All Rise Season 3 Episode 13 Review: Trouble Woman

What once seemed like it would take all season happens within one episode on All Rise Season 3 Episode 13, “Trouble Woman.” Yet the final moments of the hour strongly suggest Carl Brewer can be a long-term threat even from prison.

A significant amount of plot happens offscreen, and by time we get caught back up with our characters, they’re in the midst of Brewer’s trial. Mark is prosecuting again, but our old “friend” Corrine Cuthbert now steps into the role of the defense.

Cuthbert’s viciousness towards opposing council, witnesses, and Lola herself is almost admirable in a “love to hate”  way. Yet she’s no Luke Watkins and she can’t save Carl, especially when evidence emerges that he has killed far more women than we know.

Somewhere in here is an attempt to make this murderer at least a bit empathetic, mostly through his relationship with his sister. Her horror and denial of what her brother has done do make us feel for her, but it can’t hold a candle to the loss of his victims.

It’s only in the closing scene that we know how far gone Brewer is. He confesses the locations of multiple bodies in court, and each aligns with a postcard Lola has been sent by a mysterious stranger. The last comes from her own hometown.

It’s a direct threat against Judge Carmichael, and the smirk on Carl’s face makes it chillingly clear that being locked up isn’t enough to stop his plans. Not knowing how or when that will play out is a bit like waiting for a bomb to go off.

Most of the rest of the hour is carried by the developments in romantic relationships, most significantly Lola and Robin. Again, much happens over an indeterminate time break, as they are back in the same house and on rather grudging speaking terms.

Thankfully, by the end of the episode all seems right again. Though audiences only get to see a disappointingly small fraction of their reconciliation, it’s still a relief to get to this point, especially considering what may be down the line.

Elsewhere, Luke is set to meet Emily’s parents for the first time. How does it go? Considering her father is the only one to show up and does so with an announcement that he may be on the verge of arrest for traffic violations, surprisingly well.

That’s mostly because Luke is a darn good lawyer for Mr. Lopez, but having Sara as a wingwoman doesn’t hurt. And Sara has a crush of her own. Odds are it’s the client from her previous case, but I’m fine with anyone who makes her this happy.

Finally, we head to Amy’s firm, where Ness has begun working. A storyline involving Andre and a potential mistake that has him tearing down everyone in the vicinity serves only to make us wonder why we have to spend more time with this man.

Thankfully, the plot also gives Ness a spotlight. Initially suspected of the mistake, she instead finds an enemy in their midst and saves her reputation and another man’s career. I’ll tolerate Andre if he gets us more Ness, but can’t we have her kicking butt alone?

The rest of this final season promises to be as much of a “Lolacoaster” as everything before. With everything from vengeful murderers to weddings on the horizon, I’ll be happy if everyone makes it through alive to the good parts we’re waiting for.

This episode is written by Corey Moore and directed by Jackie Tejada.  Corrine Cuthbert is played by Anne Heche, whose tragic death last years is acknowledged in the credits:

In memory of Anne Heche, our friend and wonderful artist. You are missed.

 

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All Rise airs Saturdays at 9/8c on OWN.

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