For the Defense Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of For the Defense?

William Foster is a slick attorney who stays within the law, but specializes in representing crooks and shady characters. He's adept at keeping them out of jail, winning acquittals, and having decisions reversed, thus springing criminals out of prison. He is romantically involved with dancer Irene Manners, who is two-timing him, although she wants to marry him. She kills a man driving while out with her other man, Jack Defoe, who takes the blame. Unfortunately, a ring Foster had just given Irene is found at the crime scene. Foster ends up defending Jack, but when the ring is found, he thinks he is protecting Irene, so pleads guilty to jury tampering.

John Cromwell's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on William Powell (William Foster)'s journey. He's adept at keeping them out of jail, winning acquittals, and having decisions reversed, thus springing criminals out of prison.

How Does William Powell (William Foster)'s Story End?

• William Powell: William Powell's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Kay Francis (Irene Manners): Kay Francis's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Scott Kolk (Jack Defoe): Scott Kolk's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of For the Defense Mean?

The ending of For the Defense brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of William Powell's story may not satisfy all audiences.