In the second and final season of HBO/Max’s Perry Mason, the series continues to delve into the origin story of the legendary defense attorney, but with a modern twist. The show focuses on one case for the entire season, deviating from the case-of-the-week format. This allows for a deeper exploration of the supporting characters, particularly Della Street, Mason’s dedicated legal secretary, and Hamilton Burger, his courtroom sparring partner.
Justin Kirk, who plays Hamilton Burger, initially signed on to play the iconic character known for being the losing lawyer in every episode. However, as the writers started developing the details of the show, Kirk discovered that his character, Della Street, and the private detective Paul Drake would have hidden aspects to their lives. Specifically, Della and Hamilton would be closeted due to the fiercely homophobic era in which the show is set.
Living openly as gay individuals is not an option for Della and Hamilton, given the societal taboos of the time. Their friendship becomes mutually beneficial, as they can be seen in public together, with Della posing as Hamilton’s romantic interest. This arrangement allows Hamilton to evade questions about his private life and maintain his position of power and privilege in society. Kirk finds it intriguing to play a character with a secret, and it adds an additional layer of complexity to his portrayal of Hamilton Burger.
In the second season, Della Street’s privacy is challenged when she meets Anita St. Pierre, a screenwriter who is instantly attracted to her. Jen Tullock portrays Anita, drawing inspiration from the prolific writer Anita Loos, who had over 100 writing credits in her Hollywood career. Anita is described as brash and confident, the complete opposite of Della’s character.
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Tullock, who is also queer in real life, found the opportunity to play a character with a double life exciting. However, she admits that there are significant differences between her own experiences and those of her character in the 1930s. Although both Tullock and Anita identify as queer, the social and cultural context of the time made their experiences vastly different. Tullock acknowledges the need to approach the role with sensitivity and not assume that her personal experiences directly translate to the character’s reality.
While Tullock initially thought she could draw from her own life as a queer individual, her therapist reminded her of the importance of understanding the specific historical context in which the character exists. Being gay in the 1930s poses unique challenges that Tullock has not personally encountered, and she approaches the role with the necessary nuance and respect.
The expanded exploration of these characters’ lives in the second season of Perry Mason adds depth and complexity to the show. It shines a light on the struggles and sacrifices individuals had to make due to societal expectations and prejudices. By incorporating elements of queerness into the narrative, the series reflects a more inclusive and diverse representation of the 1930s, while also acknowledging the reality of the time.
As Perry Mason continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and intriguing characters, the focus on Della and Hamilton’s hidden lives provides a fresh perspective on the iconic legal drama. The second season allows viewers to connect with these characters on a deeper level, understanding the complexities they navigate in a time that refused to accept their true selves.
Overall, HBO’s reboot of Perry Mason not only pays homage to the original source material but also pushes the boundaries of storytelling by examining the lives and struggles of its supporting characters. Through the portrayal of Della Street and Hamilton Burger, the series tackles themes of secrecy, identity, and social constraints, offering a thought-provoking and captivating viewing experience.
