HBO MaxPerry Mason (2020)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.4
Overview
Set in 1932 Los Angeles, the series focuses on the origin story of famed defense lawyer Perry Mason. Living check-to-check as a low-rent private investigator, Mason is haunted by his wartime experiences in France and suffering the effects of a broken marriage. L.A. is booming while the rest of the country recovers from the Great Depression — but a kidnapping gone very wrong leads to Mason exposing a fractured city as he uncovers the truth of the crime.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HBO Max
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Negative
Overview
Set in 1932 Los Angeles, the series focuses on the origin story of famed defense lawyer Perry Mason. Living check-to-check as a low-rent private investigator, Mason is haunted by his wartime experiences in France and suffering the effects of a broken marriage. L.A. is booming while the rest of the country recovers from the Great Depression — but a kidnapping gone very wrong leads to Mason exposing a fractured city as he uncovers the truth of the crime.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HBO MaxApple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The series' central thesis explicitly critiques systemic corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality within the justice system and powerful institutions, aligning with progressive ideology.
The series 'Perry Mason' demonstrates significant DEI through its casting choices, notably the recasting of a traditionally white character with a Black actor. The narrative further reinforces this by explicitly addressing themes of racial discrimination and systemic injustice, portraying traditional power structures and identities in a critical light.
Secondary
The series 'Perry Mason' features prominent LGBTQ+ characters, Della Street and Paul Drake, whose identities are explored with depth and dignity. The narrative respectfully portrays their relationships and the societal challenges they face in 1930s Los Angeles, framing prejudice as an external force, thus affirming their worth.
Paul Drake, a character traditionally depicted as white in previous adaptations of Perry Mason, is portrayed by a Black actor in the 2020 series, fitting the definition of a race swap.
The series portrays the 'Radiant Assembly of God' as a manipulative and corrupt institution, exploiting its followers for power and financial gain. While some characters within the faith show genuine belief, the overall narrative critiques the hypocrisy and dangers of charismatic fundamentalism.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The 2020 series retains the established genders for its core characters, such as Perry Mason, Della Street, Paul Drake, and Hamilton Burger, as depicted in the original novels and previous adaptations.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
7.4
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
7.6
7.3
Critic Ratings
8.0
6.9
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