All Rise Review: Fool for Liv (Season 1 Episode 6)

Celebrity clients mean courthouse chaos on All Rise Season 1 Episode 6, “Fool for Liv.”

Remember the guy acting as his own defense in the series pilot? Theatrical, rather irritating, but somehow likeable in the end? Turn him into a real lawyer, more irritating and less likeable, and you have Adam Pryce.

The high-end defense for a personal assistant accused of killing the star she works for is just part of the circus we find ourselves in. In his mind, he’s probably the ringmaster, determined to control everything around him.

I’m not sure how realistic it is to place such a media frenzy in the courtroom of a judge as new as Lola is. She takes none of what the man dishes out, but the stress does get to her. It gets to us, too.

Our main sentiments in this story are annoyance and frustration. Considering that’s exactly what we’re meant to be feeling on behalf of the characters, it’s a sign of good storytelling, but it sure is a pain.

When Lola’s home address is revealed, forcing her to Sherri’s home for the night, we finally get to know a little more about our favorite judicial assistant beyond essentially acting as her boss’s overworked minder.

On a show with less comradery between characters, Sherri could almost be semi-antagonist. Here, we mostly get a good laugh out of her (generally very justified) work to reign Lola in. Still, I’m glad we’re getting to know a little more.

I am curious as to whether we might see her ne’er-do-well parents in the future. Both she and Mark have had huge portions of their personalities shaped through being raised by very flawed people.

If there’s one thing even better than seeing Lola and Sherri bond, it’s Emily and Luke winding up on a very awkward sort of double date with a juror who wants to take his wife out for their anniversary while sequestered.

The entire thing is both very strange and totally adorable. It’s followed up by a personal study session with homemade flashcards and flirting in the hallways. And then, at last, the kind of kiss we’ve been waiting six episodes for. (Yay!)

When she’s not getting us fully on board this ship, we see Emily interacting with Mark on the same case for the first time. As they technically oppose each other, it has the potential to be as tense as Lola’s case.

Thankfully, the line from an earlier episode about everyone ultimately being on the side of justice rings true here. There are a couple argumentative moments, but their conversations soon shape a deal for Emily’s client.

There’s an odd bit in here with a legitimately scary grandmother whose presence is both serious and played for laughs, but what stands out is the revelation that Emily’s ex isn’t merely a scumbag but an abuser, too.

With his own past in mind, Mark missteps a little but ultimately handles things as well as he can. I’m curious how their respective connections to people who should be in prison will continue to play into their roles on different sides of the legal system.

A couple other character notes: Benner’s still reeling from the breakup in a very Benner way, and I’m still unhappy about it. On the other end of scale, Mark and Lola get one of their best episode-ending scenes yet, making up for a lack of interaction elsewhere.

Most of all, let’s shine the spotlight on Sara. As a court reporter, she’s still largely playing a supporting role to positions considered higher up, but this episode eliminates any doubts about her being a badass in her own right.

Between her touching interactions with the famous victim’s mother and her expert handling of a snide designer hired to make Pryce’s client look good (and expose secret hearings in the process), Sara is a ray of sunshine even when everything else gets depressing.

All Rise has been picked up for a full season, so we’ll get at least 22 episodes of her and everyone else. Still, that should only be the beginning. Do you hear me, CBS?

 

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All Rise airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.

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