All Rise Review: Georgia (Season 2 Episode 10)

When we see Mark and Emily facing each other in court, we know we’re in for some intense cases. On All Rise Season 2 Episode 10, “Georgia,” that means eyewitnesses testimony leaves everyone questioning who to believe.

The case is a jumble from the start, followings months of delays and Mark taking over after Maggie Palmer falls ill with food poisoning (only after taking the time to be smug enough to annoy everyone around her).

There are clear hints of racism from a store owner who was robbed and others who are absolutely certain about the suspect’s identity, at least until they face even a slight amount of questioning. At the same time, Emily’s client lies repeatedly through the trial.

It’s a heavy-handed way of making a point about eyewitnesses. We’re turned off by the behavior of those swearing to remember a certain series of events, but their transition from certainty to dubiousness in the eyes of the court is abrupt.

The final consensus, essentially a mistrial, is frustrating and unsatisfying, even as it helps Emily’s client. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. Eyewitness testimony isn’t always flawed or bad, but it muddies that water in a way the law has long ignored.

The same can be said for unconscious bias. Though this concept is never directly mentioned in this court, it is the subject of a seminar for the judges and sticks in Benner’s mind as she oversees the case, questioning her own perceptions of it.

Georgia Jennings is a heck of a character and the discussions she brings with her are as essential as any on this show. Above all, both characters and viewers are put in a position to confront the fact we all have unconscious biases and can only conquer them by acknowledging them.

If there’s any flaw in what soon transpires, it’s that a new ship could overshadow just much these conversations matter. We love that Benner is so on board with challenging herself, but soon enough, all we want is for her and Georgia to hit it off.

Sill, they do hit it off—and then some. I am completely on board with this new ship and it’s wonderfully romantic first date. Elsewhere, Luke and Emily take a few more slow, wobbly steps back toward where we all want them to be.

It’s almost enough, but only almost, to make me forget the love triangle that lingers. Now that Mark and Rachel officially aren’t telling Amy about their kiss, we’re in the area of soap opera drama that I find tedious. Let’s get back to the healthy relationships.

I do admit that the revelation that Amy is still technically married to an unnamed man is a jaw dropper. But s being secretly married through a relationship any better that a secret kiss? Yes, at least when the kiss participants hide it. (Sigh.)

Thankfully, nowhere near all of Mark’s drama is relationship centered. There’s Richard, Amy and Rachel’s new client, who just happens to be an old “friend” of Vic’s. By friend, of course, I mean accomplice. I’m already concerned.

Between Mark’s concern and Amy’s determination to take “Uncle Richie” on, the amount of money Richard is willing to pay and the very fact we’re on a network drama, we can be assured this is going to go south. I’m guessing he’s been involved in considerably more than he lets on.

Then there’s the police brutality storyline. It comes back with a vengeance, this time with a distorted voice on the phone and a mysterious list of names that just happens to include Luke’s.

Mark’s already been stabbed, almost certainly in connection with this work. A promo for the rest of the season hints at still more drama to come. How long will it be until the true seriousness sinks in for our characters?

Other Notes

• Lola does not appear for even a moment in this episode. She’s hardly even mentioned. It’s still a very full story, but it just feels weird.
• Amy Acker, Ray Wise, and Sarah Levy all in one episode? We are rich with guest stars.
• I can accept Sam not being familiar with Deep Throat, but are we really supposed to be believe she’s never herd of Watergate, considering how often it’s been referenced the past few years?

 

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

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