Ep 7. Hypnotized

In Reasonable Doubt season 4 episode 7, titled "Hypnotized," we see retired homicide detective Chris Anderson and criminal defense attorney Melissa Lewkowicz come together to investigate a case where a woman has been accused of murder. The episode follows the detectives as they explore the allegation that the accused used hypnosis to manipulate her boyfriend into committing the crime.

The victim in the case, a young woman named Michelle, was found dead in a secluded area of the woods, and all signs pointed towards the accused, a woman named Jane, being responsible for the murder. Jane had been in a relationship with Michelle's husband, and it was believed that she had planned and executed the killing as a twisted form of revenge.

However, as Anderson and Lewkowicz delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover evidence that suggests that Jane may have been coerced into committing the crime. One particularly troubling lead is the testimony of a man who claims to have been hypnotized by Jane into carrying out the murder.

The detectives are initially skeptical of the man's account, noting that hypnosis as a means of coercion is not typically seen in homicide cases. However, as they continue their investigation, they discover that Jane did in fact have a background in hypnosis and had used it on several occasions to manipulate her ex-husband during their divorce proceedings.

As Anderson and Lewkowicz present these findings to the prosecution, tensions mount in the courtroom, with both sides presenting compelling arguments for their case. The defense argues that without concrete forensic evidence linking Jane to the murder, her guilt cannot be established beyond a reasonable doubt. Meanwhile, the prosecution maintains that the circumstantial evidence is strong enough to prove her guilt, even without forensic evidence.

As the episode progresses, viewers are left to ponder whether or not Jane's alleged use of hypnosis should be considered a legitimate defense in the case. Ultimately, the detectives are forced to grapple with complex questions of personal agency, coercion, and the limits of forensic science in solving crimes.

Overall, "Hypnotized" is a thought-provoking episode of Reasonable Doubt that explores the intersection of psychology, criminal law, and the human capacity for manipulation. With its riveting courtroom drama and complex moral questions, it is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.