Even though this episode had a mystery that left the viewer on the edge of their seat-- when it came down to the end of the show we get a confession that is as lame as any in the entire series. Without the slightest piece of evidence the writers decide to make the true murderer someone that even Jessica Fletcher would have never guessed.
With many 'Perry Mason' episodes you can look back and get some hint of why the person would be a prime suspect. But in this case, do not even try there is no reason to suspect the person -- which makes the outcome of the show particular upsetting.
As stated, the show's mystery is interesting. It begins when a young doctor, Dr Edley, is trying to make a businesses in a small community outside of LA. He has taken over for a long time doctor that has now retired and went abroad. Dr. Edley is visited by a swindler named Joe Widlock. He is trying to sue for malpractice but will be happy with a $5,000 pay out.
While Dr. Edley is talking this out with Perry, someone pays off Joe Widlock. Dr Edley believing that his wife has paid the man off, is angered. When he starts looking for his wife, it leads him to the house of Leslie Hall. (Hall happens to be an old boyfriend of his wife.) Inside Hall's house he finds what appears to be his wife's gloves and also evidence that Hall was destroying records on Joe Widlock. A small fisticuffs breaks out before Dr. Edley leaves.
The next day, the police find Leslie Hall dead and the old retired doctor buried in a flower box. All evidence points to Dr. Edley as the murderer. Perry will defend our Doctor Edley in court on charges of murder.
With all this action, plus some more interesting twist with the malpractice patient, we are on the edge of our seat waiting on the trial. Only to have it blow up in our face like an over-inflated tire. Thus bringing us to the confession that is in need of a slightest bit of proof.
This could have been a great episode-- instead leaves the viewer dazed and confused. Better luck on the next episode.