‘Pearson’ Season 1, Episode 5 ‘The Former City Attorney’ Review: Ally

Pearson continues to ravage through the chaos of government service. After managing the mayor’s office in his absence, the staff receives new orders once he returns. With that, two millennials handle a proposed deal that could bring jobs to Chicago. Meanwhile, one reconsiders taking action that meant going after her mentor. Also, in an attempt to destress the mayor, one tries to have him open up to her.

On Wednesday’s episode of Pearson, Yoli Castillo (Isabel Arraiza) and Derrick Mayes (Eli Goree) tours a CEO around Chicago. Meanwhile, Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres) tries to have Mayor Bobby Novak (Morgan Spector) open up to her. Both at work and relationship-wise, Keri Allen (Bethany Joy Lenz) reevaluates her decisions.

Sympathy

It is nice to note that Jessica decided to open up to Nick D’Amato (Simon Kassianides) at the end of the episode. Despite how much it took Jessica to try to reach out, Bobby decided to have none of it. Nick does raise a point while talking to Jessica, saying that he (or they) barely knew her. That perhaps is the reason behind Bobby’s dismissive reaction.

What Jessica mentions is just as unexpected as Jeff Malone’s (D.B. Woodside) arrival. When Jessica says something that personal as well as tragic, it positively humanized her character. Indeed, she may still be at the beginning stages of her adjustment, but she is learning well. Slowly, Jessica is losing her high-and-mighty vibe while interacting with her coworkers. Hopefully, Bobby would take the time to hear her out as she may offer some advice. Especially now, since Pat McGann (Wayne Duvall) has him by the balls.

Last Straw

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Yoli does have a significant problem with boundaries. Derek did a great job of calling her out for her actions. The situation she put herself in is a paradox. Yoli works for the government but also hates everything about how it works. Luckily, Derek managed to save the contract that would help the mayor gain political support. It is funny to note that Yoli thought Derek let her off the hook after their argument.

Jessica can be the most intimidating person to be around with, let alone become your boss. However, one cannot deny the fact that both women are right. Yoli needed to be clear with her boundaries, but she did have passion no one else at city hall had. Also, Yoli is such a lovely character despite her seemingly minimal role. Hopefully, Jessica would not get tired of Yoli and that Yoli would get her act together.

Decisions

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Undoubtedly, Keri portrays a person caught in between the boundaries of work and life. Young as she is, she managed to earn a spot in one of city hall’s highest positions. This fact does not always necessarily mean that she is gullible, but rather, she is quite free-spirited. Age does not usually denote wisdom, and in Keri’s case, her judgment is fallible despite her intellect. That is, arguably, the reason why she asked for Jessica’s help. Having to deal with your mentor doing wrong is likely to have both Keri’s Professional and Moral Code of Ethics crumble.

It is sad how Keri chose to stop seeing Kyle, the photographer. Keri consciously continued with her affair with Bobby. In all honesty, Keri’s real enemy when it comes to this is herself. She had the right track of mind after she previously talked to some high school kids that looked up to her. Now, it seems, Bobby’s situation made Keri feel the latter. Anyone could feel bad, for Bobby; even Jessica herself wanted to help. However, things between Keri and Bobby are different. At some point, Keri has to decide what path she wishes to take.

Connections

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This time around, the mayor’s orders became less critical. One exactly does not have to work on finding long term contracts immediately. What is pressing, however, was Keri’s discovery. The city attorney’s office often got rid of evidence when faced with a pricey lawsuit against the city. The worst part was that the man responsible, Ken Sharma (Amol Shah) is Keri’s mentor, hence her reluctance. They had to proceed with the case, anyway. Rooting Sharma out is both suitable for the city and Bobby’s public standing.

Of course, Keri had to feel bad about her mentor losing his job. Luckily, Jessica’s solution both did not cost the city much money and ended with Sharma landing a job. Thanks to Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), Sharma kept his title but cannot work in Chicago, so Jessica had Harvey move him to New York. Much like Jessica, Sharma now has a second chance, but things will be harder for that cunt compared to Jessica.

‘Pearson’ Season 1, Episode 5 ‘The Former City Attorney’ Final Verdict

Pearson gave us a surprise with Harvey Specter’s guest appearance. While the show does not rely on Suits to run, it was nice to see someone from where Jessica used to work at appear. The entire sequence happened in a way easter eggs look in movies. Also, this episode has a way of empowering women without rubbing it on the viewers’ faces. Most main characters are female, well-written, well-executed, and well-casted. Indeed, the show is something good by its own right.

Pearson continues Wednesday, August 21st with ‘The Donor’ at 10/9c on the USA Network.