Perry Mason Season 1 Ending Explained, Review, and More
by Hemalatha R | Updated Mar 31, 2023
Perry Mason Season 1 Ending Explained
The first season of Perry Mason aired on HBO in 2020 and left viewers with a lot of questions about the main characters and their stories. The season finale left many wondering what could happen in the future of the show. The biggest takeaway from the finale was that Emily Dodson walked free from the murder charge against her for the death of her infant son, Charlie, as the jury was deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial. While Emily may be charged again, she is currently free. The villain of the story, Detective Joe Ennis, does not pay for his transgressions in the broken legal system, and doesn't even show up for court on the last day. However, he gets his comeuppance in the end when Holcomb sets him up to be attacked by a group of men and drowned in a fountain. Emily's story ends tragically as she speaks on the witness stand about how her true love was her son, Charlie, who was taken off this earth. After a failed "resurrection" scheme in the penultimate episode, Emily joins Birdy and goes around town claiming an unidentified baby was a resurrected Charlie.
Perry eventually tracks down Sister Alice, who fled the Radiant Assembly and changed her hair color. He shows her that her mother has moved on to her next religious hoax/scheme, the "resurrection baby" with Emily. Perry wants to know how the baby's body moved from the ground and whether Sister Alice really believed in what she was preaching at any point. Alice notes that the two of them are essentially peas in the same pod—the two of them are tired of being alone. But in the end, it's their nature that they'll always be alone, and there's nothing they can do about it. Looking to the future, one could make the case that the real "resurrection" here was that of Mason himself. Over the course of eight episodes, viewers have seen Mason transform from a down-and-out, drunk private investigator into a cleaned-up, suited-up attorney, rallying for the freedom of those who need his help. Sister Alice saw him before this change and sees him now. She notes the difference and sees that he's seemingly changed—but in the end, just as the both of them have transformed from where they were at the show's beginning, who knows if these transformations will last. The finale was exciting as viewers saw Perry Mason and Associates as a fully set up lawyer shop, complete with their very first paying client. Mason is the practicing attorney, but his trust associate, Della Street, will only be an "associate" for now. The future of the show is unknown, but viewers can expect more drama, suspense, and character development in the next season.
Perry Mason Season 1 Recap
Perry Mason season 1 is a gripping and intense crime drama centered around the murder of baby Charlie Dodson. The story follows the conspiracy surrounding Charlie’s kidnapping and the city-wide conspiracy that ensues. Elder Eric Seidel of the Radiant Assembly of God concocts a plan to extort money from Herman Baggerly, a wealthy Assembly patron, and Matthew Dodson’s illegitimate father, due to the church’s financial difficulties. The plan involves a dirty LAPD detective, Joe Ennis, and the church’s accountant, George Gannon. The goal was to return Charlie unharmed to his family after the ransom money was received. However, things take a tragic turn when Ennis feeds Charlie with heroin-addicted breast milk, causing the baby’s death from asphyxiation. In order to maintain their plan, the kidnappers sew Charlie’s eyes open to make it seem as though he is alive when his parents view him from a distance. This gruesome and heartbreaking crime leaves the audience reeling.
Perry Mason enters the story when E.B. Jonathan, the lawyer hired by Mr. Baggerly to represent the Dodsons, asks him to investigate the crime. Instead of saving the family from the LAPD and district attorney Maynard Barnes, Mason uncovers a series of love letters between Emily Dodson and George Gannon. Emily is quickly charged with assisting in her son’s murder, and it falls upon E.B. to prove her innocence, even as Mr. Baggerly and Matthew distance themselves from her. Mason faces an uphill battle to convince the people of Los Angeles that Emily had nothing to do with Charlie’s death, especially since Ennis has started to eliminate his accomplices. Mason’s investigation uncovers the murders of Nowak, Sarecki, and Gannon, with Ennis and Seidel eventually meeting their fate as well. Holcomb, Ennis’ partner, orders Seidel’s death to prevent any damage to the LAPD’s reputation and to conceal their illicit activities. The first season of Perry Mason is an intense and emotional rollercoaster that keeps the audience on edge from start to finish. The show’s impeccable acting, compelling storyline, and dramatic tension make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. The season’s ending sets up an exciting and suspenseful second season, leaving viewers eager for more.
How many Episodes in Perry Mason season 1?
The first season of the HBO series Perry Mason consists of 16 episodes. The show, which premiered in June 2020, stars Matthew Rhys as the titular character, a private investigator and defense lawyer in 1930s Los Angeles. The season centers around the brutal murder of baby Charlie Dodson and the subsequent investigation into his death. Perry Mason is hired by E.B. Jonathan, the lawyer representing the Dodson family, to look into the case and try to prove Emily Dodson's innocence. As Mason delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a city-wide conspiracy involving a corrupt LAPD detective, a church facing financial difficulties, and a wealthy businessman with secrets to keep. Throughout the season, viewers are taken on a gripping journey as Mason and his team work tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice to the Dodson family. The show is a masterclass in storytelling, with each episode building on the last to create a complex and captivating narrative.
The 16-episode run allows for ample time to explore the many intricate layers of the case, as well as the personal lives of the characters involved. The show boasts an all-star cast, with standout performances from Rhys, John Lithgow as E.B. Jonathan, Tatiana Maslany as Sister Alice McKeegan, and Juliet Rylance as Della Street. The first season of Perry Mason was met with critical acclaim, with many praising the show's impressive visuals, strong performances, and captivating storyline. The show has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in 2022. Fans of crime dramas and legal thrillers will find much to enjoy in Perry Mason. With its gritty portrayal of 1930s Los Angeles and its compelling characters and storyline, the show is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging series.
Perry Mason Season 1 Ending Explained - FAQs
There are 16 episodes in Perry Mason season 1.
The first season of Perry Mason centers around the murder of baby Charlie Dodson and the ensuing conspiracy involving a city-wide cover-up, kidnapping, and financial extortion.
The main characters in Perry Mason season 1 include Perry Mason (played by Matthew Rhys), E.B. Jonathan (played by John Lithgow), Emily Dodson (played by Gayle Rankin), Matthew Dodson (played by Nate Corddry), Herman Baggerly (played by Robert Patrick), and Detective Joe Ennis (played by Andrew Howard), among others.
Perry Mason is a private investigator who is hired by E.B. Jonathan to investigate the murder of baby Charlie Dodson. He uncovers a series of clues and evidence that eventually leads to the truth about the conspiracy.
No, Perry Mason season 1 is a fictional drama series based on the characters and world created by Erle Stanley Gardner in his Perry Mason novels. The show takes place in 1932 Los Angeles and features a mix of historical accuracy and creative license.