Review: Bryan Cranston delivers in the thrilling series ‘Your Honor’

Bryan Cranston Finds Redemption and Rebirth in Your Honor Season 2

The Premise of the Show and Season 1 Finale

The hit Showtime drama “Your Honor” could have been comfortably wrapped up after the conclusion of Season 1. The finale saw protagonist Michael Desiato, a respected judge in New Orleans, commit illegal acts to save his son, which ultimately led to the death of an innocent bystander. In Season 2, the story of the show takes a different turn, turning into a story of redemption and rebirth.

Transforming into a Story of Redemption and Rebirth

At the beginning of Season 2, we find Michael Desiato at rock bottom, wasting away in prison for his previous illegal actions, which ultimately led to the death of his son. The once-confident and respected judge is now a broken man, refusing to eat or talk to anyone.
Bryan Cranston, the star and executive producer of the show, compared the show’s Season 1 to Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and Season 2 to “Hamlet,” describing how Michael doesn’t want to live anymore in the beginning. However, he eventually becomes reconnected to humanity, leading to a story of redemption and rebirth.

The Power of Apology and Asking Forgiveness

Cranston remarked on the power of apologies and forgiveness, stating it’s not a weakness to admit that someone has made mistakes or caused harm to those around them. The concept is explored in Season 2. The key vehicle of Michael’s redemption is a child that his deceased son Adam conceived with his girlfriend before he died. Michael doesn’t feel worthy of connecting with the baby and his mother, but over the course of many episodes, he comes to hold it, even feed it.
Cranston notes that the small things are important, even just tasting peanut butter. It’s the small moments we take for granted that can make a world of difference in reconnecting to humanity.

Editorial and Advice

The success of “Your Honor” lies in its ability to explore complex themes such as redemption, grief, and forgiveness while maintaining a high-octane pace. The show is not afraid to grapple with difficult questions, like what someone would do to save the life of their child, and if they would become a criminal at the cost of an innocent life. It shows the consequences of people’s actions and is a cautionary tale about the unintended butterfly effect that can have life-changing repercussions.

In our lives, it is important to remember that the difficult times can ultimately lead to redemption. It’s important to take the time to reflect on the choices we make and consider their repercussions. Forgiveness can be powerful and transformative. However, it’s not easy, and it takes courage to ask for forgiveness and to accept it. “Your Honor” is a show that challenges its audience to think critically and explore the implications of our actions.