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Perry Mason: The Case of the Twice-Told Twist (1966)
agree: disappointing script but compelling color
I learned of this episode last year, and have been watching for it since. The color production is the gift the doesn't stop giving. It's utter eye-candy for every moment: you can't stop absorbing the fabrics, the hair and makeup, Burger, the closeups, the backgrounds, the greenish interior courtroom, Perry's Lincoln, the courthouse... and on and on.
But the familiar tale of "Twice-Told Twist" sustains flat notes. An important character is unfortunately distracting: with piercing blue eyes and helmet hair, her wandering accent brings to mind Natasha from "The Bullwinkle Show" more than a Mexican woman running the family-named business. And Lennie comes back from Parris Island with as much hair as ever...? Sir! No, sir!
But it's Perry Mason. In color! Can't wait to watch it again.
Happy Days: Who's Sorry Now? (1974)
Used and Confused?
Arlene Nestrock is back in town from New York. We learn via flashback that three years earlier, Arlene had flirted hard with Richie because she really wanted to see television in the Cunningham's home. As they reconnect and hash though their earlier encounter, a more mature Arlene seems genuinely embarrassed about using and confusing Richie years before. She seems like a great gal now.... maybe they'll even go steady...?
Like many early episodes, Richie's trying hard to do the right thing, getting peer pressure from the guys, Howard and Marion are understanding, Joanie's a truth-telling brat, and Fonzie's influence and magnetism is growing. Enjoy.
Perry Mason: Chapter Five (2020)
What's Legal and What's Right
By the beginning of Chapter 5, we've seen the good and bad in every major player and learned nearly everyone's back story. Paul Drake is a conscientious, by-the-book beat cop struggling with his wife's admonitions to get along with his white superiors, including the creepy and corrupt Detective Ennis; Perry's sidekick and former vice cop Pete Strickland has a foul mouth and an appetite for indiscretions, but is repulsed by the LAPD corruption he sees and has delivered promising leads and background on George Gannon, Emily's lover and would-be patsy among the trio of kidnappers responsible for Baby Charlie's demise. All the while, Della Street has been heroically holding together E.B. Jonathan's law firm, returning home frustrated and angry, finding respite and quiet comfort with Hazel.
To this point, down-on-his-luck Perry has done little to convince Della that he's aiding Emily Dodson's case or cause as Emily is vilified by Barnes and a scandal-hungry press for love letters with George Gannon. E.B. is desperate and without financial means to bail out Emily, and D.A. Maynard Barnes is poised to discredit and isolate him further with revelations of financial misappropriation and the threat of disbarment. And while Della answers phones, picks up dry cleaning, writes and files motions, saves Emily from being brutalized in jail, and keeps E.B. Jonathan & Associates otherwise afloat, Perry is never far from a flask, estranged from his ex-wife, and is seen by Della as a guy who peeks in windows, sells salacious photos, and turned over the love letters that hang Emily in the press before she's even tried.
To this point, Della Street has been the conscience and moral compass in the dirty, depressed Los Angeles of newly 1932. Echoing Perry's explanation of his ethics, "There's what's legal, and what's right," an inspired and resourceful Della sets in motion the events (and a surprise tutorial) that transition E.B. Jonathan's lead investigator into Perry Mason, Attorney for the Defense.
Perry Mason: Chapter Three (2020)
What's Legal and What's Right
By the beginning of Episode 5, we've seen the good and bad in every major player and learned nearly everyone's back story. Paul Drake is a conscientious, by-the-book beat cop struggling with his wife's admonitions to get along with his white superiors, including the creepy and corrupt Detective Ennis; Perry's sidekick Pete Strickland has a foul mouth and an appetite for indiscretions, but has delivered promising leads and background on George Gannon, Emily's lover and would-be patsy among the trio of kidnappers responsible for Baby Charlie's demise. All the while, Della Street has been heroically holding together E.B. Jonathan's law firm, returning home frustrated and angry, finding quiet comfort at night.
To this point, down-on-his-luck Perry has done little to convince Della that he's aiding Emily Dotson's case or cause as Emily is vilified by Barnes and a scandal-hungry press for love letters with George Gannon. E.B. is desperate and without financial means to bail out Emily, and D.A. Maynard Barnes is poised to discredit and isolate him further with revelations of financial misappropriation and the threat of disbarment. And while Della answers phones, picks up dry cleaning, writes and files motions, saves Emily from being brutalized in jail, and keeps E.B. Jonathan & Associates otherwise afloat, Perry is never far from a flask, estranged from his ex-wife, and is seen by Della as a guy who peeks in windows, sells salacious photos, and turned over the love letters that hang Emily in the press before she's even tried.
To this point, Della Street has been the conscience and moral compass in the dirty, depressed Los Angeles of newly 1932. Echoing Perry's explanation of his ethics, "There's what's legal, and what's right," Della sets in motion the events (and a surprise tutorial) that transition E.B. Jonathan's lead investigator into Perry Mason, Attorney for the Defense.