of her life, including her late-night partying, her court cases, her friendships, and her personal life. Her colleagues seem to support her even though everyone around her is aware of her unorthodox behavior, helping her navigate the complexities of both her public and private lives.

Rebecca is also a victim herself; She witnessed the trauma of her parent's murder during her teenage years, leading to her irresponsible and unconventional choices that helped her cope with the tragedy, which is somewhat relatable. This revelation enables the viewers to empathize with her and understand why she acts the way she does.

The direction of the show takes some unexpected turns just when things begin to stabilize in Rebecca's life. Not content to present Rebecca as a one-dimensional character, the show delves deeper into her story, exploring her vulnerability as the case drags on and takes a toll on her - This aspect of her story adds to the emotional investment the viewer has already achieved in her character.

The pilot episode of Bad Judge leaves the audience with a lot of questions and puzzled expectations, giving glimpses of many possibilities that they will explore further down the line. Viewers are left wanting more and curious to know more about Rebecca, her backstory, and how it shapes her present and future.

Ultimately, the Pilot episode of Bad Judge is a great introduction to Rebecca and her world, setting a high bar of expectation for what is to follow, which proves to be entertaining and addictive. The show is successful in making viewers laugh, feel emotionally connected, and leaves them wanting more. It sets up the story and establishes the characters well, creating anticipation for what is sure to be a thrilling and thought-provoking ride in the future episodes of the season.