What I’m Watching: Goliath (Season Finale)

Goliath: Season 1, Episode 8 “Citizens United” (B+)

I found this finale to be a very fitting conclusion to the first season of this show, and it’s both puzzling and concerning to me that, after reports that this was Amazon’s most-binged show and Billy Bob Thornton earned a Golden Globe nomination, this show has yet to be renewed for a second season. I think this year more than proved its quality, crafting a talented and packed ensemble with a handful of supporting characters who really stood out. To me, the best ones were Brittany, who played a tremendous role in this episode, and Patty, who barely appeared in it but still got in a few fantastic lines, namely asking in astonishment if the defense were under the impression that they won. After Donald made his triumphant exit from the shadows to come testify, he didn’t suffer as vicious and swift a takedown as Billy afforded Brittany. He did, however, suffer a stroke on the stand, and the final scene painted an ambiguous portrait of his fate, both eager to die and to get revenge on Billy one last time by sending him to jail for fulfilling his wish. Lucy turned out to be the real downfall for the case, destroying Donald’s credibility entirely. It’s crazy to see how quickly a $162 million judgment was reduced to $25 million and then upped back to $50 million and an admission of guilt thanks to Billy pressing it, and he even managed to get Wendell arrested after recording him. I like this show a lot, and I really do hope we get more of it.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Nina Arianda as Patty