In the ‘Your Honor’ series, the worlds of Judge and Mobster collide. It is a legal drama that explores the moral quandary of a reputed judge when he confronts a personal problem.
And that sensitive family issue takes a very serious turn when a well-known mobster in New Orleans threatens the Judge. Please note that it is inspired by the Israeli TV series. The original Israeli series is called Kvodo (כבודו in Hebrew) and it was released in 2017. Since then, its many versions have been adopted by different countries so far.
Sneak Peek & Trailer of the Your Honor (USA – S1 & S2) Series
Synopsis [official] of the Your Honor (USA – S1 & S2) Series
Bryan Cranston stars as a New Orleans judge who is forced to confront his own deepest convictions when his son is involved in a hit-and-run that embroils an organized-crime family. As a storm of vengeance, lies and deceit threatens to engulf the entire city, Michael Desiato faces a series of increasingly impossible choices and discovers just how far an honest man will go to save his son’s life.
Bryan Cranston returns as ex-judge Michael Desiato, a man forced to face the wreckage of his former life. Disbarred, disgraced and all but destroyed, nothing can bring him back from the brink until a federal agent coerces him into a scheme to take down the Baxter family. Revenge can’t return all he’s lost, but redemption offers a ray of hope. He has a chance to strike a blow against the empire of corruption and vengeance that runs New Orleans, but will it be enough to lay his ghosts to rest?
Spoilers Free review of the Your Honor (USA – S1 & S2) Series
The introduction
When we watched the finale of the first season of this legal drama, we thought it was the end. But when the second season dropped, we had to watch it. It is almost as good as the first season. Besides we get the sense of closure for most of the key characters. As the saying goes, “The good or bad, what you put out comes back to you, it is called Karma.”
Why the second season?
But in August 2021, its network Showtime renewed it for a second season. And the same was premiered in January 2023. It seems, they decided to go ahead with the second season to provide closure to its characters as well as fans. Both seasons of this series are worth watching for Bryan Cranston’s impactful and sensitive acting.
Actor Bryan Cranston is a good judge
This series’ protagonist (a Judge) is played by Bryan Cranston, while the antagonists (mobster spouses) duo are played by Michael Stuhlbarg and Hope Davis. All three leading actors have done a fine job of keeping us engaged across its two seasons. Originally this show was announced as a one-season limited series.
We have been a big fan of Bryan Cranston. One cannot forget his award-winning acting performance in the “Breaking Bad” series. And we also loved his heart-breaking performance in this tragic family (legal) drama. Honestly, we must admit that most of the actors in the ensemble cast of this series have done a good job. Although, the story of the first season was better and tighter than that of the second season.
About the second season finale
The second season is the finale of this legal and family drama series. So, it has tried to tie up its story in a credible manner, for almost all the show’s leading characters. Thankfully for its viewers, this series has managed to wrap the story in a somewhat satisfactory manner. However, we do not like such kinds of endings.
The conclusion
Still, we believe, it is a great show that depicts – how our lives can be adversely affected by the choices and decisions that we make. Such is the human imperfections. We can admit that we loved this emotional crime drama tremendously. Especially the strong family bond between a single father and a son. It is a perfect show to watch if you like family dramas.
Ratings of the Your Honor Series
| Particulars | Season (S1/2021) One | Season (S2/2023) Two |
|---|---|---|
| FM’s ratings | 4.00/5 | 3.80/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes ratings | 50% Tomatometer & 69% Audience Score | 67% Tomatometer & 66% Audience Score |
| Particulars | Short comments on Rotten Tomatoes |
|---|---|
| Season (S1/2021) One – Rotten Tomatoes / Critics Consensus | Bryan Cranston is powerful as yet another father with nothing to lose, but this show too closely resembles other, better shows about good men doing bad things to warrant its relentlessly grim proceedings. |
| Season (S2/2023) Two – Rotten Tomatoes / Emma Kiely | It’s grim, slow, and not as exciting as the first season, but this series’ season 2 paints an authentic image of grief, corruption, and the fight for power. |
Posters of the two seasons of this American Legal Drama Series
Key details of the Your Honor (USA – S1 & S2) Series
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Legal |
| Creator | Peter Moffat |
| Taglines | How far would you go to save your child? |
| Released & Episodes | First Season (S1) – December 2020 (Ten Episodes) Second Season (S2) – January 2023 (Ten Episodes) |
| Cast | Bryan Cranston, Hope Davis, Michael Stuhlbarg, Lilli Kay, etc. |
| Awards | British Society of Cinematographers 2021 – Winner – Operators Award – Television Drama – Daniel Bishop Episode 1 International Sound & Film Music Festival (ISFMF) 2021 – Winner Crystal Pine – Best Original Score, Series or Limited Series – Volker Bertelmann |
Spoilers Alert – a peek into the Twenty (20) episodes of this drama
Key actors (characters) in this legal drama
| First Season | Bryan Cranston (Michael Desiato), Hunter Doohan (Adam), Michael Stuhlbarg (Tommy), Sofia Black-D’Elia (Frannie), Carmen Ejogo (Lee Delamere), Hope Davis (Gina Baxter), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Charlie), etc. |
| Second Season | Bryan Cranston (Michael Desiato), Hope Davis (Gina Baxter), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Charlie), Amy Landecker (Det. Nancy Costello), Sofia Black-D’Elia (Frannie), Michael Stuhlbarg (Tommy), Carmen Ejogo (Lee Delamere), Keith Machekanyanga (Little Mo), Andrene Ward-Hammond (Big Mo), etc. |
Summary of the Ten (10) episodes of the First (1st) season
First | Part One (S1, E1)
When his teenage son is involved in a tragic accident, New Orleans Judge Michael Desiato is faced with an impossible decision that will impact his family forever.
Second | Part Two (S1, E2)
On the anniversary of his wife’s death, Michael creates an alibi for Adam on the day of the accident; Michael pulls his close friends into the web of deception; Kofi is approached about a job.
Third | Part Three (S1, E3)
Michael uses his power to hide details regarding the accident; Jimmy Baxter and Gina plot their revenge; Lt. Nancy Costello is suspicious; Kofi gets bad advice; Gina strikes a deal for Carlo.
Fourth | Part Four (S1, E4)
Adam moves from one dangerous liaison to another as tensions escalate; Elizabeth protects her grandson; a family dinner is plagued by secrets and lies.
Fifth | Part Five (S1, E5)
Michael discovers that someone is blackmailing him; Jimmy and Gina Baxter remain committed to avenging their son’s death.
Sixth | Part Six (S1, E6)
Adam spends the day with a dangerous new love interest, while Michael searches for his blackmailer; Lee ramps up her involvement in Kofi’s case.
Seventh | Part Seven (S1, E7)
Michael’s solution to his blackmail problem digs up deeper troubles; Eugene finds family in Big Mo’s crew; a problematic relationship threatens to out Adam’s secret.
Eight | Part Eight (S1, E8)
Jimmy pressures Michael regarding Carlo’s trial; Adam announces his future plans; Nancy and Lee discover some cops aren’t what they seem.
Ninth | Part Nine (S1, E9)
With pressure mounting, Michael finds an answer to keeping Carlo out of prison; Charlie makes a shocking discovery.
Tenth | Part Ten (S1, E10)
Adam reels from new information about his mother’s death; Carlo’s trial ends, but Michael and Adam’s secrets are dangerously unravelling.
Summary of the Ten (10) episodes of the Second (2nd) season
Eleventh | Part Eleven (S2, E1)
A grieving Michael Desiato is beyond hope; Eugene is aided by unlikely benefactors; Jimmy Baxter looks to expand his criminal empire while Gina Baxter channels her anger.
Twelfth | Part Twelve (S2, E2)
Michael Desiato discovers a secret while Olivia seizes an opportunity to push him to make a dangerous decision; a desperate business deal threatens Eugene; Elizabeth shelters Michael.
Thirteenth | Part Thirteen (S2, E3)
Michael resists a request from Fia, but Olivia pushes him to exploit a newfound connection; Little Mo’s deal goes sour, leaving Eugene to pick up the pieces; a face-off between Michael and Jimmy results in a startling confession.
Fourteenth | Part Fourteen (S2, E4)
Olivia’s plan to get Michael closer to the Baxters sees him invited to Jimmy’s 50th birthday party where he witnesses the return of Gina’s gangster father; Eugene repays Little Mo for his kindness, but his good deed threatens to expose corruption.
Fifteenth | Part Fifteen (S2, E5)
Following the events at Jimmy’s birthday party, Michael vows to quit aiding Olivia; Charlie makes an unexpected move; Little Mo gets on the wrong side of Big Mo after he helps Eugene; Nancy chases a lead connected to the murder of Michael’s wife.
Sixteenth | Part Sixteen (S2, E6)
Michael and Elizabeth pursue a lead in Robin’s murder case; the Baxters make arrangements to silence Eugene; pushed by Gina and Carmine, Jimmy enters into a dangerous alliance; an overdose causes a major rift with the trusted lieutenants of Big Mo.
Seventeenth | Part Seventeen (S2, E7)
Michael’s pursuit of the truth creates life-threatening consequences for him and Nancy Costello, who has joined him in the hunt for his wife Robin’s murderer; Fia faces the hard reality about her family.
Eighteenth | Part Eighteen (S2, E8)
Eugene escapes danger only to run headfirst into new jeopardy; frustrated with Michael, Olivia sets her sights on an unlikely new mark; Big Mo’s triumphant opening night takes an unexpectedly dark turn.
Nineteenth | Part Nineteen (S2, E9)
Prompted by Olivia, Michael goes to see Jimmy Baxter, who makes him an unexpected offer. Shifting loyalties in Big Mo’s crew force her hand.
Twentieth | Part Twenty (S2, E10)
Michael exposes shocking information that impacts everyone; a revelation pushes Fia to make a life-altering decision; Big Mo proposes a deal with Jimmy Baxter; Gina makes a move of her own.
Bonus info. about the Your Honor series
This series was initially supposed to be a limited series, initially. Its lead actor – Bryan Cranston was not only nominated for the Golden Globes Awards (USA 2021) for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series but also the Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards (2021) nominated him for Best Actor in a Limited Series. Besides, Hope Davis was nominated for the Satellite Awards (2021) for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Miniseries & Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for TV.
The original Israeli TV series Kvodo has also inspired a Hindi language series – Your Honor, from India; which stars Jimmy Shergill, Varun Badola, Mita Vashisht, Yashpal Sharma, etc. It also garnered high ratings from viewers. To be honest, we have only seen this USA version of Your Honor show.
If you like watching legal drama from the United States of America, then check out our article about another legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer, too.
Featured & Other Images: Your Honor | Showtime.
Discover more from Focus Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
