The evil Norma Carter
Norma Carter (Phyllis Coates; 1927-2023) was the main villainess from "The Case of the Black-Eyed Blonde," the antepenultimate episode of Perry Mason's first season (airdate June 14, 1958).
Introduction[]
Norma Carter was introduced as the mother of 4-year-old Bobby Carter, as well as the widowed daughter-in-law of wealthy Matthew Bartlett, as Norma was married to Matthew's son, Robert Bartlett, until Robert's passing five years prior. She was visited by Perry Mason regarding the sudden murder of Marian Shaw, with Norma claiming that she was a friend of Marian's--having met Marian two years prior in San DIego and didn't keep in touch with her until three months earlier.
Norma added that Marian had been venting about her roommate, Diana Reynolds, who stood accused of killing Marian, and regarding Matthew, Norma was asked by her father-in-law to see Bobby, with the request also revealing that Norma was on the receiving end of antipathy from Matthew throughout her marriage to Robert. After refusing at first, Norma pointed Matthew in the direction of Bobby's room, and she was later present during Diana's trial, which included the discovery of entries in Marian's diary.
Reveal and Death[]
Norma's villainous confession on her deathbed
The diary led Perry and Della Street to visit Norma, who revealed that an entry dated July 27 four years prior mentioned Saint Catherine's, a hospital in Mexico City, and also mentioned Norma doing everything she can for "him," with the "him" being revealed as Bobby Carter. An entry dated on the following July 27 confirmed the revelation that Bobby was actually Marian's son, but after giving birth to him, Marian (who wasn't married) gave Bobby to Norma to raise as her own. Norma turned heel after receiving Bobby, doing so by planning to sell him to Matthew under the pretense that Bobby was Matthew's grandson, with her plan beginning with anonymously calling Matthew and slandering herself as an unfit mother. The greedy villainess also sent a letter voicing the same sentiment, but three months prior to the events, Norma encountered Marian--as Norma had stated earlier.
What Norma didn't state was that Marian's appearance posed a threat to her plans, and on the night in question, the evil Norma lured Marian to the area and shot her to death. The villainess denied all of the claims, even as she left the house and entered her jeep, only to later drive off in an attempt to escape. Her high speed led to a collision with a bus at the crossing, with the accident leaving Norma with little time left to live. As she lied on her deathbed, Norma confessed to killing Marian, committing the murder to keep her heel turn a secret, though all she stated was that she killed Marian. Following her villainous confession, Norma took her last breath and died of her injuries.