The Last Defense
Flaws in the American justice system are explored and exposed through emotional, in-depth examinations of multiple death row cases. The series looks at cases from all angles, returning to the scene of the crime, re-interviewing witnesses, and delving beyond the details of the crime and court proceedings to take a deep look into the personal stories of the subjects, seeking to trace the path that led them to their place on death row. With incisive, compelling storytelling, The Last Defense gives voice to those who can no longer be heard. Season one investigates the cases of a Dallas housewife convicted of stabbing two of her sons to death, and a high school athlete convicted of shooting a father at point blank range in front of his daughters. Meanwhile, their attorneys race against the clock to get new trials before their execution dates are set. Both have been on death row for nearly two decades each. Both may be innocent.
- Metascore67
- 2018-2018
- 1 season
- ABC
- Documentary
Flaws in the American justice system are explored and exposed through emotional, in-depth examinations of multiple death row cases. The series looks at cases from all angles, returning to the scene of the crime, re-interviewing witnesses, and delving beyond the details of the crime and court proceedings to take a deep look into the personal stories of the subjects, seeking to trace the path that led them to their place on death row. With incisive, compelling storytelling, The Last Defense gives voice to those who can no longer be heard. Season one investigates the cases of a Dallas housewife convicted of stabbing two of her sons to death, and a high school athlete convicted of shooting a father at point blank range in front of his daughters. Meanwhile, their attorneys race against the clock to get new trials before their execution dates are set. Both have been on death row for nearly two decades each. Both may be innocent.
Season 1 Episode Guide
7 Episodes 2018
Episode 1
Darlie Routier: The Crime
Tue, Jun 12, 2018
Dallas housewife Darlie Routier urges police to find the intruder she claims killed her sons.
Episode 2
Darlie Routier: The Trial
Tue, Jun 19, 2018
Amid a media frenzy, Darlie Routier's trial begins.
Episode 3
Darlie Routier: The Woman
Tue, Jun 26, 2018
The prosecution presents a damaging video of Darlie having a party at her children's grave site.
Episode 4
Darlie Routier: The Fight
Tue, Jul 3, 2018
Darlie's defense team explores alternative theories and lays out its strategy for a retrial.
Episode 5
Julius Jones: The Crime
Tue, Jul 10, 2018
In 1999, 19-year-old former high school basketball state champion and star football player Julius Jones was arrested days after a businessman was gunned down by a black man in a white suburb of Oklahoma City. At the time of the murder, Julius was a student at the University of Oklahoma on a partial academic scholarship, attempting to walk on to the basketball team. Nineteen years later, we hear from Tommy Griffin, father of NBA superstar Blake Griffin, who coached Julius; and in interviews from death row, Julius tells his version of events while federal public defenders retrace the steps that led to what they claim is a miscarriage of justice.
Episode 6
Julius Jones: The Trial
Tue, Jul 17, 2018
The State calls their star witness, Christopher Jordan, who testifies he was there when Julius pulled the trigger. Julius and his family watch as his defense takes this last opportunity to save him, but there are missed opportunities to hear Julius' side of the story, and a critical piece of evidence is never shown to the jury. The clock is ticking for Julius, but two witnesses have come forward in his favor since the conviction, and he now holds out hope thanks to his current lawyers.
Episode 7
Julius Jones: The Fight
Tue, Jul 24, 2018
With Julius Jones at the top of the state of Oklahoma's list of impending executions, federal public defenders Amanda Bass and Dale Baich are in a race to win a new trial. When new evidence comes to light, there may be hope for Julius.
