Wednesday, August 5, 2020

What I’m Watching: Perry Mason


Perry Mason: Season 1, Episode 7 “Chapter Seven” (B+)

This episode was full of sensational events, and I’ll admit that I googled around for a recap to make sure that I fully understood all of the revelations. Opening with the flashback to Birdy agreeing to “give” Alice to a man in exchange for a ride helped to explain more of their dynamic, and that made the final scene in which Birdy tried to give Alice credit for a resurrection that she was devastated she hadn’t been able to make happen feel much more impactful. Alice recognized the tall order she was putting on herself, doing something that hadn’t been done in nearly two millennia, and Emily’s blind faith in her was deeply troubling. It didn’t help Perry at all, who had to close the bible she was reading in court so that she wouldn’t be automatically convicted. He shook off the egg that was literally thrown on him to wow in court with the stunt of having all the financial records brought in, something that Maynard did not expect, but his failure at the brothel was just as palpable, and considerably more painful. Lupe buying his house was another blow, and he even managed to alienate Pete following his unsuccessful tailing of Sidel. Smoke bombs being thrown in court didn’t even account for the wildest and most intense part of the hour, which was definitely Della having to drive through an angry mob at the cemetery after the coffin was opened with no body inside. While the mystery of what happened to Charlie Dodson will likely be resolved in the finale, I’m glad to know that this show will be back for a second season since its characters and storyline have plenty more to be explored.

No comments: