HBO's 'Perry Mason' latest to test that three of a kind, often only produces one ace on television

By Brian Donlon

Even though Hollywood has not seen any lights, camera or action for more than three months now due to the scourge we’ve come to know as COVID-19, news still makes it onto the industry trade publications every day of soon-to-be seen content and programming. 

Actually, in about one-third of the cases, it is old content dressed up as new programming. Reboots, remakes and replays make up an army on the march trying to capture your attention on your video platform of choice.

This Sunday, HBO is dusting off crusading defense attorney “Perry Mason” For most TV viewers, “Perry Mason” is Raymond Burr who played the crafty lawyer for nine years on CBS and returned nearly two decades later in some 30 made-for-TV movies on NBC.

Cue the dramatic "Park Avenue Beat " theme"

Musical interludes aside, no one will confuse HBO’s legal eagle with that offered by the burly Burr. This is more of a prequel with Matthew Rhys, an Emmy winning leading man from “The Americans.”

The scene is the boomtown of Los Angeles circa 1932, where Mason is living more as a bust. Years away from cunning courtroom counselor, here he is a hard-luck, low rent private investigator. A scarred war veteran whose marriage has been destroyed. He’s haunted by demons in the City of Angels. 

It is certainly an interesting departure for the character that began life on the pages of Erle Stanley Gardner’s novels.

Rhys has an interesting challenge. He is the third actor to take on the role of Perry Mason. You are likely wondering who came between Burr and Rhys?

A 1970s TV staple, Monte Markham starred in “The New Perry Mason.”

The new what?

Seven years after the final gavel came down for Burr and Mason on CBS, the network showed once again that fresh, original ideas are like lost treasure in the Hollywood Hills.

Markham at the time was "that guy" in seemingly every TV series the '70s and into the '80s. From “Police Woman” to “The A-Team,” The attempt by CBS to try the case of Perry Mason again with Markham lasted for only 15 episodes. Rhys has the same challenge Markham had: Creating an interesting character that lives up to the iconography but does not fade in the shadow of Raymond Burr.

History is not on Rhys’ side. The television landscape is filled with actors who took on roles associated with others only to be greeted by at best-mixed results. As Perry Mason might say, let’s present the facts for the jury to decide.

SPENSER

Original – The late Robert Urich, who starred in more TV series than anyone in the history of the magic box, took on the TV version of Robert B. Parker'sBoston P.I. from 1985 to 1988 on ABC and in four made-for-TV movies on Lifetime (1993 to 1995).

Second Take – Joe Mantegna of “Criminal Minds” fame, assumed the “Spenser” role much to the happiness of author Parker. While fans adore Urich’s private cop, read between the lines of the Entertainment Weekly interview Parker gave in promoting the series of A&E movies. Of note: the Spenser novels are written in the first person and Mantegna is the “voice” of the Spenser audiobooks.

Third Time Lucky? – In 2010, TNT and Parker were in negotiations to resurrect Spenser as a weekly series. But Parker’s death put the project on hold. Ace Atkins was hired by the Parker estate to take over the book series. In between books, Atkins took a stab at another TV pilot script. The late author’s heirs did not move forward on the project, but two years ago sold one of Atkins' best-sellering books, “Wonderland” to big-budget movie star and Boston native, Mark Wahlberg. The result was the recent Netflix release, “Spenser: Confidential.”

Spenser: For Hire, now streaming for free on IMDb

Verdict: The Wahlberg movie, widely derided by lovers of the books and acolytes of the Urich series (one major complaint: for some unexplained reason Spenser was made an ex-con), was for several weeks one of the most-watched programs on Netflix. It looks like more of Wahlberg’s take on Spenser will be coming to the streaming service in the future. 

The Mantegna movies have their devotees, but be it on social media or the viewings of the original series now available on IMDb’s streaming service, Robert Urich’s Spenser is hired as first choice in this role.

TRAPPER JOHN

Original – Like Spenser and Perry Mason, Trapper John sprang to life in the “M*A*S*H” novels of Richard Hooker (a pen name for ex-military surgeon H. Richard Hornberger and W. C. Heinz, a former World War II war correspondent with William Butterworth taking over the book series).

In 1970, Elliot Gould became the big-screen iteration of Trapper John, a wise-cracking but talented army surgeon. Gould, partnered with Donald Sutherland as Hawkeye Pierce, to show the absurdity of the Korean War as the Vietnam War raged on and tore the country apart. Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, “M*A*S*H” and Trapper turned Gould into a Hollywood superstar.  

Second Take – Two years after the release of the film, CBS turned “M*A*S*H” into a half-hour comedy. It became a surprise hit due in no small part to the performance of Wayne Rogers as Trapper John. His chemistry and comic timing with Hawkeye (a career-making turn by Alan Alda), were pitch-perfect.

Rogers left the comedy after three seasons in a contract dispute. Mike Farrell joined the cast as another doctor and although he was there for the remaining 8 years the show aired, he wasn’t Trapper. When Rogers passed away a few years ago. Alda, in a Hollywood Reporter tribute, Twitter post, and a video from Rogers’ memorial service was public about Rogers’ contribution as Trapper John.

Third Time Lucky? – CBS, the network that didn’t learn its lesson from the Perry Mason redux, came up with the concept in 1979 of following Trapper John 25 years after he left the Army Medical Corps. Ironically, Wayne Rogers was already cast as another doctor from another spinoff of a movie for CBS, “House Calls.”

Pernell Roberts was cast as Trapper, who was now the chief of surgery at a San Francisco hospital. The eye-brow raising, smirking, semi-sarcastic Trapper of the past was gone in this hour drama. Although he would sometimes buck the system, Roberts’ Trapper was more of a mentor -- including to a young surgeon “Gonzo” Gates (Gregory Harrison) who reminded Trapper of himself back at the 4077 field hospital.  

 Verdict: First, full disclosure. I had the pleasure of working with Wayne Rogers. He was a contributor to the Fox Business Network, based on his successful investment career that began while he was still acting. Wayne was a guest host on “Money for Breakfast” for several days. He was the best guest host I ever worked with across three different morning shows. Total professional and genuinely nice guy.

But that notwithstanding, when I think about Trapper John, it is Rogers and that choir boy with the devilish grin holding a half-sipped martini glass high always comes to mind. He nailed down the role in 60 plus half hours – more time than Gould and less time than Roberts. 

SPOCK 

Original – Iconic is an overused word in our lexicon today. But when it comes to Leonard Nimoy’s role of the half-human and half-Vulcan logical alien from “Star Trek” there is no other word to use.

When he first beamed onto the screen in 1965, there had never been a “spaceman” like him. Sci-fi aliens heretofore in movies and TV were often garish looking creatures or semi-humanoid characters with horns and clown-like make-up. An oft-times conflicted being who abides by logic in ill-logical situations, Nimoy was near perfect in the role and grew with it as the franchise made Nimoy’s Spock a staple of all things “Star Trek.” When Nimoy died five years ago, of the eight “Trek” television series, he appeared in three and of the 13 feature films, his Spock was featured in eight.

Second Take – It is tough enough taking on the role of Spock in a reboot, but imagine playing opposite Nimoy in two feature films. That’s the task that fell to Zachary Quinto in 2009’s “Star Trek” movie and 2013’s “Star Trek: Into Darkness." Quinto and Nimoy developed a close relationship and their “Zen” of Spock was on view in the 2016’s documentary, “For The Love of Spock,” directed by Nimoy’s son Adam.

Third Time Lucky? – It is either insanity, arrogance or brilliance to go back to the well a third time, but that is just what the producers of the streaming series “Star Trek: Discovery” did on CBS All Access. This is a different Spock. Not so calm. Not always so logical. Played by Ethan Peck, the grandson of legendary actor Gregory Peck, he clearly no stranger to following very large footsteps. Peck told The Hollywood Reporter that his take on this version of the world's most famous alien is “about where Spock was headed, who he was going to be in 10 years. You have to be careful with Spock. He's not too emotive, but he is going through something.”

Verdict: As noble as Quinto's and Peck’s performances are with touches that build upon the vision of Gene Roddenberry’s original character, the fact is for more than 50 years, Nimoy took Spock and made him more than what he was previously with each performance.

RICK BLAINE

Original –  This is not a case of rounding up the usual suspects. Humphrey Bogart’s character from “Casablanca” one can argue set the standard for modern film’s anti-hero. Cynical beyond compare, yet a romantic at heart. Mix in the exotic locale and the conflict of a great war in the background complete with evil Nazis seeking to destroy love and fortunes and the formula seems matchless. 

Second Take – In the 1950s when the Hollywood studios thought television would end the movie business, they began churning out product for the “little screen.” Warner Brothers were then, as it is now, prolific in its output.

 In 1955, the prolific producer Roy Huggins -- who would later fare much better with shows like “The Rockford Files” – oversaw “Casablanca” which was now a tale about the “Cold War” where Rick was a spy or former spy. Also, it is not quite clear why, his last name was Jason, not Blaine. Replacing Bogart was the legendary Charles McGraw. You may know him best as Kirk Douglas’ gladiator trainer in “Spartacus.”

For the curious, Warner has included the pilot of this odd adaptation in its anniversary boxed DVD set of “Casablanca.” 

Third Time Lucky? – Trying to fill the shoes of McGraw, er I mean, Bogart, in 1983 was David Soul. Well known for his role in the 70’s hit, “Starsky & Hutch,” Soul’s effort was serviceable and the series was notable in that it is the first time we see a colorful “Casablanca.” Rick’s American Café looked even more vibrant in living color on NBC. Despite holding true to the story and spirit of the film, viewers turned it off in droves and it was canceled after three episodes. Only five were produced. The show is also memorable in its casting which includes a young Ray Liotta as Sacha, the good guy bartender, in a pre-“Goodfellas” performance.  

Verdict: To paraphrase Rick Blaine, when it comes to remakes or reboots on this classic, “Don’t play it again,” -- it is and can only be Bogart. 

Dr. Richard Kimble – aka “The Fugitive”

Original –  From the mind of the aforementioned TV legend Roy Huggins, David Janssen became a major TV star as Dr. Richard Kimble, a physician who is wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder and sentenced to receive the death penalty but escapes en route to prison and vowed to find the real killer, a mysterious one-armed man.

The ABC series was a major hit and its final episode stood at the most-watched TV program for 13 years. 

Second Take – In 1993, “The Fugitive” joined the growing list of classic ‘60s television series to make the jump to feature film remake. This attempt however, featured one of the biggest and most successful movie stars on the planet. Harrison Ford took over as the wrongly accused doc. There were a few tweaks to the plot including a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company, but it was an edge-of-your-seat thriller with a subtle performance by Ford. The film made $368 million and nabbed seven Oscar nominations including a nod for “Best Picture.”

Third Time Lucky? – There are two ways to look at the success of “The Fugitive” movie. The first is, we struck lightning in a bottle twice with the series and the film, let’s leave well enough alone. Or there is …..let’s ride this gravy train one more time.

In 2000, CBS cast Tim Daly in the role of the physician on the run. A likable performer best known for the light comedy, “Wings,” nice guy Daly's challenge with the role was it seemed viewers didn’t seem ready to accept him as a convicted – albeit wrongly convicted -- murderer. Daly has since proven his drama chops as a recovering heroin addict/writer on “The Sopranos” and most recently as Tea Leoni’s husband on “Madame Secretary.” 

Verdict: It is tough to top the original, but Ford pulls it off convincingly. It is “The Fugitive” feature film most people think of -- aided and abetted by it being shown on one of the two dozen movie channels on cable TV almost every day. Plus, it created another indelible character, Senior Deputy U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard which led to an Oscar for Tommy Lee Jones and created a sequel, "U.S. Marshals," starring his Gerard character.

While we are on the subject of Tommy Lee Jones, it brings us to . . . . 

Woodrow Call 

Original – Thirty years ago CBS presented what was more than likely the last great mini-series. “Lonesome Dove” was an unlikely candidate for such an accolade even though it came from the pen of the great Larry McMurtry. It was a western, a genre that dried up on TV like a gulch in death valley. It was the six-hour saga of two famed former Texas Rangers who break from the retirement rut of their sleepy Texas town to start a cattle drive and open a ranch in the Montana Territory. With the exception of one performance – (sorry Frederick Forrest) – the acting was stellar top to bottom with Robert Duvall, Danny Glover, Anjelica Huston, Diane Lane, Chris Cooper and Robert Urich and others but to go one the list would be as big as the Montana sky.

The standout of standouts is Tommy Lee Jones as the stoic, loyal, honorable Woodrow Call. Jones garnered an Emmy nomination and dominated the drama for last quarter of the series in heart-wrenching fashion when he fulfills a promise to bury his partner and pal Gus McRae (Duvall) back at the town of Lonesome Dove. It is a journey fraught with peril and purpose. Jones cemented the performance as one of the greatest in the annals of the mini-series format in one of the most perfect final scenes ever laid to film.

Second Take – This is a double bonus round. CBS went to the “Lonesome Dove” well twice. In 1993, “Return to Lonesome Dove” saddled up for another run with Jon Voight taking over as Woodrow Call. The sequel is seen as “unauthorized” as it was not written by Larry McMurtry, but was authored by John Wilder who developed “Spenser: For Hire.” McMurtry instead wrote the book “Streets of Laredo” as the “real” sequel and two years later it aired on CBS with James Garner as Call who since the "original" has become a bounty hunter.

Garner could make the reading of a supermarket shopping list interesting and adds some of his flair to an older Call. Voight gets caught by somewhat repetitive material and as a result seems unable to bring his interpretation of the crusty Call to the fore.

Third Time Lucky? – ABC must have felt lonesome over CBS’ success with the “Dove” tales. So the network took a page out of another one of McMurtry's books, “Dead Man’s Walk” in 1996. This production looked at the early days of Call and McRae in Texas. Englishman Jonny Lee Miller was cast as Call. The adage that British actors can do anything, well, let’s just say that gets tested here.

In 2008, CBS reclaimed “Dove” for another flight, with the adaptation of McMurtry’s “Comanche Moon” with New Zealander Karl Urban as Captain Call.

Urban has proven effective updating roles created by others. His “Judge Dredd”(2012) was a vast improvement over Sylvester Stallone’s virtual unintelligible 1995 film performance. Assuming DeForest Kelly’s Dr. McCoy in the “Star Trek” reboot was no easy task, but Urban landed the mix of comic timing and medical melodrama perfectly. So no surprise he scored with his performance of McCall as the Ranger approached middle age.   

Verdict: Technically there have been six actors to play this role with “Six Million Dollar Man” Lee Majors guest-starring as the good captain in the syndicated TV series version of “Lonesome Dove.” It would be unfair to take Majors’ few minutes of screen time and compare them to the hours of all the others has the role. Still, despite several talented actors putting their unique skills into the role, Tommy Lee Jones will always stand tallest in the saddle for “Lonesome Dove.”

So now, Matthew Rhys takes Perry Mason into TV’s court of opinion. We await the verdict.