Reasonable Doubt Stars Discuss How Morris Chestnut’s Introduction Elevates Juicy Drama’s Second Season

In Season 1 of Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt , it was Michael Ealy’s infatuated, convicted character who came between defense lawyer Jax Stewart (played by Emayatzy Corinealdi) and her husband Lewis (McKinley Freeman).

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In the drama’s second season — which debuted with its first two episodes on Thursday — it’s new addition Morris Chestnut as slick attorney Corey Cash who’s creating trouble for Jax after she brings him in to help defend her close friend against murder charges. In addition to shaking things up at Jax’s office with his strong opinions and charming personality, Corey also finds his way into Jax’s home. That — and his tone of voice when speaking to Jax — doesn’t sit well with Lewis as he and Jax are trying to repair their marriage.

“When they announced Morris was coming, I was getting messages like, ‘Hey, you should get a new Ring camera for the house,'” Freeman joked during a panel for the series at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in July.

For Jax, Corey’s presence at the firm and the way he takes charge is complicated by the fact that she’s still dealing with the “mental load” of the trauma she went through last season, Corinealdi shared.

“With Corey coming in, it’s going to automatically just create some drama for her because she is not one who is used to taking a backseat or any kind of seat that’s not in the front,” Corinealdi said. “So it’s going to create a bit of drama in the office, and it’s going to be very difficult for Jax to try to navigate the waters with her knowing she’s not 1,000% back. She’s not 1,000% there. She’s not fully, fully herself. But one of her best friends is on trial, you know? So something has to be done.”

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“We’re going to get to see how that affects her professional life, but also her personal life,” Corinealdi continued, noting the scene where Corey comes to her house and angers Lewis. (“I suggest you take some of that bass out your voice, homie,” Lewis warns him.)

While Corey and Lewis may not get along, Freeman had nothing but praise for his new co-star, who has long been a fixture on TV on shows such as The Resident, Rosewood, Nurse Jackie and V .

“Morris just, whenever he joins a production, always increases the value of the production, especially from the cast and crew perspective,” Freeman raved. “I mean, he brings a level of professionalism and just class that it’s, like, ‘OK, this dude just fits right in.’… Having someone come in and join the fold seamlessly is such a blessing.”

Are you watching Reasonable Doubt ? Grade the premiere below, then hit the comments with your thoughts on the new season!

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