Ep 2. Chapter Two

John Grisham’s 1991 bestselling novel-turned-television series “The Firm” continues to entertain viewers with its second episode titled “Chapter Two”. The show, a sequel to the original novel, picks up from where the book left off, six years after Mitch McDeere’s escapade from the Bendini, Lambert, & Locke law firm which ends with mobsters’ imprisonment.

In this episode, the story continues to revolve around McDeere played by Josh Lucas, who continues to work with his new law firm Kinross & Clark. Kinross & Clark is headed by Alex Clark (Tricia Helfer), a skilled litigator who was McDeere’s girlfriend in law school. The story begins with Clark presenting a case to McDeere, but he rejects the case citing client conflicts. This doesn’t go down well with Clark who confronts McDeere and chides him for not being a team player. McDeere, in his defence, maintains that he needs to maintain integrity and can’t compromise on his values.

On the personal front, McDeere is continuously trying to win back Abby (Molly Parker), his wife. Abby, a schoolteacher, stands by her husband, but is still haunted by the shadow of the past.

While the story is mainly centred around McDeere, the episode also introduces some new characters including Sarah Holt (Natalie Lisinska), a beautiful and ambitious young law associate, and Ray McDeere (Callum Keith Rennie), Mitch’s brother who was on death row for a crime he did not commit. Sarah has just secured a position in the firm and is adamant to prove to everyone how good she is, especially to her father who is a law firm executive. Ray, on the other hand, is adjusting to life outside prison with a restaurant job and wants nothing to do with McDeere’s involvement with Kinross & Clark.

The storyline takes an interesting turn when McDeere comes across a wrongful death case involving Brian Cutler, a hog farmer whose wife died after a cyanide poisoning incident. McDeere decides to take up the case, which forces him to challenge the local powerbroker, Tommy Korman (David Straithairn), a wealthy and influential businessman who is determined to protect his own interest. Korman’s business interests involve multiple ties with Kinross & Clark and other law firms, and he poses a significant challenge for McDeere and his firm.

The episode is filled with suspense, drama, and ambiguous situations, which will keep viewers at the edge of their seats. As the story unfolds, we see Clark soften her stance against McDeere while Sarah continues to run into trouble with her cases. McDeere’s relationship with his brother Ray unfolds in unexpected ways through a particular revelation that connects them in a remarkable fashion. Meanwhile, the story of Brian Cutler has its twists and turns and will make viewers question who is at fault and who will pay?

Overall, the second episode of “The Firm” keeps up the momentum of the plot. The show’s talented actors, gripping and engaging storyline ensure that viewers will be anticipating the next episode eagerly. “Chapter Two” invites viewers to dive deeper into the world of Kinross & Clark and the secrets that lie therein.