5 reasons we’re still missing Chicago Justice
By Deb Foster
1. All the Stone and Mark Jefferies scenes we’ll miss
The best scenes in Chicago Justice occurred between Mark Jefferies and Peter Stone. The relationship between these two characters was one of the most important on television for many reasons, but it all boiled down to respect.
They came from very different worlds: Jefferies with a military background from a black working class family and Stone a privileged white male with every advantage. But despite their differences (or perhaps because of them), the two men were easily able to discuss issues as controversial and close to home as racism and classism, with Jefferies repeatedly pointing out Stone’s privilege and Stone pointing out how Jefferies’ political angle could blind him to justice. They both learned from each other.
But the Stone-Jefferies dynamic was more than a good character pairing; it was a foundation for the show, because it was their discussions and disagreements that often provided a platform for the discussion of whichever issue was being dissected that week. Those heated disagreements and controversial discussions can’t happen without a deep level of respect and trust between the parties involved, and Stone and Jefferies were strong role models for how to achieve that.
They presented a workshop in problem-solving each week, not to mention a masterclass on great theater from two accomplished actors who clearly shared the same level of respect for each other as their characters. What we’ll miss most is never seeing them together again, although we bet Jefferies has a lot less headaches now.
Next: How did Peter Stone fare in last night's SVU?
Do you still miss Chicago Justice? Tell us what you loved about the series in the comments, and for more on what’s happening with the actors and characters now, see the Chicago Justice category at One Chicago Center.