Why the Defending Jacob Ending is the Worst

Ok, hate is a strong word, but I’m in my feelings right now. Have you watched Defending Jacob on Apple TV+? I disliked very much the ending of Defending Jacob, the TV show. It’s different than the book, so don’t expect the same outcome. But just because I didn’t  appreciate the ending doesn’t mean it’s not worth a watch. If you don’t want any Defending Jacob spoilers, don’t read any further. 

The Defending Jacob Ending Was The Worst

Yes, I’m super dramatic. That ending to Defending Jacob premiered yesterday, and it was the worst. I’m not opposed to books and movies being different. I like a little element of surprise, but what I don’t like is no answers! That’s how I felt after I invested myself in 8 episodes of Defending Jacob. If you need a little summary of what the show is about, check out my Defending Jacob review.

Ok, sure I started for Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery and my motives may have been impure for art’s sake. But how are you going to make me go down all those roads, the twists, the grief, the binge, and come out with a depressing, “Did Laurie go crazy and just try to kill her innocent or guilty son?” I don’t know. I don’t want to blame this on Laurie. 

I need a Jack McCoy from Law & Order to swoop up in here and demand justice. He would have found out whether Jacob killed Ben! No doubt.

How is the Book Ending Different Than the Show in Defending Jacob?

There are several differences in the ending of Defending Jacob book versus the show. My friend Tessa talks about all of them. However, my main beef is that Laurie attempts to kill Jacob in the end of the show without knowing whether he killed Ben or not. Yes, she had her suspicions between the murder gene, the lying, the knife, but there was nothing ever solid enough to make her 100% sure. 

Then she finally got her relief after the trial. Until she gets the news about Papa Barber’s interference. 

And how is Papa Barber going to have some conscience and want to help his family now after all this time? SMH. 

Knowing that, should Andy really have told her? Ok, theoretically, yes, but he knew Laurie was already on edge. 

The book ending is definitely more morbid, but Laurie had Hope to pretty much confirm her suspicions, so even though she kills Jacob in the book, at least the little murderous creep got what he deserved. Is that heartless? Arguable. 

Michelle Dockery did an excellent job in the show demonstrating just how confused and desperate she was with the information at hand. Did she mean to kill herself and Jacob? Was she trying to save future victims? I don’t know and neither does anyone else, and perhaps that’s why fans of the show ending liked it. It’s up to the viewer. 

But for me, I wanted closure. I did not opt for the choose-your-own-adventure ending. And so I thought the ending of Defending Jacob was the worst. That’s my irrational story, and I’m sticking to it.