As Olympia and Julian get a second shot at a case regarding a tragic death due to contaminated baby formula, their past work on the investigation gives glimpses into what led to their divorce. Matty's overwhelming stress causes her to consider quitting.
Matty is exactly where the universe wants her to be. That's the message she receives that reinforces her mission at Jacobson Moore. She faces plenty of doubts. The stress is overwhelming. Each case is personal. The death of her daughter overpowers everything. That's the only thing she can focus on. It completely reshaped her life. She is in pursuit of justice. She believes her victory in the end will be righteous. It will be worth all the pain and suffering. It's only getting to get worse. Moreover, a satisfying resolution isn't guaranteed. She had to physically be in the firm's lobby interacting with Olympia briefly to know to take on this undercover task. Before then, she was uncertain if she should actually try to unravel this vast conspiracy. That one interaction changed everything. Olympia was furious. She yelled at Matty because she accidentally spilled coffee on her. Of course, the truth is much more complicated than that. For Matty, it was simple. That changed her perspective. Everything shifts again once the story of that particular day is retold. It offers a happier ending for the case. For Matty, it ensures she remains on this path. It's too late to abandon her plans now.
Two years ago, Olympia and Julian were arguing and on the verge of divorce. They weren't listening to one another. They saw the value in accepting a wrongful death case. Their hearts broke on behalf of their clients. A baby died because of contaminated formula. The company was responsible. The lawyers failed at trial. Olympia won the clients over by promising they wouldn't have to testify. In the moment, it was just a tactic. She had to prove her strength by landing the case that many firms wanted. She offered unique insight. And yet, her legal strategy failed. The biggest problem was the jury never got to hear from the clients. They were never able to emotionally connect with them. Instead, all they were told were theories of irresponsible parenting. Big Pharma had its advocate in the courtroom. Olympia and Julian tried their best to deliver for their clients. They were never on the same page. It resulted in Olympia asking for divorce moments after her run-in with Matty. Everything was already bad. And then, coffee was spilled on her. She yet out her anger at the wrong person. It was an honest mistake. Olympia genuinely tries to use her role to help people. That's important to her. It makes her an ally Matty can work alongside. That's not where the compelling intrigue is though. Matty can't make progress investigating the cover-up while working for other clients.
Matty has to impress Julian. He represents the drug client that caused so much destruction. Matty blames that company for Ellie's death. She won't stop until she exposes the truth. The case she works on now is difficult. Olympia and Julian are sympathetic. They know how hard the loss of a child must be. Olympia hates herself for forcing her client to experience this trauma all over again. She essentially wants to force a breakdown on the stand. She succeeds in that mission. It's not her client though. Instead, it's the line supervisor she has gotten close to during the litigation. He has been willing to testify truthfully about how the plant was actually managed. Clues suggest a cover-up. They reveal mold on the roof. And yet, the true culprit is an innocent contamination from a man who couldn't cover his hand because he had a cast on his arm. He had to work because he needed to provide for a family and the company doesn't provide much medical leave. It's a tragedy. It's emotional on all sides. Olympia does right by her clients. She secures a victory the second time. They are lucky to get another chance. It was a result of a brilliant legal tactic targeting jury instructions. The reward can't bring their son back. That look in the end questions whether this was all worth it. Matty has to believe it is. That's the only way to justify everything she has done in her own quest. It provides a conclusion. Yet that doesn't necessarily provide the satisfaction one was hoping to achieve.
The case brings Olympia and Julian back together. They realize just how much better they are at communicating now. The divorce is nearly final. And yet, they have fun keeping their rekindled flame a secret. They don't know where it might lead. They see the possibility of happiness together again. They are on the same page. They know Matty has proven herself. She deserves to work on some of Julian's cases. Matty advanced her mission. It's becoming more personal though. Olympia asks about Ellie. That rush of emotions hits Matty. She's happy to talk about her daughter. She also grieves over the loss. It doesn't make any sense. She needs someone to blame. That fuels her. It may not be enough. People are still suffering. Addiction still destroys families. Matty cannot provide meaningful compassion to someone going through the exact same uncertainty. She tells Stanley to compartmentalize. He has to become someone else in order to track down his missing son. She lies to survive at work. They present a convincing enough story. One look is all it takes to rattle her world. It's enough to incite a panic attack. Edwin wants her to stop. Her health is too important to endanger. Matty agrees. She is willing to quit. Their second chance is in raising Alfie. He provides them the opportunity to be a family and correct the mistakes of the past. Matty can't leave though. She wants to step aside. Instead, she's given what she needs to convince everyone that this is what she is meant to be doing. And so, she forges ahead. Consequences be damned.
