Perry Mason Review: Chapter Four (Season 1 Episode 4)

The story takes an even more tragic turn on Perry Mason Season 1 Episode 4, “Chapter 4.”

This episode marks a turning point in the limited series, drawing out real emotion and solidifying its common themes. “Chapter 4” is where Perry Mason has truly found itself. 

With its new tragedy, the series takes digs its heels in on revealing a flawed justice system. Yes, it’s shown that flawed system from the beginning, but as the story has moved forward, it’s only deepened that conversation further. 

Perry is focused on the new information he’s learned from Drake, which leads him and Pete to learn a fourth man was involved in the kidnapping of Charlie Dodson — and that fourth man is still out there somewhere. The new, this time accurate, autopsy report on George (poor Virgil) also reveals helpful evidence. 

You’d think that would be enough — good evidence to prove Emily Dodson isn’t responsible for the death of her own son. But the corruption within the system makes that not so. 

An already struggling E.B., with some deep internal conflict, is desperate for this innocent woman to be freed and for justice to play out the way it should. But he can’t even get her out on bail.

Perry’s new evidence gives him new confidence until the district attorney blackmails him. E.B. has found himself in a no-win situation. If he doesn’t do right by Emily, he clearly won’t be able to live with himself. But if he does, he loses his career. 

Barnes gives E.B. three options, but E.B. winds up choosing a tragic and heartbreaking fourth. There’s something so self-assured in the way he prepares things first — filling the hummingbird feeding, pinning his collar, combing his hair — and yet so incredibly sad. The pain is right there in his eyes. This isn’t what he wants to do, but this is “doing his best” as he promises Emily. 

It’s not surprising that John Lithgow would give an impeccable performance, but it’s still one that feels surprising in how darn good it is — not just in this final moment, but in his interactions with Della and with Emily, in the way he moves between deep sadness, hope, and anger. 

And his choice is no doubt a turning point for the series, but for Perry as a character as well. 

This episode also focuses in on the women of the series in a way that feels powerful. Della is sick of being treated as less than what she’s worth, for starters. She has been this entire time, and I love the way she continues to demand people see her worth.

Emily is seen as guilty because she had an affair, and there aren’t even repercussions for the officers her beat her in her cell. The phrase “you couldn’t even break a housewife” certainly stands out. 

Sister Alice and her mother are now “hysterical women” and the divide in power is deeply upsetting. That’s not to say that Sister Alice’s proclamation that she can raise Charlie from the dead isn’t alarming — obviously it is. In fact, it’s fascinating to me how much compassion we, as the audience, feel for her in the way she’s treated.

The statement makes her lose credibility among many, but the way the “men of the church” swoop in to take charge is insulting in the worst of ways. 

Other thoughts:

• It’s a treat to see more of Della’s personal life, fleshing out another character from the original series. 
• Seriously, poor Virgil. Perry and Pete have good reasons for traumatizing the man, but still. 

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

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Perry Mason airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.

Watch Perry Mason Season 1 Episode 4, “Chapter 4.”

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