All Rise Review: The Joy From Oz (Season 1 Episode 11)

All Rise Season 1 Episode 11, “The Joy From Oz,” balances multiple ongoing crises with a healthy dose of holiday spirit.

After a couple rushed episodes, you might think one that weaves Lola being put on the stand and Mark’s dad facing murder charges in with a Wizard of Oz-themed mock trial for kids could get out of control. Yet for the most part, that doesn’t happen.

There are still a couple points that feel awkwardly stuck in, but even with plotlines that couldn’t be more different in tone, the pacing works here. That doesn’t mean we get a moment to relax.

Jude Carmichael’s trial is our central focus and is its own little “Lolacoaster” of lows and highs. The panel trying Lola acts biased for most of the proceedings, and its enough to have us grinding our teeth. Her doubts are put into overdrive for both this case and her career.

What she needs is one heck of a pep talk, and Sherri is there to give just that. I’m so happy this friendship is expanding beyond the comic bickering that started it. This is what women standing up for each other looks like.

Taking this support to heart, Lola defends herself with the passion we love. She comes out on top, and even the judges who aggravate us most turns out relatively okay in the end. Well, at least one does.

Simone Missick is so good here, especially because Lola’s fears don’t dissipate after her strong performance or final win. Her vulnerability adds so much in a profession that’s often portrayed only distantly on TV.

Chances are she’s not going to just brush this off. Her approach has been vindicated, but an experience like this doesn’t go away. Still, I also believe she’ll come back stronger than ever.

Mark stands behind his friend his much as ever. His own pep talk isn’t quite at the level of Sherri’s, but then he’s more than a little distracted—both by Vic’s murder case and the prosecution of a career mob boss.

Handing him another case is one of the few bits that feels like it could be a bit too much. Let’s give the man one big storyline at a time, especially when that one is as major as having family accused of homicide.

I do appreciate the parallels between Mark’s own life right now and Liam turning on Trevor after his sister’s death. The talk of last family members has me back to thinking he may well lose Vic soon, no matter how the trial turns out.

And how will the trial turn out? That could be anyone’s guess, but getting Amy Quinn on his dad’s side is a boon. Chances are higher than ever they’ll hook up now, though I’m not thrilled about the circumstances to get there. (See my end notes.)

And now for something completely different.

I must admit that my thoughts may be skewed by just how much I love everything about the Wizard of Oz-themed mock trial, from Sara as a pitch-perfect Dorothy to Luke playing judge—and, of course, Emily having to act as prosecutor.

There’s a small thread of tension between Emily and Thomas Choi, who’s involved with Lola’s case, but for the most part, this is wonderful and silly and just the lighthearted break we need to be able to keep coming back to amidst the drama.

The other moments that get tucked in with this story are lovely too, and only a tiny bit rushed. I’m so interested in Sara’s family and the glimpses of their story. I hope we meet some of them for some follow-up soon.

Emily’s support of Luke is lovely after several episodes of him helping her in rough situations. She’s absolutely right, too. He’s going to be a stellar lawyer. With their relationship in the open, she can help him celebrate as soon as he learns he’s aced his exams.

Other Notes

• I’ve already forgotten the name of that guy who has a crush on Sherri and I’m still rooting for them to get together. Let him ask you out already!
• It isn’t just me who thinks that warning about Judge Benner has come out of nowhere, right? I’m curious but confused about what it could possibly mean.
• I’m not at all surprised Ria’s gone but dismissing her so suddenly is a bit of a downer in both a scene and a whole episode that are otherwise wonderful.
• Everything else about that party, though—Ruth Ann Miles singing! Luke and Emily kissing! More foundational Lola and Mark scenes! This is what I keep coming back for.

 

What did you think of this episode of All Rise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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