Portia on Trial Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Portia on Trial?

Lady lawyer Portia Merryman defends woebegone Elizabeth Manners, who is on trial for shooting her lover Earle Condon. Ironically, Portia herself had once had a relationship with Earle Condon, but Earle's father, powerful publisher John Condon, forced them apart. She has a pretty good idea of what is going on in Elizabeth's head, since she herself was on the verge of killing Earle Condon when his father ruthlessly took custody of her illegitimate son. As Portia toils and strains to free her client, she carries on a romance with Dan Foster -- the attorney for the prosecution. LA Law and The Practice have nothing on this one!

George Nichols Jr.'s narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Walter Abel (Dan Foster)'s journey. Ironically, Portia herself had once had a relationship with Earle Condon, but Earle's father, powerful publisher John Condon, forced them apart.

How Does Walter Abel (Dan Foster)'s Story End?

• Walter Abel: Walter Abel's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Frieda Inescort (Portia Merriman): Frieda Inescort's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Neil Hamilton (Earle Condon): Neil Hamilton's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Portia on Trial Mean?

The ending of Portia on Trial brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Walter Abel's story may not satisfy all audiences.