James Cromwell Contemplates with a Blackwing

This post contains some spoilers for TNT’s series “Murder in the First.”

TNT’s new series “Murder in the First” tells the story of a single murder case drawn out over the course of a 10 episode season. The show features a well-rounded and deep cast, including James Cromwell, who plays the part of a famed defense attorney asked to represent the case’s defendant. It also features a cameo from a very distinct pencil in the series’ third episode.

In the episode titled “Who’s Your Daddy,” James Cromwell’s Warren Daniels is seen twirling a Palomino Blackwing in his hand as he contemplates whether or not to defend Erich Blunt (played by Tom Felton) in his upcoming murder trial. The pencil stands out, but seems at home amongst Daniels’ other accoutrements. You can even see a second Blackwing sitting at the head of his desk. Here’s where the Film Studies student in me comes out.

The striking image of the Blackwing not only establishes Daniels as a powerful, authoritative figure, it establishes him as a man with discerning taste. He won’t defend just any case, just as he won’t use just any pencil.

That, or the prop director just really likes Blackwings.

Either way, it’s always nice finding Blackwings in unexpected places.

Special thanks to @reudaly on Twitter for the find!