Bethany Joy Lenz's Keri Allen is a powerhouse in 'Pearson' and it's about time the show introduced her hard-hitting side
Expectedly, much of the spotlight when it comes to 'Pearson' has been on Gina Torres' titular character Jessica Pearson.
The show sees Pearson moving from New York City to Chicago to work for Mayor Bobby Novak and be his 'problem-fixer'. The series starts off with Jessica sorting out matters in her own way after joining Novak's office. And going by the way she works, she's going to be taking home more of brickbats than bouquets.
The highlight of the series is the crackling chemistry she shares with the city attorney, Keri Allen (Bethany Joy Lenz). At first glance, it looks like Keri is the sort of person who is pretty much Novak's favorite, but is still pretty disgruntled due to the fact that Jessica will be working on the same floor as her.
The pilot episode, 'The Alderman' sees Keri make it crystal clear to Jessica that she would be working with her only because of the situation. Plus, Keri's affair with the mayor is a controversial topic and she does well to try keep it on the low.
'Pearson' will soon be entering the mid-season phase and over time has shed light on Keri's character. It is revealed that she is currently at the stage where she has no idea where things in her life are going and she wants to make amends. Starting off as a successful attorney, she is now trying to please Novak rather than do her job.
However, there are certain qualities that have come to the fore. It is shown that Keri is driven and ambitious. She also has her own way of doing things and when times call for it, she can become a complete team woman.
The fourth episode, 'The Deputy Mayor' sees Jessica investigate a murder. At the same time, Keri meets up with the sleazy Pat McGann (Wayne Duvall) and has a conversation about the murder. The chat also shows that she could hold her own when quipped and threatened.
"Keri: Who gave him the money?
Pat: It’s none of your f*****g business.
Keri: If it’s Bobby’s brother, it’s my business, since that tracks back to the mayor, and it’s my job to protect him.
Pat: As city attorney or his girlfriend?"
While she does ignore the quip, it' established that Keri is loyal.
At the moment, we don't know what's in store for Keri. However, it's not hard to imagine her teaming up with Jessica and the duo bringing down the curtains for the corrupt in Chicago.
It's high time we see Keri get a more substantial role in the series. As the mayor's unofficial right hand, we may probably see her take over the chair officially if there is the second installment of 'Pearson'.
If there is, the time is right to see Keri in action. For now, we have seen her as a sensitive person at times, and an absolute powerhouse if the situation arises.
'Pearson' airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on the USA Network.