The Case of the Misguided Model

This was another enjoyable episode, for the same reasons I always cite: good acting, great character actors and Della/Paul. The cars also star, in this episode Nash Ramblers and Ford Galaxies, I believe, although the LAPD never used those models as cruisers.

What didn't star in this episode was the plot. Too many holes. Why did the pretty brunette show up at the starlet's apartment, and what was she doing, trying to get in or leaving? Never addressed or explained. When did the killer murder the victim? Never explained. How long was the body on the floor before the two people got there? Since there were no court scenes, there was no coroner or ME to explain the cause and manner of death or the time of death. There was a mention of a blunt instrument, but the facts were glossed over here. And how did the ex-boxer escape charges when he fired at police officers?

Lots of holes, but love the actors and the vehicles, even if the police car emblems were too generic. Oh, and to pmike, again I ask why you even bother to watch when you end up with a 1/10 and sarcastic comments. Don't bother. Your reviews are "unhelpful."

The worst, the most ludicrous, the corniest, the stupidest episode of any series of any genre I have EVER seen in my long life. This is a total embarrassment. From the ridiculous start, this episode progressed, careening downhill at the most alarming acceleration of total inanity one could ever wish to witness. Enough said.

Fern Bronwyn is more deeply tied to the murder than we are lead to believe when Paul talks with her in Seattle. The very opening of the episode, right before Duke and Sharon enter her apartment Fern is seen either closing or trying to open Sharon's door. She then disappears and Duke and Sharon appear in the hallway approaching Sharon's apartment. Her appearance near the end of the episode at the studio and later at the cabin isn't really explained. Paul got the pictures from Fern that upset Sharon, but why Fern travelled to LA is a mystery.

The 'regulars' of the Perry Mason cast are great as usual - nothing out of the ordinary. However, this episode exposes a different side of the noted lawyer than to what we are usually exposed - vulnerability.

An innocent-appearing young woman, trying for her breakthrough job into acting by being a spokesperson for a soap company, seemingly becomes the victim of a botched burglary at her apartment. Fortuitously she has been accompanied home by a friend - an ex-boxer. As he enters her apartment he's attacked by an unknown assailant as the door closes and locks behind him. Because of his quick wits and fighting abilities he quickly overpowers the attacker and opens the door to let in the young woman, only to find it seems the attacker has been killed by his blows.

The ex-boxer has had dealings with Perry Mason before (in a contract dispute with a previous employer), so, of course, he calls him and reveals all, admitting to killing the victim. Unfortunately he further assisted by removing the body from the apartment to prevent tarnishing the career goals of the young actress. To complicate matters further, a transient finds the body dumped in an alley and, thinking it was just a passed-out drunk, he begins to take a watch and wallet only to be discovered by the police and ultimately is charged with the murder.

Many more plot twists ensue, with the man who thinks he caused the death on-the-run from the police. Predictably, Perry Mason figures out the matter and brings the episode to a successful conclusion with the true murderer being identified immediately before the end...but only after several plot twists and a cliffhanging scene posing the threat of death to Mr. Mason.

Featured in this episode are noted and highly-respected actors Paul Lukather (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0525566/?ref_=tt_cl_t7), Mary Ann Mobley (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0595039/?ref_=tt_cl_t6), and veteran character actor James Griffith (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341526/?ref_=tt_cl_t11).

Only 4 more episodes of the Perry Mason series were aired after this - it was season 9 and CBS no longer felt it was financially feasible to continue the program...too bad. Raymond Burr and the rest of the cast had held down Earl Stanley Gardner's 'fort' admirably and could have continued had the network continued to have faith.

The reviews for this episode are all over the place! Some viewers like it a lot (I'm one of those) and others detest it.

Here's why I like it: The plot was really good; had a twist that I did not seeing coming at all. The episode featured a big outdoor scene with lots of police officers and police cars--maybe more than we've ever seen at one time, in any PM episode!

I'm an attorney, and I was very interested in how Perry handled an ethical dilemma related to the duty of confidentiality versus duty to justice and the court.

And: Mary Ann Mobley was in this episode! I am a big fan of her, and I always enjoy any show where she has a good part. She had a very entertaining role this time, and her final scene was dramatic and high energy, and just tremendous fun to watch!

I think this is one of the best, most entertaining episodes of the entire series.