Episode 13: THE PEOPLE versus ERIC DRAVEN

Crow Rating: 4 Crows

Written By: Bill Taub

Directed By: James Head

Originally aired on WGN: 1/17/99

Music in this episode from: -

Story Line
Eric is on trial for the murder of Shelly Webster and it's going badly. Sarah's help has become a liability, Albrecht doesn't know what the truth is any more, he still can't contact Shelly, and even his own lawyer thinks he's guilty.

Eric has hit rock bottom. After four months caged in jail he is finally on trial for the murder of Shelly but is helpless to defend the charges against him. His court-appointed lawyer, James Pearl (Jaimz Woolvett), won't believe the truth and is only sticking with the case because of the jumpstart it will give to his career. Sarah is desperate to help but her mother refuses to let her take the stand. Even when Darla does relent, Sarah's testimony, far from helping, further damns Eric. Albrecht has his own problems. He is still under suspension, Cordelia has moved out and won't even speak with him and his ambivalence about what really is the truth makes it hard for him to defend Eric on the stand. As the evidence mounts Eric is painted as a jealous lover who had his girlfriend brutally murdered then staged his own death. When Funboy takes the stand, claiming that Draven hired him then tried to blackmail him for the murder, Eric can't stand the lies and lunges for the thug, further damaging his case in front of the jury and Judge Paul Morrison (Jerry Wasserman). Pearl has had enough and confronts Eric, enraging him so much that Draven turns into the Crow before his eyes. The lawyer doesn't know what to believe but does know that with Eric refusing to turn on Albrecht and sitting in shackles in the courtroom, no jury on earth could find him not guilty.

Personal Thoughts
:From a gutsy standpoint, this is an excellent episode. Bryce Zabel pushed the limits by putting Draven on trial. This episode was a major turning point for the series. The storylines became darker.