Shameless, predatory, and obnoxious ambulance chasing lawyer Geraldine Ferrett (the always great Catherine O'Hara in splendidly spirited form) finds herself trapped in the remote town of Stuecksville after she gets busted for a moving violation. Ferrett initially thinks that she can simply resolve the situation by paying a fine, but soon discovers that the folks in Stuecksville have a very odd and strict concept of justice. Director Russell Mulcahy, working from a crafty script by Ron Finely, relates the amusingly off-kilter story at a brisk pace, does an ace job of creating and sustaining a quirky and surreal nightmarish atmosphere, delivers a few nice bits of gore, and tops everything off with a darkly funny sense of inspired coal black humor. The enthusiastic cast really sink their teeth into the oddball material: O'Hara has a field day in her juicy lead role, Peter MacNicol makes the most out of his meaty supporting part as meek and ineffectual twerp defense attorney Austin Haggard, and Joseph Mahler does well as a trio of ruthless judges. The supremely ironic surprise ending is a corker. Moreover, this episode illustrates in a shrewd and imaginative manner how the dismal consequences of one's shameful past actions can come back to haunt you down the line. Rick Bota's sharp cinematography provides a neat glossy period 50's look and boasts a load of crazy camera angles that enhance the overall bizarre mood. A worthy starter for the sixth season.
Review of Let the Punishment Fit the Crime
