Review of Subtle Beast

The Night Of: Subtle Beast (2016)
Season 1, Episode 2
7/10
Kid is framed for murder
28 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
THE NIGHT OF, EPISODE 2: SUBTLE BEAST (2016) finds Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed) sitting in prison mulling over the events leading up to the murder. While the officers who 'arrested' him are questioned, Naz's new attorney, John Stone (John Turturro) preps him for the future events of this case, and Naz's parents, Salim (Peyman Moaadi) and Safar (Poorna Jagannathan) are finally able to procure a ride to the jail where Naz is being held, and thanks to Detective Box (Bill Camp) they're able to see him.

Meanwhile, we're introduced to Paul Sparks (Don Taylor), Andrea's stepfather. Both of her biological parents are dead. We learn that she has priors for drug possession, and lots of boyfriends.

Naz, still refusing to confess, is formally booked and taken to Manhattan Central Booking, then to arraignment court, and final Rikers Island.

The title of the episode SUBTLE BEAST refers to Det. Box. Meaning, he could seem nice, and fair, but he still wants to close the case. All of this true, but he also fair, and he takes the job seriously. He continues to mount evidence against Khan, but despite his claims to the contrary he seems to have a midge of doubt in Naz's guilt.

John Stone is a small potatoes lawyer, he's either divorced or separated with a teenage son. This is his biggest case. Despite this fact to still plenty capable of steering Naz in the right direction.

While the first episode was seen mostly from Naz's perspective, this episode is very much an ensemble piece. We get a much deeper look into all of the major players of the story. As the cops are certain they have the right person, it still very much a criminal drama.

Naz still comes of as a naive kid, and not a murder, and given that the story opens from his perspective leads me to believe that he's been framed for this crime. Although, I've been wrong before.

The gritty, noir feel, and frame work of the story are nothing new, but the characters are compelling, and it's we'll acted. It's enough to keep me interested in the story-- for now. On to episode 3.
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