The Misconception of Perry Mason and Raymond Burr’s Paralyzed Characters
Many people often confuse the fictional characters from the TV shows Perry Mason and Ironside, both starring the legendary actor Raymond Burr. It is a common misconception that Perry Mason, the renowned defense attorney, ended up in a wheelchair. In reality, it was his fellow character, Ironside, who faced a tragic incident that left him paraplegic. This article aims to clarify the facts and highlight the differences between the two iconic shows.
Perry Mason and His Community
Perry Mason, which aired from 1957 to 1966, was a popular TV series centered around the character of Perry Mason, a brilliant defense attorney played by Raymond Burr. Perry Mason was renowned for his courtroom skills and his ability to solve mysteries and clear his clients' names. In the series, Perry Mason was consistently portrayed as a physically able and capable individual, with no mention of him ever being in a wheelchair. His stories were focused on providing justice and solving the legal puzzles that came his way.
Ironside: The Paralyzed Detective
In contrast, Ironside, which aired from 1967 to 1975, depicted a different character played by Raymond Burr: Robert T. Ironside. This series centered around a feeble-minded, but brilliant detective who was paralyzed from the waist down, leaving him in a wheelchair. Ironside, despite his disability, utilized his exceptional intellect and problem-solving abilities to solve various cases. The show ran for eight seasons, with the protagonist's unique condition being a central element of the plot.
Comparing the Two Shows and Characters
Raymond Burr played the same actor in both Perry Mason and Ironside, which can understandably lead to confusion. However, it is crucial to differentiate between the two distinct characters. While Perry Mason was a physically capable lawyer focused on justice, Robert T. Ironside was a paralyzed detective who relied on his intelligence to solve cases. The paraplegic status of Ironside resulted from an injury sustained during a shooting incident.
How Did Ironside End Up in a Wheelchair?
According to the plot, Ironside was shot while on vacation, which left him paralyzed from the waist down, requiring him to use a wheelchair. This event not only shaped his future career as a detective but also highlighted his resilience and dedication to justice, much like Perry Mason. However, it is essential to note that this condition was confined to the character of Ironside and did not affect Perry Mason in any way.
Conclusion
In summary, while Perry Mason and Robert T. Ironside were both portrayed by the same actor, Raymond Burr, and both were major characters in their respective TV series, these two characters were vastly different. Perry Mason remained a physically capable attorney, whereas Ironside was a paraplegic detective who used his intelligence to solve cases. This article aims to clear the confusion surrounding these characters and provide a clear understanding of their roles and the shows they were part of.