I thought it was very good. I enjoy they old (spoilers)

film noir, gum shoe type movies. I also really like Matthew Rhys as an actor.

I think the scene showing that he didn't need to bribe a juror is providing future context that he has real legal skills and should trust them. But, with this being his first case, and with everything stacked against him from the judge to Ennis, etc., he felt the need to take that action to ensure he got the right outcome.

It also took me a second to figure out where Mason got the money to bribe the juror. At first, I thought it was all Shea Wigham's doing until I realize he used the money from the lady buying his parent's farm.