‘The Thing About Pam‘ is a dramatised version of one of the most dramatic criminal cases in American history. It follows Pamela “Pam” Hupp (Renée Zellweger) as she attempts to deceive the police investigating Betsy Faria’s death.
Russ Faria, Betsy’s husband, is the major suspect in the case and is apprehended by the cops.
Russ’ trial takes place in the third episode of the series, and prosecutor Leah Askey is unrelenting in her pursuit of a prison sentence for Russ. The plot of a fascinating courtroom drama is unfolding, and viewers must be intrigued by the ending.
Here’s everything you need to know about whether Russ’ attorney, Joel Schwartz, is able to clear his client’s name or if Russ is sentenced to prison!
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Recap of Episode 3 of The Thing About Pam
‘She’s a Star Witness,’ the 3rd episode, begins with Pam preparing for Russ Faria’s trial. Prosecutor Leah Askey has named her as a key witness in the case. Defense counsel Joel Schwartz, on the other hand, believes Pam should be treated as a possible suspect in Betsy Faria’s murder.
Askey is using her connections in the little town to sway the case’s outcome in her favour, Schwartz knows. While waiting in the witness room, Pam coaxes her neighbour into giving her an update on the trial’s proceedings.
Askey meets with Mariah and tries to explain the testifying process to her. Cathy Singer, the producer of NBC Dateline, learns about the Betsy Farai murder case. She begins to prepare for her show’s coverage of the case. While Schwartz receives the witness list for the trial, Betsy and Pam debate their strategy for the trial.
Schwartz speaks with Russ and informs him that his daughters have been summoned to testify. Askey will try to attack Russ’ character in court, according to Schwartz, and they should utilise any dirt Russ has on his daughters. Russ, on the other hand, is wary of the idea.
Askey forbids Schwartz from revealing evidence that could incriminate Pam as a suspect during the trial. As a result, when Pam is called as a witness, Schwartz tries to persuade the judge, Chris Mennemeyer, to hear his thoughts on Betsy’s life insurance policy, which could give the case a new direction.
Schwartz also tries to show that Pam isn’t being truthful with her initial testimony and is an untrustworthy witness. Despite this, Askey uses the witnesses she has called to establish a strong case against Russ. As a result, Schwartz’ chances of demonstrating Russ’ innocence are slim.
Must Read: Where Are Betsy Faria’s Daughters ‘Leah And Mariah Day’ Now?
Is Russ Sentenced to Jail in ‘The Thing About Pam’ Episode 3?
As the trial progresses, Askey effectively refutes all of Schwartz’s points. Furthermore, it becomes clear that the court is siding with Askey and will not allow Schwartz to blame Pam. Russ’ case gets exceedingly weak after Mariah’s testimony. Mariah’s testimony persuades the court and jury that Russ is capable of committing a heinous act like murder.
Schwartz, on the other hand, tries to save the day by pinning his hopes on Russ’ alibi. He contacts Russ’ friends, with whom he spent the evening of December 27th, in order to demonstrate that Russ could not have arrived home in time to murder Betsy.
Russ was gone from home at the time of the murder, according to witness testimony. With the help of Russ’ phone records, Schwartz confirms the same.
Askey, on the other hand, refutes Schwartz’s assertion by claiming that Russ’ buddies assisted him in committing the murder and created his alibi. During the final statements, Askey makes a strong effect on the jurors, potentially sealing Russ’ destiny. Judge Mennemeyer finds Russ guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal activity based on the jury’s decision.
Time for a showdown. #TheThingAboutPam Episode 3 NOW on @nbc! #Dateline pic.twitter.com/wAve2fXJET
— Dateline NBC (@DatelineNBC) March 23, 2022
Russ is sentenced to life in jail with no hope of release. While Schwartz tries to console Russ, the courtroom applauds Askey for successfully prosecuting Russ. Cathy Singer approaches Schwartz for a statement on the verdict at the end of the episode. Schwartz declares that he will not give up the struggle to clear Russ.
Schwartz goes on to say that he will appeal the decision. Pam moves funds from Betsy’s life insurance policy from the trust fund to her personal checking account in the meantime.
