Trial and Error Review: A Big Break / Barcelona (Season 2 Episodes 9 and 10)
We MUST save Trial and Error.
It’s clear that they saved the best for last in the two-part Trial and Error season finale. In Trial and Error Season 2 Episode 9, “A Big Break,” the case takes a dramatic turn thanks to Jesse Ray Beaumont, while Carol Anne Keane tries to continue the trial while in labor.
Closely following in the season finale, Trial and Error Season 2 Episode 10, “Barcelona” gives us resolution, justice, and just a bit of heartbreak.
It’s been a wild ride to get to this point, but Jesse Ray Beaumont’s relationship with Chet Peck proves to be the ultimate turning point in the two converging cases. The evidence snowballs until Josh and associates are able to bring down the now-serial killer, Lavinia Peck-Foster.
The cases have been interesting and twisty, much like the first season of Trial and Error. What’s been different in the second season, though, is that the case doesn’t really provide the hook to keep watching. The hook to keep watching is funny characters reacting to the increasingly insane events of the case.
And in that regard, the Trial and Error team certainly saves the best for last. It was obvious that there would be some resolution to the case, but the constant bleeping, Anne’s new medical conditions, and the resolution of Carol Anne Keane’s paternity questions merge for a silly, hilarious, and semi-heartbreaking finale.
Heartbreaking? Yes. It’s weird that such an off-the-wall comedy would be described that way.
But I can’t help but feel for Josh when they unequivocally determine that he is not the father to Princess Anne Keane. Perhaps there’s even a twinge of feeling for Lavinia Peck-Foster, revealing the motive in her first murder to be reading the letters from her long-lost son.
Kristin Chenoweth is more of a supporting player on Trial and Error Season 2 (compared to John Lithgow in Season 1), but achieves her role to absolute perfection.
Chenoweth is deployed perfectly as Lavinia to give the main cast proper opportunity, to shine in brief moments, and to push the story along at just the right pace.
These last two episodes, though, really give the main cast an opportunity to shine. Jayma Mays, Nicholas D’Agosto, Steven Boyer, and Sherri Shepherd each bring something unique to the table, and each has the chance to be both funny and relatable in the final two Season 2 episodes.
A few other stray thoughts:
- New members of the East Peck ridiculous name Hall of Fame: Reverend Tats, Handy Wojo
- It was really good to see Jaleel White’s Atticus Ditto, Jr. one last time.
- These last two episodes might have had the most bleeps I’ve ever seen on network television. I’m here for it.
- Dwayne’s initials, DNR, must’ve been extensively planned. Or perhaps they just thought it would be funny before and finally got to use it.
- The disease that involves panicking and incorrectly using hand gestures is my new favorite. Easy.
- I was very glad that Lavinia/Kristin Chenoweth got to sing a few more times before the end. It just feels right.
- Seriously, guys. Let’s #SaveTrialandError. This can’t be the end.
Trial and Error Season 2 has exceeded every expectation I’ve had for it. It’s funny, heartfelt, and deserves at least one more season.
What did you think of these episodes of Trial and Error? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Trial and Error airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.