9 Month Stretch

Bob Nolan is a notorious criminal described as a lover of prostitutes and a burglar with a history of repeated offenses. He is most infamous for being suspected of violently cutting the four limbs of an old man, earning him the media nickname "eye-eater" - a barbaric figure who has dominated headlines for brutal violent acts.

During his custody interview, Nolan recognizes Ariane, though he remains unaware that she is carrying his child. The recognition suggests he remembers her from their encounter on New Year's Eve 2013, the night when Ariane lost control after drinking heavily and later discovered she became pregnant.

Earlier scenes establish that Ariane's New Year's Eve night involved multiple people at a social gathering.

The "eye-eater" refers to the sensational media coverage of Bob Nolan's alleged brutal attack in which he reportedly cut the four limbs of an old man. This violent act, whether fully proven or exaggerated by press, has made Nolan a figure of public horror and a high-profile defendant facing serious charges.

After his arrest, Nolan manages to go on the run and breaks into Ariane's home. The intrusion appears motivated by his need to silence her or exert control, particularly after recognizing her during the interview and realizing she could connect him to the New Year's Eve incident that led to her pregnancy.

The interview scene establishes Nolan knows who Ariane is and that he has something to hide.

During the break-in, Nolan deliberately throws himself onto Ariane's abdomen from a pile of furniture in what is described as a "criminal" abortion attempt. This brutal act reveals Nolan's desperation to eliminate evidence of his connection to Ariane and prevent any claim on his life or future legal exposure through the child.

After the assault, Nolan proposes a bargain: he will keep silent about his nocturnal activities if Ariane helps him convince the world that he is not the barbaric "eye-eater" depicted in headlines. The deal forces Ariane to choose between protecting herself and her unborn child or helping a violent criminal manipulate public perception.

After initially suspecting her colleague Judge De Bernard, Ariane conducts a paternity investigation that uncovers Bob Nolan as the father. The discovery shocks her because Nolan is a notorious criminal with a violent history, not someone she would have expected to have any connection with.

Ariane discovers she is pregnant six months after New Year's Eve 2013, but she has no memory of the events leading to her pregnancy due to her heavy drinking that night. This memory gap, combined with her reluctance to date, leaves her uncertain about who the father might be when she first learns she is expecting.

The New Year's Eve scene establishes that Ariane drank excessively and lost control of herself.

The case becomes high-profile because Bob Nolan is already a notorious figure associated with the violent "eye-eater" headlines. When his connection to a pregnant judge is revealed, the story naturally draws intense media attention, putting Ariane and her unborn child under constant public scrutiny.

As a judge, Ariane faces the unique challenge of having a personal case that intersects with the justice system. Her pregnancy by a criminal defendant creates a conflict between her professional duties and her private life, especially as the case becomes entangled with legal scrutiny and public perception.

Ariane faces a moral dilemma: whether to help Nolan fabricate a narrative that he's not the barbaric figure in headlines, thereby protecting herself and her baby from further danger, or to refuse and risk Nolan's retaliation while upholding her integrity and the justice system.

Ariane's colleagues, particularly Daisy, push her to loosen up and follow the moment despite her usual reluctance to date men. Their encouragement leads Ariane to drink more than she intends, resulting in her losing control - a rare lapse in someone who keeps her life tightly regulated.