"Conviction" Season 1, Episode 6 takes on a very sensitive yet close-to-reality case where an African-American woman was charged with murdering a white cop during a Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest. Is it a case of racial and color discrimination? Meanwhile, Hayes' ex is in town, hired by Conner. Will they rekindle?
In "Conviction" Season 1, Episode 6, the team decides to take on a very provocative case, as CIU head Hayes Morrison, played by Hayley Atwell, is inspired by the accidental death of a young African-American boy who was shot by a white cop, igniting a racial firestorm. The 'Conviction' team reexamines the controversial case of Porscha Williams and the death of Sgt. Kelsey Blake.
Who is Porscha Williams in "Conviction" Season 1, Episode 6?
Porscha Williams, played by Susan Heyward, is a devoted African-American activist and leader committed to nonviolence and the inspiration for the BLM movement. She is serving time for killing a white female cop at a race equality rally 5 years ago.
The trial was moved to Albany where Williams was wrongfully convicted in less than 3 hours by an all-white jury. According to an "eyewitness," they said that they saw Williams with a gun at the rally, one even claiming he saw her fire the shot that killed Sgt. Blake.
The issue with color and racial discrimination on "Conviction" Season 1, Episode 6
Racial tensions flare as the investigation proceeds when the CIU team is divided based on personal experiences shaping their perspectives on the BLM movement. As Frankie and Maxine (individuals of color) pointed out that Layla, a Porscha Williams "look-alike," doesn't look like Porscha at all, Sam and Tess (both white individuals) insisted that Layla could be Porscha's sister.
The "look-alike" could have been the reason why other witnesses took Porscha as Layla Benson, whose rap sheet involves possession of an unlicensed weapon and assault.
Verdict
The intriguing part of "Conviction" Season 1, Episode 6 is that they touched a very heavy case, not only with color or racial discrimination but also of white cops killing African-Americans. "Conviction" CIU team were able to delve into their own experiences and privileges only to realize its importance.
In fact, one character Maxine, played by Merrin Dungey, struggled with identity and profession. Turns out, their client did not murder the cop, and she became an inspiration for the BLM movement.
In the meantime, Hayes' ex was busy with her client, to which Hayes accidentally walked in on them being intimate.
What do you think of this episode of "Conviction" Season 1?
Watch "Conviction" Season 1 Mondays at 10pm on ABC.