All Rise Season 3 Episode 4 Review: Troubled Man

A lot comes with a show that covers the full spectrum of the legal system. Sometimes, like in All Rise Season 3 Episode 4, “Troubled Man,” that means seeing people we like going against each other.

Luke, still fresh in the public defender’s office, represents a man accused of shooting and killing a woman. Mark is prosecuting the case, and, though they make an effort to preserve their friendship early on, we feel our second-hand anxiety setting in from the start.

There’s something that feels slightly off about the whole thing, possibly because of a seeming need to add extra layers of drama to a situation that’s plenty dramatic enough on its own. There’s no easy way to approach conflict with stakes so high, and that tension stands by itself.

Luke’s client is effectively written and acted. He’s both frustrating and sympathetic, having been mistreated by the system and yet acting out unreasonably now. I also genuinely have no idea if he’s guilty. We’re not certain who to root for, and it forces us to use our judgement.

It’s the loopholes that start making things unpleasant. Mark warns of Luke of an upcoming “bombshell” with no hints as to what that is. Before he can drop it, Luke tosses in a DNA-related twist that is only slightly better defined for either the prosecution or us as the audience.

Neither of them, particularly Mark, is behaving quite as they should in either a personal or professional capacity. Yet we can easily test both them and their friendship without these theatrics. I do think things will fall into place as they play out. I just hope they do so soon.

Elsewhere in the episode, other relationships also navigate choppy seas. Though Lola is the judge in Mark and Luke’s case, calling them both the to the mat in the episode’s closing scenes, her most significant role here is tied to her dynamics with Sherri.

When it all comes out, we learn that most of Sherri’s offense is tied to a look from Lola which implied judgement. As Lola explains, it was really just a gesture of shock and concern. Here too, it feels like friendships we cherish face an unnecessary struggle towards redemption.

I don’t question that a simple look could raise such emotions. It’s easy and relatable for a simple gesture to cause significant pain. But this is an issue so common in tv and film, where everything could be resolved with a little open communication of feelings.

Thankfully, we do get at least one beloved friendship back to carry us through the rough time with Luke and Mark. And even more thankfully, Emily is there to give us a case we can openly champion without worrying who is really on the right side of justice.

We can’t forget that Charlotte’s withholding information played some role in her legal battle and in having her children taken. Still, in this hour, she’s like so many of Emily’s clients: imperfect but worthy and more than capable of being a good mother.

There’s a familiar passion in seeing Emily advocate for her, and the moment in which she gets her kids back is both a relief and a joy—one of the few truly happy moments in an hour that thrives on heavier feelings. She still needs to put the work in, but Emily helps us know that will happen.

With so many friendships on the mend or in peril, it’s a little disappointing that we get almost no screentime for classic ones like Lola and Mark or Sara and Emily. Still, I’m sure they’ll come along soon enough. The sooner the better—we’re going to need them.

Other Notes

• Sherri and Luke-Mark trial drama take up most of Lola’s time, but the subplot with her husband’s extreme couponing is both odd and amusing. The SoulCycle mix-up? Eh, it’s probably good to help Robin check his habits.
• What I remember most, though, are Bailey’s expressions in the opening scene as she and Lola survey their overstocked home. That baby can act!
• I can’t decide if the writers are trying to make us find Sara’s magician roomie endearing or irritating. I’m still leaning towards the former. A little glitter never hurt anyone! But we’ll see where it goes.

 

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

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All Rise airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on OWN.

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