On its surface, All Rise is a legal drama. After all, the show follows recently appointed Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick), a former prosecutor whose perspective on the legal system changes as see grow into her new role. But at its core, All Rise is less about the legal system and more about the interpersonal relationships between the lawyers, the judges, and their clients.
If you were hoping it would fill the void the original Law & Order left when it was cancelled, you’ll be disappointed. However, fans of David E. Kelly shows (Ally McBeal, The Practice, Boston Public) will find plenty to love.
All Rise’s pilot focuses on Lola’s desire to find out the truth about Daphne Rivas’ (Raquel Dominguez) case, which happens to be her first case on the bench. Despite Sherri Kansky’s (Ruthie Ann Miles) insistence that Lola avoid going to trial, Lola ignores that advice and uncovers that a detective pinned a crime committed by Daphne’s mother on Daphne. When Lola isn’t focusing on Daphne’s case, she’s talking to her best friend, Deputy District Attorney Mark Callan (Wilson Bethel), who has a case that he considers to be making a mockery of the court and brings up baggage regarding his criminal father.
All Rise may not be the most innovative show on television, but it is solid. The plots aren’t groundbreaking, the characters aren’t unique, and the lessons may be heavy-handed, yet the show manages to still be compelling television because the cast bring their characters to life. Not every show needs to push boundaries, sometimes all we need is the televisual equivalent of comfort food.
In the past, a show like All Rise would grow an audience over time. If CBS is smart, All Rise will be given a chance or, at least, air a complete first season, so everyone’s mom can watch an episode.
Rating: 7 out of 10
All Rise airs Mondays on CBS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlrHu2TgC1s
