Written by: Moira Kirland
Directed by: Vincent Misiano
Rating:
The One Where: Larry Watt, a defence attorney who’s rubbed Allison up the wrong way in the past, asks her to help him defend a man accused of murdering his wife.
Verdict: A brave episode, which dares to raise more questions than it answers. As usual, there’s a lurid murder plot at its heart, but this time Allison doesn’t bring the culprit to justice. Instead, the episode’s more concerned with the implications of Larry Watt’s offer to employ Allison. Previously he’s been a “Boo! Hiss!” villain, and while he’s as ruthless as ever here, you come to understand more what drives him, as he’s used to explore the morality of being a defence lawyer (is it right to represent someone you’re not sure isn’t guilty?). Can Allison justify helping Watt when she so desperately needs the money, even though her conscience (and her dreams) are giving her doubts about the case? It’s though-provoking stuff, and well handled, especially the way Allison’s dreams – by revealing more each time – make her reassess her previously firmly-held beliefs. It’s a shame that the B-plot (Ariel makes money from psychic readings at school then feels a bit guilty) is so underwhelming, though.
Gratuitous Time Check #1:
Allison: “It’s not even six.”
Gratuitous Time Check #2:
Joe: “It’s barely seven o’clock.”
Highlight: Allison’s brilliantly bonkers black and white, silent, comedy flick dream. DA Van Dyke is spot on as a moustache-twirling villain.
Best Line:
Ariel: “You’re supposed to wait until I say ‘Come in.’”
Joe: “I would have, but then there’s this whole issue of life expectancy to deal with.”
Dave Golder
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