Changing of the World: All Rise "A Change Is Gonna Come" Season Premiere

The season premiere of All Rise this week had some really strong moments and even a shocker at the end. 

The season premiere of All Rise titled, "A Change is Gonna Come" really should the changes that have gone on in the span since the season one finale. We learn in flashbacks of Judge Carmichael stopping a cop as he had drawn his weapon as the girl was trying to look for her phone in her bookbag. 

That point and time set off a chain reaction into the present with Lola and Mark's friendship; as Mark seemed to be on the other side of what Lola was thinking, even though the cop didn't believe that she was a judge and didn't ask for I.D. 

Meanwhile, Mark was battling with Rachel on a case that hits close to home with Carmichael with a white man charged with a hate crime for hitting black and mix people with a baseball bat. We learn the meaning of the judge's difficulties when talking to her new law clerk, Ness Johnson. 

Sara deals with a family situation where her grandparent's store was distorted during the protest but the insurance wasn't going to cover it because it was under the COVID-19 lockdown. I think we're gonna see something in the new episode about that. 

Two things to be taken out of this episode: one what's going with Luke and Emily as they seem distant yet still helping each other with a case to get her client out of jail and to the hospital; due to COVID-19 but died. They took a break during the COVID-19 and yet it seems that Luke has moved on with Sam. Wow!

Second thing: While Carmichael not only was dealing with that cop situation and case, there was something else going on as well. Her husband had been quarantined at the time of the cop situation, but there was something that we see back and forth during the flashbacks. 

We come to find out that Judge Carmichael is expecting a baby. And come to find out that there's a viral video of her standing up against that cop, which doesn't look too good right now.

I have to admit that I enjoyed this season's premiere. I thought they really addressed the Black Lives Matter really well and even the COVID-19 stuff as well. I thought that Simone Missick gave a great performance in this season's premiere. 

The tension between Mark and Lola was so good with each other having different opinions of what had happened that night during the protesters and cop. Could their friendship still be in jeopardy? 

Meanwhile, seeing Emily and Luke being distant from each other (besides for COVID reasons), until they tried to help her client. I was like was it me but weren't they on great terms dating and having a nice evening with a meal and a glass a wine? Apparently, time really did pass and they're on a break. Wow! That took me a bit surprised. 

As for the shocker (depends on what the shocker would be in this case), the viral video was a shocker over the pregnancy. That doesn't mean I was shocked but I did figure it out as we see certain moments like Sherri helping her with ideas to calm down and finding a new law clerk. But I can't wait to see what comes with this story arc with her Lola and her husband and even her judge career. 

Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

What did you think of the episode? Leave a comment below!

You can catch All Rise Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.

All Rise Season 2 Teaser Promo

 

The latest teaser promo for the new season of CBS's All Rise is out. 

I know a teaser promo isn't much to go with but it sure does get me in the excitement for the new season that's coming just around the corner. 

Here's the teaser:

I really enjoyed the first season, it had some issues but I thought the characters were very interesting while some of the stories had seen before in previous law drama series. I love the cast and can't wait to see what comes next this season. 

What do you think of All Rise? Will you been tuning in for Season 2? Leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts.

CBS Renews FBI, FBI Most Wanted and All Rise

The jury is out as CBS renews three of their dramas!

On Wednesday, CBS has started the renewal and chopping off their shows. Three of them happen to be FBI, FBI Most Wanted and All Rise.

Along with them, the network also renewed 20 other programs as well. FBI just finished their second season; ending the season with a crossover with Chicago PD. FBI Most Wanted and All Rise just finished their freshmen season this week.

I'm super excited for CBS to renew these series as these were the only three series that I've been enjoying after last season cancellation of Life In Pieces.

Connecting with Each Other: All Rise "Dancing at Los Angeles" Season Finale

The season finale of All Rise finds a way to pull of an episode during the COVID-19 crisis and pulls it off very well. Here's a recap.

At the start off the episode, we see everyone zooming each other; while they're doing their exercises and trying to keep their mental status in check during this COVID-19 pandemic. Almost everyone is worried about the backlog of cases as the list gets longer and longer by the day; Judge Carmichael comes up with an idea of doing a test trial using Zoom and lives streaming it or the public.

The first live stream trial is about a man who's in jail for stealing a car and being aggressive with his brother. Lopez and Callan have a difference of opinion of a pled deal. After both brothers were arguing during the trial; Carmichael looks back and talks to her mother about a message that she tried to understand; that pretty much was suitable for the case. Soon the two brothers come to terms; with the brother that was in jail got to be released that day to be with his pregnant wife.

Along with seeing Judge Carmichael bonding with her mother; we see how both her and Callan could never be in the same room for a trial. Callan and Amy talk about seriously moving in with each; Lopez and Watkins not only was dealing with the pandemic; but celebrated the night with dinner. But ended with a group dancing that got everyone from the cast, crew, and fans of the show that ended the episode on a high and happy note.

"Dancing at Los Angeles" couldn't have been better as it was such a good hour episode. I thought the overall episode was very good and the cast gives a good performance as they filmed this episode in their homes. The case of the week story was very good and had a good emotional impact. I think while the case of the week was good enough; being distracted and keeping busy was also another theme in this episode; along with thanking the men and women that put their lives on the line for us. That live stream DJ was pretty good and fitting throughout the episode. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

I hope that CBS would consider renewing All Rise for a second season. I very much want to see what comes next for this cast of characters that I very much got invested in.

You can catch episodes of All Rise available on CBS and CBS All Access.

All Rise Season 1 Episodes 12-20

As All Rise has been one of CBS's biggest new shows this season; the second half of the first season proves it's powerful stories and characters.

I have been amazed at what All Rise has shown this season. With such strong and well-developed characters; plus their interesting and sometimes predictable storylines. While this ensemble cast has shown strong chemistry with one another; some like Simone Missick as Judge Lola Carmichael and Jessica Camacho as Public Defender Emily Lopez have given such strong and powerful performances; as the development of their characters grow.

In the second half of season one, Carmichael deals with helping Judge Lisa Benner with her campaign; as she finds anything dirt that could ruin her chances for the State Attorney General. Also dealing with personal issues like whether or not to continue to be separated from her husband due to their professions.

Meanwhile, Emily Lopez's relationship with former deputy sheriff now turned law in the DA's office, Luke Watkins grows; but takes a couple of steps back at times not only due to their work but personal struggles as well. Lopez still deals with PTSD of her former abusive relationship and it shows in episode 19 "In The Fight" where she defends an abuser in court that affects her.

There have been some humorist moments too like Sherri Kansky, Judge Carmichael's assistant dealing with a fun relationship with an LAPD detective that brings the fun out of the character since the series started. Even her and Carmichael having a breakfast outing too.

Also while I'm loving DDA Mark Callan and Carmichael's relationship as best friends; Callan and Amy Quinn have been a fun relationship to watch.  Even Judge Carmichael's court reporter, Sara Castillo been dating Judge Brenner's son and seeing Brenner finding out by her son picking up Sara's phone by mistake.

I've enjoyed watching All Rise this season; I hope that CBS will give this series a second chance and renew it. I want to see where these characters go; besides the COVID-19 has pretty much ruin the season as it shortens the number of episodes this season. This second half of the season I give an 8/10.

Monday's new episode will have the actors portraying them at their own homes via Zoom/FaceTime due do check-in and spread the awareness of communicating family and friends for support. I'm looking forward to it.

You can catch All Rise Monday at 9/8c on CBS.

All Rise. "Pilot" Series Premiere

The new CBS drama has a mixed bag of seriousness and humor that's likable.

All Rise premieres Monday night, and while it may not be original, it has its moments. Combining of shows between Boston Legal meets Judging Amy. All Rise tells stories of lawyers and the first day of the newly appointed Judge Lola Charmichael (played by Simone Missick), who deals with not only trying to have a good first day but also trying to make her mark.

Lola deals with her first trial case of a soon-to-be mother for a crime she believes she never did. Lola gives the prosecutor and the defendant, Emily Lopez (played by Jessica Camacho), a day to get their evidence in order. However, the defendant receives a tip about the evidence and even the testimony from the detective on the case.

Meanwhile, Mark Callan (played by Wilson Bethel) is a bit of a hotshot lawyer and a good friend to Lola, as they have a working relationship. Mark deals with not only a defendant who is a shoo-in of being guilty of the crime that he has committed. But a judge plays along with the defendant, representing himself, just to get back at Mark for that hit during their hockey game. It had the feel of Boston Legal all over it, which wasn't to say it was wrong or even excellent, but enjoyable with a few laughs.

While the pilot wasn't as strong, it was delightful, with good character development and even good performances, mainly between Missick and Camacho. I felt that in the pilot, Marg Helgenberger was underused and was the only one to give wisdom and advice to other characters, almost like when the FBI added Sela Ward in their first season. Is this series on my must-watch list? For now, no, but I want to give the show a fair shot to see where it will go. Overall, I give the episode a 7.9/10.

You can catch all the rise—Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.