All Rise Review: Sliding Floors (Season 2 Episode 3)

All Rise stands out for showing both all sides of the legal system and the realities of the system itself. For the people who are a part of it, one of those realities can be coming to terms with the unrelenting and often conflicting parts of their jobs. It’s a central aspect of this episode.

The parallels between the two main cases are well highlighted. From the support given to a woman with money to the very location of the trials themselves, we can both literally and figuratively see how privilege plays into the system’s treatment of people.

If it’s frustrating to us, that’s nothing to Emily, facing one bad break after another until she erupts in a “Dead Poets Society”-inspired outburst that’s both moving and a little awkward. I’m glad it helps her move back toward acceptance, but again: give the poor woman a break!

Emily’s role defending her client is expected. So is Luke’s in prosecuting that same client in his first case sitting first chair. That expectation, and the emotional consequences for those who are a part of this system, soon weigh heavily.

J Alex Brinston stands out. From being a deputy to his new role in the DA’s office, Luke’s moral compass weighs against the requirements of the job. It adds an extra pang that this comes on his first “win” and that he does so much for Emily’s client, who still winds up in jail.

Though Luke has been integral throughout the show’s run, and though his relationship with Emily (*sniff*) remains a highlight from season one, we haven’t seen him carry his own plot in a while. This is shaping into the start of an arc, and I’m looking forward to it.

Speaking of Lemily, their conversation—after Emily makes her speech and Luke, overcome by guilt, vomits in the parking lot—Is a nice reminder of that old chemistry. I’m also taking it as more proof of their endgame status, but that may just be me.

In the meantime, Joaquin is slowly growing on me, though I haven’t yet let go of that potential stalker vibe from his introduction. I am glad Emily has a sounding board when she needs it most, and that we see the potential for socially distant dating.

Lola is playing a bit of a background role here, but that doesn’t keep us from seeing everything we love about her, from her determination to safely fly solo to her (much remarked upon) determination to be empathetic to the accused in her court.

Her scenes with Ness continue to establish her new assistant’s persona. Much as Ness needs to learn how to temper her own anger at the system in court, it’s a perspective Lola needs to hear, lest the need for open mindedness outweigh the reality of inequality.

Ness’s fervor is reflected in Emily’s client. Though she, too, shoots herself in the foot with her behavior in court, there’s no denying the uncomfortable truths she references. It’s very likely her case would turn out differently if she were a white man.

Finally, another arc shapes up in photos showing that a man who has been accused of shooting at the sheriff was actually unarmed. He was shot and both paralyzed and imprisoned. Now, Mark wants to face the sheriff himself; a potentially huge risk.

This being the second time Mark is fervently pursuing a case he was unintentionally involved with prosecuting unfairly, I’d prefer a different outlet to start this plot. Still, I’m looking forward to where it goes. The same can’t be said for Amy.

Apart from the case itself, there’s a lot to unpack between Mark and Amy. On the one hand, he does need to treat her as a partner. On the other, his decision to pursue this seems like the ethically necessary one.

I’m still reserving judgement, this time until we get more explanation as to the motive for her resistance. One thing Amy is definitely right on: this is a matter that must be handled with patience and tact. That’s not exactly Mark’s strong suit.

The signs of jealously toward Lola are troubling but perhaps inevitable. If this couple is going to make it, Amy will need to come to terms with the fact Lola will always be family to Mark, but Mark needs to do more to make her realize that in no way diminishes her role in his life.

Other Notes

• I hope to see more of Luke’s family. His grandmother may be my favorite relative of a main character yet, and we’ve only seen her for about one minute.
• Did I miss how the WWII re-enactment came about? Was it mentioned in previous episodes? It’s a very fun diversion, but it feels so random.
• If Mark and Lisa both bursting into Lola’s office at a dead sprint for a false alarm is any sign, the actual birth will be epic and potentially hilarious. I can’t wait.

 

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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