At just six episodes, Defending Jacob can feel surprisingly long. The dramatic pauses are drawn out and the dialogues tend to get melodramatic. But the core mystery remains compelling, as do the trio of performances that lead it. Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, and Jaden Martell are devastating to watch as they descend into uncertainty and chaos—Martell in particular, though the youngest, brings more heart to the table. Is he the psychopath everyone claims him to be, or is he just a boy struggling to come of age? It can stand to cut a few scenes and plot lines, but these three actors, the questions they raise about trust and loyalty, and the whodunnit mystery ultimately make it a gripping series.

The darkness and mystery surrounding Martell’s character, which I wish the show explored more.