I find it amusing that right after I called out MeTV for
not airing their supposedly most popular show more than once a week, they make
an announcement that they’re going to do just that. Naturally it’s a
coincidence; I doubt anyone from MeTV even knows this blog exists. (And of course, even if they did, I highly doubt it would make one bit of difference.) I’m sure
their reason is because of Leonard Nimoy’s death. Still, the timing of my post
and their announcement amuses me.
The 6th sadly marks the death of
William Hopper, who died much too soon in 1970. It’s saddening how many Perry
cast members either met early deaths or otherwise died while the show was
ongoing. Both Williams and Wesley died far too young. And it’s always sad that
Ray Collins passed away in the middle of the show’s run, even though he was
getting on in years. Some guest-stars, such as Theodore Marcuse and Simon
Oakland, also died much too young.
I always love discovering more Paul-centric
episodes. I finally had a chance to see the uncut Angry Astronaut, which
wasn’t as cut as I expected it would be. In either state, it’s quite a good
Paul vehicle, starting out by showing Paul being hired by the titular character
to find some missing things. Perry doesn’t appear until after the murder, when
Paul goes to him to see if he will represent the man. Even though Paul believes
he’s nuts and really did commit the murder, he wants to see him have proper
representation. (Also, in that case, the astronaut already knew of Perry and
specifically asked Paul to ask Perry about representation. Paul always tries to
follow through with an owed favor.)
It’s always interesting to me that Paul is the
skeptic among Perry’s group. It definitely adds a little more spice, as opposed
to everyone just fully believing that the client is innocent because Perry
believes that. And it’s moving that in spite of the many times when Paul thinks
the client is guilty, he’s still willing as always to help Perry try to dig up
proof that the truth is otherwise.
It would have been an intense character study if
there had ever been a case where Paul had such strong feelings as to a client’s
guilt that he felt he could not help Perry on the case. Either that, or perhaps
a situation where Perry wanted Paul to do something on the investigation that
Paul absolutely felt he could not do. Although it never happened on the show,
it’s always very clear that Paul has his limits and doesn’t want to put his
license in jeopardy. I still don’t think Perry has the right to ask him to do
things that could indeed disrupt his career. But of course, Paul could refuse
if he felt he simply couldn’t do it.
The two have a great friendship, enjoying fishing
breaks the few times a caseload eases enough to allow for it. And in spite of
when Perry asks things that often don’t seem fair, Paul goes through with it
anyway because of their friendship and his belief in Perry. Paul is quite
invaluable to Perry; his investigations often bring in the final piece of
evidence needed. Paul is likely aware of this, and perhaps that is one reason
why he continues to lend his assistance on cases, even when he doesn’t believe
in a client’s innocence or doesn’t like something Perry wants him to do.
I still love the intensity in The Carefree
Coronary, when Perry finally acknowledges Paul’s value both as a friend and
as part of the team. When it feels like Perry often takes Paul for granted,
it’s nice to have him really announce that he is aware of Paul’s importance.
Although, admittedly, it would have been nice if it hadn’t taken such a huge
scare for Perry to say it. Still, it’s Perry’s way to not usually say such
things aloud.
It’s
very sad that we lost William Hopper so unfairly soon. But it’s awesome that he
left us such a legacy of wonderful roles, especially Paul Drake. He will always
be remembered for that.
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