The Good Lie

Given that The Good Lie centers prominently on a criminal investigation of a serial killer, traditional legal proceedings play an important role in the effort to enact justice. However, through the actions of key characters, The Good Lie examines the tension between traditional forms of justice and the more visceral, immediate, and often violent attempts at revenge that characterize individual acts of vigilantism. To this end, Torre focuses on Robert Kavin’s own quest for justice for his late son Gabe, establishing this compulsion as the driving force behind his many bold actions, from his decision to represent Randall Thomspon in court to his decision to kill John Abbott, the real Bloody Heart Killer. However, the vigilante mindset is not limited to Robert, for when Gwen learns of his act of murder, she lies to Detective Saxe and maintains that John died by suicide. Although the narrative concedes that an enraged, violent reaction would be an understandable response for a parent dealing with the loss of their child,  the traditional justice system punishes murder regardless of the circumstances. Thus, Gwen’s lie strays into morally ambiguous territory as she protects Robert from the consequences of his retribution against his son’s killer.