Written by Perrin Smith, Image sourced from SCAD aTVFest
Courtroom dramas are nothing new. They’ve become one of the cornerstones of television and movies through “Law & Order,” “The Good Wife” and “12 Angry Men.” So, when a series promises to try on a new suit and do things differently, we should take notice.
“Your Honor,” a new miniseries by Showtime, should be such an example, but it’s not.
On the whole, it could do something unique. Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston) is a New Orleans judge finding the closing gap between his responsibilities to uphold the law and to be a protective father is endangering his well-being. He’s embroiled in a spat with a local mob boss, Jimmy Baxter (Michael Stuhlbarg), and forced to try and protect Baxter’s son from going to prison for murdering a Black man he believes was responsible for the hit-and-run that killed his brother.
As a series, it’s attempting to grapple with some important issues. Its story revolves around abuses of power, from judges and police officers, to teachers and people committing racist acts. It’s an important story to tell — especially now. But in “Your Honor,” the method of telling this story doesn’t give itself the weight it deserves.
Episode eight begins with a court scene. It’s something we’ve seen a million times. This time, it’s different. Judge Sarah LeBlanc (Lorrain Toussaint), a judge who would’ve upheld the law, was removed from presiding over Baxter’s son’s case due to a fabricated DUI charge. Desiato (Cranston) is placed on it instead.
There’s a quality here that should be emphasized as the trial begins and as the story, and themes, run towards center stage. Unfortunately, it isn’t.
Scenes in “Your Honor” run long, especially those in the courtroom. There’s a slow back-and-forth between attorneys and witnesses and Judge Desiato. The soundtrack whirs underneath as impassioned pleas for what should be considered evidence arise. Clean, cinematic camera shots depict characters as gravelly dialogue is delivered and deeply relevant topics are discussed on-screen. These should be the makings of a great drama, but something here just isn’t working.
Scene length matters. Shot length matters. If quick scenes and snappy cuts can make something feel rapid-paced or stylish, then lengthy scenes create a methodical pace and plodding sense of realism. In “Your Honor,” a slow, realistic story is being attempted, it’s just falling short.
In an ideal story, especially one where the plot is stretched out over a long period of time, each scene creates tension. Every shady look cast and abrasive phrase uttered ratchets up the stakes. In “Your Honor,” it falls flat. Characters and moments the audience is meant to connect with fizzle out under the stress of having to withstand five or more minutes of screen time.
But it’s not all bad.
Later in the show, Desiato’s associate Lee Delamere (Carmen Ejogo) shares some of the most powerful scenes with a Black teen named Kofi (Lamar Johnson), a friend of the man murdered by Baxter’s son. They offer the much-needed breather away from the courtroom and give the story the full weight it’s been begging to undertake.
Only after the show gives us this recess, and after this story becomes textured and nuanced by the characters surrounding the main plot, do the courtroom scenes carry impact. It’s only then that the story on authority figures abusing power feels grounded and offers some highly emotional scenes.
The acting, here, is incredible. Each actor offers a performance that keeps the story engaging. The filmmaking, too, keeps the narrative going and heads turned towards the screen. It’s the lengthy narrative, stretched too thin, that unravels its seams.
“He’s waffling,” says Desiato. “I’m just worried he’s going to throw it all away.”
