All Rise Review: What the Bailiff Saw (Season 1 Episode 13)
On All Rise Season 1 Episode 13, “What the Bailiff Saw,” Emily’s case hits thorny legal ground, Mark’s father comes off in a very mixed light, and we finally see more of Lola’s husband.
Good shows (at least those that contain any measure of drama) should respect their audience enough to make them think. All Rise has understood this from the start, and the question of morality vs. technical legality is one that’s been alluded to before.
As Emily tries to seek immunity for a teenage client only to have it thwarted via a secret recording, that question is addressed more directly than ever, and we’re left with strong evidence of the wide gray area that exists within.
In the end, I think Lola makes the argument as well as anyone can: you may be allowed to secretly record someone, but that doesn’t make it right, especially not when you mean to act in a way that could hurt an innocent person’s chance at immunity.
I do appreciate that even this isn’t straightforward. The prosecuting lawyers aren’t outright villains, and some of their points are uncomfortably accurate. We see Emily’s bias, a trait that both makes her more human and that she needs in her role.
Still, we know who we want to win and why. Especially important are the very real conversations about rights and, from Sara, why people wind up in gangs in the first place, facing a life of fear and society’s judgement even if they do get out.
Meanwhile, there’s a lot being thrown at us when it comes to Vic Callan. Knowing he’s probably innocent of murder makes it much easier to support Amy’s fervent defense tactics. But does that mean we should root for the guy?
Until now, what we’ve seen of Mark’s relationship with his dad has been troubling, but not so much as to stop us possibly judging a son who might actually want his father to wind up in prison or believe his guilt so quickly.
Their conversation in prison, though, is the first time we see a heavy implication that their relationship and Mark’s childhood were a lot more than “troubled”. I’m not sure that’s adequately addressed.
Whether Vic has ever been abusive in any form isn’t definite, but he has a lot more than a temper, and it needs a lot more than mid-trial apologies. I don’t want him convicted of murder, but I hope the writers realize they’ve implied he might have a lot more to be accountable for.
After waiting about half a season to finally see more of Lola’s husband, a storyline between them is very welcome. As expected, all their interactions are sweet and wonderful, even as a job offer across the country looms.
That said, I must acknowledge that both that offer and the long periods of not seeing Robin do little to alleviate my fears about what those things man. It seems more than ever we’re keeping him at a distance—a troubling sign in the TV world.
I will always talk up the relationships in this show. What we do get of Lola and Robin fits in with that. I love that Lola gets both a true romance and true platonic friendship with men and that it doesn’t create drama. I love that Robin and Mark are friends, too.
Will it all last? While we see the spouses determined to make it work here, I have a bad feeling in my gut. Robin is a good man, and what we have right now is great. What we need his more of it, yet I fear movement in the opposite direction.
Other Notes
- I am loving Sherri and Kevin’s interactions even as it’s taken me this long just to learn his name. I’m not convinced they’re long-term, but they could have a great slow burn.
- I don’t give Sara enough of a shoutout above, but her poignant moments are so wonderful. Please let this be a sign of an increased focus on her that’s long overdue
- I’m has happy as ever to see Luke and Emily make up from a spat before the episode ends, but does it feel like he’s doing most of the apologizing to anyone else? Even when he has a point?
What did you think of this episode of All Rise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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All Rise airs 9/8c at Mondays on CBS.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.