A perfect example of "The Defenders" at it best, which earned it the reputation as CBS' (and maybe ALL of TV at the time) "Prestige" show which, in addition to its terrific content, consistently garnered high viewer ratings.
So why can't we have the ENTIRE series preserved on DVD, considering all of the other FAR less worthy stuff that's readily available?
My only quibble is the opening scene's big accident, which director Richard Greene prolonged in a rather silly way. Other than that, Greene's typical use of close-up shots of the actors in their most dramatic moments and the sweeping pace of the dialogue and action continually draws us into this intense, unpredictable story.
After the initial trial's hung jury-- which occurs about 15 minutes into the show, the REAL intrigue kicks in. Suffice to say that EVERY MAIN CHARACTER's thought process and "trajectory" intersects with the others in a fascinating-- and always clearly delineated way.
The two Father-and-Son pairs: the Prestons and the Crewes, the aggressive, ambitious D.A. (Paul Stevens), the lone juror hold-out, the judge--- ALL interact in a neatly-plotted script that surprises us as it reveals more about their motivation and moral character.
We resent the rich, spoiled kid who recklessly caused the fatal accident; surely he and his overbearing father will use their influence to acquit him....or will they?
Of course, the D.A.--facing a big upcoming election, will ruthlessly pursue a conviction of the young man......but what if the father offers him a major campaign "contribution" to drop the case?
Of course, Lawrence Preston (E.G. Marshall) will remain ethically pure in the event of an underhanded attempt to "throw" the trial--- or will he?? Is morality just a bit too malleable in his quest to save his own client? And if his staunchly idealistic son (Robert Reed) vehemently disagrees to the point that it threatens to destroy their own relationship---then what?
It may sound like one of those hopelessly complicated legal mazes, but it's NOT; it's brilliantly laid-out, engrossing, logical and, as a result, all the more powerful.
A damn' good show. LR
So why can't we have the ENTIRE series preserved on DVD, considering all of the other FAR less worthy stuff that's readily available?
My only quibble is the opening scene's big accident, which director Richard Greene prolonged in a rather silly way. Other than that, Greene's typical use of close-up shots of the actors in their most dramatic moments and the sweeping pace of the dialogue and action continually draws us into this intense, unpredictable story.
After the initial trial's hung jury-- which occurs about 15 minutes into the show, the REAL intrigue kicks in. Suffice to say that EVERY MAIN CHARACTER's thought process and "trajectory" intersects with the others in a fascinating-- and always clearly delineated way.
The two Father-and-Son pairs: the Prestons and the Crewes, the aggressive, ambitious D.A. (Paul Stevens), the lone juror hold-out, the judge--- ALL interact in a neatly-plotted script that surprises us as it reveals more about their motivation and moral character.
We resent the rich, spoiled kid who recklessly caused the fatal accident; surely he and his overbearing father will use their influence to acquit him....or will they?
Of course, the D.A.--facing a big upcoming election, will ruthlessly pursue a conviction of the young man......but what if the father offers him a major campaign "contribution" to drop the case?
Of course, Lawrence Preston (E.G. Marshall) will remain ethically pure in the event of an underhanded attempt to "throw" the trial--- or will he?? Is morality just a bit too malleable in his quest to save his own client? And if his staunchly idealistic son (Robert Reed) vehemently disagrees to the point that it threatens to destroy their own relationship---then what?
It may sound like one of those hopelessly complicated legal mazes, but it's NOT; it's brilliantly laid-out, engrossing, logical and, as a result, all the more powerful.
A damn' good show. LR
