Watch The Last Defense

2018
1 Season
7.3 (238)

The Last Defense is a gripping true-crime series that explores the intricacies of the United States criminal justice system. The show premiered on ABC in 2018, and its ten-episode run was executive produced by actress Viola Davis, who also serves as the show's host. The series delves into the stories of individuals who have been convicted of heinous crimes and explores the legal battles that take place to exonerate the wrongfully accused. Throughout each episode, viewers are presented with compelling evidence and witness testimony that paints a picture of what actually took place during these crimes. The show's first episode centers on the case of Darlie Routier, who was convicted of killing her two young sons in 1996. The episode takes viewers through the sequence of events leading up to the murder and highlights the prosecution's arguments against Routier's innocence. The episode also features interviews with those involved in the case, including Routier's husband, Darin, and her defense attorney, Douglas Mulder. In subsequent episodes, The Last Defense examines other high-profile cases such as Julius Jones, who was sentenced to death for the 1999 murder of a businessman in Oklahoma, and Linda Couch, who spent over 20 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. One of the unique aspects of The Last Defense is its focus on the personal stories of those involved in these cases. Viewers are given an intimate look at the lives of the accused and their families as they navigate the complex legal system. The show also highlights the efforts of organizations like the Innocence Project, which work to free the wrongfully convicted. Another standout feature of the series is the skillful way in which it raises important questions about the fairness of the criminal justice system. Each case presented in the show brings up issues such as police brutality, racial bias, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony. These themes are explored in depth, provoking important discussions about the ways in which the criminal justice system can be improved. The Last Defense boasts a talented team of producers and directors, including Phillip-Charlie Daniell, Katusha Robert, and Skip Hollandsworth, who bring a wealth of experience to the project. These industry veterans are able to deftly weave together the various elements of each case, creating a compelling narrative that is both informative and emotionally moving. Overall, The Last Defense is an excellent example of true-crime storytelling. Its focus on the personal stories of the accused and the legal battles that ensue make it a captivating watch. Moreover, its ability to unpack complex legal issues in an accessible way, while raising important questions about the fairness of the criminal justice system, make it a must-see for viewers who are interested in our nation's justice system.

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Seasons

7. Julius Jones: The Fight

July 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.

6. Julius Jones: The Trial

July 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.

5. Julius Jones: The Crime

July 10, 2018

University of Oklahoma student Julius Jones is arrested for the shooting death of a businessman.

4. Darlie Routier: The Fight

July 3, 2018

Darlie's Defense Team Explores Alternative Theories and Lays Out its Strategy for a Retrial.

3. Darlie Routier: The Woman

June 26, 2018

The trial of Darlie Routier heats up. Facing one of Texas' top defense lawyers, the prosecution argues that Darlie's actions and demeanor are not that of a grieving mother but of a person capable of murdering her own children. The defense strikes back by questioning the state's theory of motive and the characterization of Darlie. However, when the prosecution presents a video of Darlie having a party at her children's gravesite in the now infamous "silly string video," it seems her fate is sealed. Author Barbara Davis, who was at the original trial, gives a firsthand account.

2. Darlie Routier: The Trial

June 19, 2018

Amid a media frenzy, Darlie Routier's trial begins in the small, conservative town of Kerrville, Texas. Prosecutors know they will be up against a formidable adversary when Darlie's family hires one of Dallas' top attorneys, Doug Mulder. For the first time in the series, we hear from Darlie on death row and her first-hand account of what happened that night, an account investigators say was 100% fabricated after Darlie staged the crime scene. The state's investigators will present its evidence pointing to Darlie as the killer, but 20 years later, defense experts examine their theories, one by one.

1. Darlie Routier: The Crime

June 12, 2018

The premiere of the docu-series, which explores and exposes flaws in the American justice system via examinations of the death row cases of Darlie Routier and Julius Jones. In 1997, Darlie Routier, wife and mother, was sentenced to death for the brutal stabbing murder of her two young sons. In 2001, Julius Jones, a 21-year-old African-American college student with an academic scholarship, was sentenced to death for the carjacking murder of a white father of two. Both maintain their innocence.

Description

The series delves into the stories of individuals who have been convicted of heinous crimes and explores the legal battles that take place to exonerate the wrongfully accused. Throughout each episode, viewers are presented with compelling evidence and witness testimony that paints a picture of what actually took place during these crimes.

The show's first episode centers on the case of Darlie Routier, who was convicted of killing her two young sons in 1996. The episode takes viewers through the sequence of events leading up to the murder and highlights the prosecution's arguments against Routier's innocence. The episode also features interviews with those involved in the case, including Routier's husband, Darin, and her defense attorney, Douglas Mulder.

In subsequent episodes, The Last Defense examines other high-profile cases such as Julius Jones, who was sentenced to death for the 1999 murder of a businessman in Oklahoma, and Linda Couch, who spent over 20 years in prison for a crime she did not commit.

One of the unique aspects of The Last Defense is its focus on the personal stories of those involved in these cases. Viewers are given an intimate look at the lives of the accused and their families as they navigate the complex legal system. The show also highlights the efforts of organizations like the Innocence Project, which work to free the wrongfully convicted.

Another standout feature of the series is the skillful way in which it raises important questions about the fairness of the criminal justice system. Each case presented in the show brings up issues such as police brutality, racial bias, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony. These themes are explored in depth, provoking important discussions about the ways in which the criminal justice system can be improved.

The Last Defense boasts a talented team of producers and directors, including Phillip-Charlie Daniell, Katusha Robert, and Skip Hollandsworth, who bring a wealth of experience to the project. These industry veterans are able to deftly weave together the various elements of each case, creating a compelling narrative that is both informative and emotionally moving.

Overall, The Last Defense is an excellent example of true-crime storytelling. Its focus on the personal stories of the accused and the legal battles that ensue make it a captivating watch. Moreover, its ability to unpack complex legal issues in an accessible way, while raising important questions about the fairness of the criminal justice system, make it a must-see for viewers who are interested in our nation's justice system.

The Last Defense is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on June 12, 2018.

Where to Watch The Last Defense

The Last Defense is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Last Defense on demand at and ABC.