Ep 8. Bette Davis Eyes

All Rise is a legal drama series that follows the personal and professional lives of the judges, prosecutors, and public defenders who work at the Los Angeles County Courthouse. Season 2 Episode 8 is titled "Bette Davis Eyes" and it centers on Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick) as she presides over a highly emotional case involving a custody battle and the death of a parent.

The episode opens with Lola arriving at the courthouse, where she finds out that a high-profile case involving the death of a parent and a custody battle is on her docket. The victim's mother, played by special guest star Margo Martindale, is suing for custody of her grandchild, claiming that the father of the child is unfit to raise the child due to past substance abuse and other personal problems.

As the case unfolds, Lola must navigate complex legal arguments and emotional testimony from both sides. The mother's lawyer (guest star Amy Acker) argues that the father is an unreliable and volatile presence in the child's life, while the father's attorney (guest star Enver Gjokaj) contends that the mother is manipulative and emotionally abusive.

Meanwhile, Lola is also dealing with personal issues in her own life. She is struggling to balance her responsibilities as a judge with her role as a mother to her infant daughter. She confides in her friend and fellow judge, Lisa Benner (guest star Nadia Gray), about her struggles and they discuss the challenges of parenthood and work-life balance.

As the case reaches its conclusion, Lola must make a difficult decision that will have a profound impact on the lives of everyone involved. She demonstrates her compassion, principles, and legal acumen as she strives to do what is in the best interest of the child.

Overall, "Bette Davis Eyes" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode of All Rise that showcases the show's strengths as a legal drama and a character-driven series. The performances by Simone Missick, Margo Martindale, and the guest stars are outstanding, and the writing is nuanced and gripping. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy and contemplate in this episode.