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10 iconic examples of the ''Perry Mason Moment''
Here are the episodes that coined the phrase!
CBS Television Distribution
In the criminal justice system, a "Perry Mason moment" is characterized as a last-minute, dramatic evidence revelation. You know, like on the show!
Perry Mason is absolutely a work of fiction, but it's also a really good example of how courtrooms are just high drama. Even in real life, the jury is susceptible to theatrics. Verdicts are often the outcome of highly manipulated story-telling. The side with the better narrative usually wins.
So, let's step back from real-life judicial goings-on to take a look at the scenes that originated the phrase! Here, for your enjoyment, are ten iconic "Perry Mason moments".
1. "The Case of the Terrified Typist" (Season 1, Episode 38)
Perry Mason shocks the courtroom by unveiling a fingerprint that proves his client’s innocence!
2. "The Case of the Velvet Claws" (Season 6, Episode 22)
During the episode's climax, Perry produces a surprise witness who exonerates his client!
3. "The Case of the Curious Bride" (Season 2, Episode 5)
This time, it's a marriage certificate that surprises the courtroom and dismantles the prosecution's case!
4. "The Case of the Drowning Duck" (Season 1, Episode 4)
This early example sees Perry using a re-enactment to reveal the true murderer in a tense courtroom showdown!
5. "The Case of the Demure Defendant" (Season 1, Episode 16)
It's a secret recording that exposes the identity of the perpetrator in this episode's exciting conclusion!
6. "The Case of the Stuttering Bishop" (Season 2, Episode 20)
Here, Perry Mason uses a blood test as a last-minute Hail Mary to exonerate his client!
7. "The Case of the Howling Dog" (Season 2, Episode 23)
The hounds of justice are barking in this one, in which a newly-discovered piece of physical evidence exposes the true timeline of events!
8. "The Case of the Perjured Parrot" (Season 2, Episode 11)
A rare avian witness offers "testimony" that absolves the client in this episode that's sure to be a favorite of bird-lovers everywhere!
9. "The Case of the Green-Eyed Sister" (Season 1, Episode 22)
Perry has a letter written by the case's victim that exposes the real culprit in this thrilling story!
10. "The Case of the Screaming Woman" (Season 1, Episode 30)
Perry Mason turns the tables on the prosecution with a last-minute witness AND a surprising piece of forensic evidence that proves his client's innocence!
