This episode was like a breath of fresh air. After having watched the last few shows it appeared that the writing was getting stale. This show takes us back to why so many people like the 'Perry Mason' series.
We have a sick grumpy old man named Abner Gordon (Richard Hale)that only use in life is to make everyone bow to his needs. He has a good bit of money and threatens to write everyone out of his will, at the slightest whim, if they do not do exactly has in wants.
His niece Rachel Gordon (Phyllis Hill) is living with her Uncle Abner and is the only living relative that is set to inherit nearly all of the old man's money. However she has had enough of the old man's crappy attitude and goes as far as telling people that she wants him dead. And to prove her point she goes out and buys a gun and practices shooting at targets with Uncle Abner's head as the main goal.
There is also a man that lives in the house named Bruce Jay (John Napier). He was in some type of accident, due to Abner's business, and has been living in the house till he fully recovers. He is also to receive a small portion from Uncle Abner's estate. He is ready to move on with his life but cannot get the money till Abner passes.
One evening Rachel goes into a fit and the doctor is called. She is given some sleep medication due to her nerves. That night, in the medicated state, she shoot Uncle Abner three times. Only problem is that Uncle Abner is already dead from a tainted injection that contain medicine that is in possession of Bruce Jay.
Bruce Jay is arrest an on trial for the death of Abner. In comes Perry, with his team of Paul and Della, to defend Mr Jay on the charge.
The rest of the episode is classic Perry. We get to see Hamilton and Perry working together outside the courtroom when they stake-out a street for possible evidence. We also get unusual Perry twist in the plot when finding the true murderer. So it will be a surprise to many who the wanted person is in this episode.
This is a fresh new script to a show that seemed to be getting stale. This is one of the best from season eight.