Perry's Back! But... Is He *Really* Back?
Okay, let's talk Perry Mason. Specifically, Perry Mason: The Case of the Scandalous Scoundrel from 1987. Yes, I know, it's vintage, like your grandma's favorite teapot.
But here's my controversial opinion: it's… fine. Just fine. Don't @ me!
The Plot Thickens (Sort Of)
The story involves, you guessed it, a scandalous scoundrel. Imagine that! Someone’s up to no good. It’s always a surprise, right?
Someone is murdered. Perry Mason, played by the ever-reliable Raymond Burr, steps in to defend the accused. Drama ensues.
We've seen this before, haven't we?
Burr's Still Got It (Mostly)
Raymond Burr *is* Perry Mason. That’s undeniable. He brings that stoic, knowing gaze. That deep voice that could calm a hurricane.
But even legends have their off days. He seems a little...tired. Maybe he needed a longer vacation.
Perhaps a nice cruise somewhere tropical. Just a thought.
The Supporting Cast: Familiar Faces, Familiar Roles
We get the usual suspects. Della Street, always loyal and efficient. Paul Drake Jr., trying to fill his dad’s shoes.
They do their jobs perfectly well. Nobody is phoning it in. But are they exactly inspiring? Not really.
Think of them as the reliable furniture of the Perry Mason universe. Sturdy, but not exactly exciting.
The "Scandalous" Part? Eh...
The "scandal" in The Case of the Scandalous Scoundrel is...mild. By today’s standards, it's practically PG-rated.
It involves some shady business dealings and a woman of questionable reputation. Shocking! (Not really).
I've seen spicier scandals in my local grocery store's checkout lane. Just saying.
The Big Reveal (Spoiler Alert: It's a Twist...Kind Of)
The ending has the classic Perry Mason courtroom showdown. He unveils the real killer with a dramatic flourish.
It's satisfying in a predictable way. You know, like ordering your favorite pizza. You know what you're getting.
Is it mind-blowing? Nope. Did I see it coming a mile away? Probably. Did I still enjoy it? Sure.
Unpopular Opinion Time: It's Comfort Food, Not Fine Dining
So, here's where I might lose some of you. Perry Mason: The Case of the Scandalous Scoundrel is...comfort food.
It’s not groundbreaking television. It's not going to win any awards for originality. It is just perfectly adequate.
Think of it as a warm blanket on a cold day. Familiar, reliable, and ultimately, not that memorable.
But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Agree?
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch?
If you're a die-hard Perry Mason fan, absolutely. You'll enjoy seeing Raymond Burr back in action, even if he’s a bit rusty.
If you're new to Perry Mason, this might not be the best starting point. Try something earlier in the series.
But if you're just looking for some uncomplicated, legal-themed entertainment, you could do worse. Much worse.
Just don't expect fireworks. Expect reasonable competence.