Perry Mason
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I cant say too many of your ilk come out on top, he says.
But Ive often admired their fight.
There was little of that idealism when I began practicing in the 1890s.
Mason couldve been talking about L.A. circa 1931 or 2023.
The situation is the same.
Real Forget it, Jake, its Chinatowntype shit.
At the top of the episode, we find ourselves in court again.
Once again, Mason calls McCutcheon out on his bullshit.
If the roles were reversed, Brooks McCutcheons family would undoubtedly want ample time for his defense to prepare.
Milligan wastes no time saying the quiet part loud.
The roles would never be reversed because Brooks McCutcheon was nothing like your clients.
Its inconceivable that the Gallardo brothers could ever do the same.
But where the Gallardo brothers lack influence, they have an abundance of chutzpah in their corner.
And Masons still living under the weight of the Emily Dodson boulder hes strapped to his back.
So whered they come from before Mateo and Rafael were at the Hooverville?
Here, says Rafael.
Weve always been from here.
Their familys farm was paved over by the city.
I lost my family farm.
Hard to let go.
Evil voice: Pretty standard, really.
He was like a French realist painting.
Nice to look at, nothing below the surface.
What about San Haven?
Mason asks, and right away the vibe shifts.
Not on purpose, anyway.
She wont traffic in tawdry rumors, but she accidentally gives up a name.
The Lawson girls family has been through enough.
A case like this, the abyss is always closer to the surface than you think.
Masons eyes are already fixed on building his case around Detective Holcomb.
So much for not making a mistake marrying a flatfoot.
Anyway, Mason figures Holcomb was trying to get his money back from Brooks.
Della doesnt buy it, so you know it wont stick.
They cant link Holcomb directly to any of it.
Its reasonable doubt, but Milligan will rip it apart.
Masons conclusions may be wrong for now, but his instincts are right.
The pattern is clear when you want to stay at the top of the heap.
Speaking of which, its finally time for our first official standoff with the big baddy.
(Love it.)
Thats right Lydell McCutcheons thugs show up at Masons office and drag him to see Lydell at the track.
Its a crisp, ominous, sun-drenched setting fit for a simmering exchange.
Mason Dairy, that was your familys farm, wasnt it?
Youve been digging into my sons affairs, he continues.
Is there a version that includes Noreen Lawson?
That perks old Lydell right up, and he goes for the throat.
That poor Emily Dodson girl.
All you went through for her.
You worked tirelessly to have her set free.
Just so she could walk into Lake Tahoe.
Lydell will follow that up with a more direct threat.
Keep digging into my son, and I will burn you.
And no one will give a damn.
But the Emily Dodson name drop is the real wound that could take Mason out of the fight.
So he returns to the office and finally tells Della about Emily.
I like that character beat, and I dig the authenticity and awkwardness it creates in the conversation.
When I said were in this together, I meant it.
Were partners, Della says.
But when are you not alone in anything?
Mason has nothing left to say but Im sorry.
The wounds are fresh, but they remain one in purpose.
But wait, theres a last-minute shake-up in the case.
Innocent or guilty, theres a big hole in Masons case now.
Its okay, though; Dads on the case.
He charms Miss Gaines with some colorful language and an endearingly off-his-game demeanor.
I wont hold it against you, the language or the movie choice.
Seriously, I love that taking your kid toKing Kongin 1931 is equivalent to taking your kid toSaw.
Just letting youcommentersout there know Ive heard the call to watchThe Americans.
Im an episode and a half in, and Im already hooked.
Many thanks for the rec.
