Ep 4. A Hole in the Case

John Lithgow and his flawless comedic timing return in the hit show Trial & Error, season 2, episode 4 titled "A Hole in the Case." In this episode, Josh Segal, the rookie defense attorney played by Nicholas D’Agosto, continues his uphill battle to clear the name of his client, the eccentric heiress and murder suspect Lavinia Peck-Foster, portrayed by Kristin Chenoweth.

As the title of the episode suggests, Josh and his quirky team of legal misfits discover a crucial hole in the seemingly air-tight prosecution case against Lavinia. The episode also features some entertaining subplots, including Josh's ongoing love-hate relationship with his assistant Anne Flatch (played by Sherri Shepherd), and the shameless attempts of Chris Washington, the investigator played by Steven Boyer, to promote his new side hustle as a private detective.

The episode opens with Anne lamenting the lack of progress in the case and reminding Josh that the prosecutor is starting the jury selection process the next day. However, just as they are brainstorming ideas for a last-minute witness who can provide a solid alibi for Lavinia, a realization hits them - how did the prosecution conclude that Lavinia was at the scene of the crime when there were no eyewitnesses or forensic evidence to support it?

With newfound determination, Josh and his team embark on a frenzied search for answers together with the sarcastic and reluctant coroner played by Amanda Payton. They scour the crime scene and face unexpected challenges, uncovering some hilarious but ultimately helpful leads. Meanwhile, Lavinia seems surprisingly calm and collected, even enjoying her time in jail and making friends with her fellow inmates.

As the pressure mounts on Josh to find the elusive evidence to exonerate Lavinia, he becomes increasingly paranoid and suspects that someone on his team may be secretly colluding with the opposition. The tension creates a nice contrast to the light-hearted and absurdist moments that are a hallmark of the show, but it also underscores Josh's dedication to fighting for justice.

This episode also explores the relationships between the characters more deeply, shedding light on their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Anne opens up to Josh about her romantic history, while Chris tries to impress his high-school crush by bragging about his investigative skills. Lavinia is portrayed with a mix of cunning and vulnerability, making her a compelling suspect and a magnet for sympathy.

Overall, "A Hole in the Case" is a well-scripted and entertaining episode that advances the story arc while also providing some standalone laughs. It showcases the strengths of the cast, especially Lithgow, who steals the show with his character's quick wit and outrageous antics. Fans of legal dramas, true-crime documentaries, and dark comedies will all find something to enjoy in this episode.