The Case of the Impatient Partner

I am a big fan of Perry Mason, and I have been watching all the episodes, in order, on dvds. I notice that this episode feels a little different. I think it has to do with the writing. This episode is still good and interesting, but most of the time, the series sets such a high standard, some episodes will inevitably not be A+ quality.

For one thing, the action seems a little choppy; the scene transitions just aren't as smooth as usual. Also, often the suspect character, Perry's client, is really likeable or somewhat so, and you have empathy for them. Here, Wesley Lau's character comes off as an irritating jerk for the first half. It's hard to like him. On the plus side: all the actors are good; Ray Collins is in this one; and Leslie Parrish adds her charm and beauty to the episode. One thing I always like about the show: they always, I think, have several exterior scenes, so you see cool cars and so on. A lot of the early series look and feel like they never got out of the sound stage. No so Perry Mason! So, watch this one, it's worth seeing.

I will agree with most of the other reviewers that this particular performance bordered (if not surpassed) on overacting by several of the key players here. Since most of these actors were veterans of the series (especially Wesley Lau who took over as Lt Anderson starting in the next season), I have to put my blame for this mess on Arthur Marks. Marks was hot & cold direction-wise throughout the seasons, but this one was overtly ham-fisted. Not terrible, by any means, but nothing to write home about. Just a filler ep in a long season. Onward & upward...

A very badly directed and poor casting on this episode. The main cast was okay but the guest actors did a very poor job. This show did improve over time but not this episode.

Perry Mason is one of my favorite TV series. I have seen every episode thanks to METV and a DVR; most multiple times. It is rare that I give an episode anything less than an 8 (certainly 7) rating. I find this episode to be poorly written, and acted.

Wesley Lau is really over the top in the early scenes as a business owner investigating a fire at his company, while suspecting his wife of infidelity with his partner. A season later, Lau would gradually move into the role of Lt. Andy Anderson, when Ray Collins became ill. It is not my favorite casting decision from the show, but that is a subject for another time.

The courtroom confession might be the most ridiculous in the show's history; a serious case of overacting.

Sometimes overacting gets in the way. There is a lot of emoting on these Perry Mason dramas, but this one really cranks up the juices. There is some huge jealousy going on at a paint company. Also, the co-owners don't get along, one almost beside himself with fury, striking out at everyone. The first partner is killed and suspicion goes to partner two. He is so emotional that he can't sit still. He won't even talk to his wife and accused her of being unfaithful with the first guy. Loony Tunes.