I’ve been looking forward to a courtroom moment between Dory and Polly for so long that her moment with Elliott seemed to come out of nowhere — and it’s better than any other form of consequence Elliott would have faced. He really is the worst witness the prosecution has ever seen. Dory and Drew had so much faith in Elliott, they didn’t think to ask him if there was anything else he was hiding. Also, they probably didn’t think there was anything worse than lying about cancer. It turns out there’s hiring actors to play your parents to fool your fiancé and friends before your wedding.
When Cassidy was focus-group-testing possible witnesses, she knew Elliott posed a risk as a notorious liar. I wonder if Drew and Dory convinced her he’d be a good choice or if Elliott did through pure charisma and charm. Drew and Dory are surprised Elliott is capable of that level of deceit, but they should’ve suspected this was possible. Dory was so worried about Cassidy’s opening statement, she didn’t think to mention that Elliott is a chronic liar? Cassidy did really click with Elliott, and I’m sure Elliott did convince her to include him as a star witness. Cassidy and Elliott dazzle the jurors with their flirty, fun energy. Even Drew smiles for the first time all trial as Elliott calls him and Dory “incredible Americans†and says they were sleeping peacefully in his arms.
And then Polly steps on the court and tears Elliott’s life to pieces. She shoots, she scores. It’s interesting that we’ve seen Drew’s family in the courtroom and now two of Elliott’s families, but Dory’s parents still aren’t there to support her. Meeting each character’s parents has been a great way to remind us of who they are at their core. We already know Portia’s mother, but Dory’s distance from her family shows us that we can’t really know Dory at all. No one does. With Drew, his family has been a reminder of his inherent good intentions and midwestern values. For Elliott, it’s the fabrication of his entire being.
Marc almost gives up on his commitment to Elliott but decides to still go through with the wedding because he thinks he finally knows whom he’s marrying. He isn’t thinking that thought all the way through. If Elliott was willing to lie about his family, name, age, and college, isn’t it probable that Elliott is lying about the murder? And does Marc really want to marry someone who would help people get away with murder? Elliott pounds junk food in front of his fridge like he wants Marc to leave him, but their relationship survives on their shared need for attention. A loveless marriage doesn’t seem like a fitting punishment for Elliott’s lies.
Elliott isn’t the only person who goes rogue this episode, as Drew meets a new potential love interest. Her name is Colette, and she just so happens to be Juror No. 7. After flirting with Drew a bit in the courtroom, it seems stalkerish that she appears in the same laundromat as him. It’s also concerning that she calls herself a goblin and doesn’t seem to mind breaking the rules. I don’t see a new relationship blooming here, but I don’t think their hookup is as simple as swaying one juror. It’s Drew admitting to himself that he doesn’t have romantic feelings for Dory anymore. It could also be the start of him scheming toward a mistrial so he can be tried separately.
It might be a really good idea for Drew to start thinking of a separate plan, because Dory’s lie has left their defense open to some incriminating new evidence. An incredibly suspicious video of them buying shovels and the zebra-print suitcase comes to light, and it looks very bad. Drew says they should think about a plea. Cassidy points out that it should be easy to produce their own zebra-print suitcase if it’s not the one that was used for Keith. Dory offers no logical explanation or theory but refuses to waver in her innocence.
Then Bob pulls out his fork and starts poking holes. He somehow manages to find one, since it turns out an irate man also bought a zebra-print suitcase. It’s a good enough excuse, even if it’s not entirely convincing. That is, until Polly brings up the same point Cassidy did: If it’s not the same suitcase, where is Dory’s suitcase? Dory can’t keep herself from interjecting, shouting that it’s not a crime to misplace a suitcase. It’s like she’d been thinking of that line from the moment Cassidy made the same point. Her attorneys have done a perfectly fine job so far, but Dory can’t help but be a smartass. The outburst doesn’t make her look good, and she rolls her eyes when Drew tells her to chill out. It knocks the wind out of Bob’s moment. He can only sit there and wonder if his face is bleeding.
It’s a bad day for the defense. Anyone watching at home is likely convinced of Dory’s guilt by now. Except for one person, Dory’s stalker. Although, Dory’s stalker seems to like her because she’s guilty. The stalker now considers himself to be Dory’s best friend and creates a doll that looks just like her, down to the shovel seen in the footage. He finally reveals his existence to Dory as more evidence of Dory’s guilt is revealed to the world.
Dory may finally be forced to realize everyone sees her for exactly who she is now. Portia’s friends might be able to lie to themselves, but a stalker is something Dory has to face head-on. How she handles this will be interesting. With the attention of the trial, she can’t investigate on her own like she might’ve done in earlier seasons. She also doesn’t have Portia, Drew, or Elliott’s support anymore.
Case Notes
I loved the moment when the actress playing Elliott’s mom said she found a real connection with Marc. His dismissive “I cannot do this right now, ma’am†was perfect. She might still be invited to the wedding once Marc has time to cope.
I said it in a previous review, and I’ll say it again: I am happy for the continued representation of Black women who find John Reynolds attractive. We exist. We are out here. Do we have to name our fandom The Goblins now? I’m okay with that.
Chantal’s Femmeployers scam is still going. She takes part in a YouTube interview where they celebrate that she was kidnapped before the age of 30 and she’s not a DJ.
Portia can’t help but add some flourish to her nerdy Christian friends’ lives. They have a birthday party for a hamster, and Portia is moved to run scales. They don’t shut down Portia’s talent, though, and I like that. Sure, Christian rock music is lame, but Portia does fit in with them. Sadly, I think Portia has matured beyond friends who are still in the closet. I don’t think she has much patience left for them.