Boy, how many "adjustments" of this show are they going to make? Seems to me, although this show started off FANTASTIC, it's going to go by the wayside quickly.

Boy, how many "adjustments" of this show are they going to make? Seems to me, although this show started off FANTASTIC, it's going to go by the wayside quickly.
As long as their adjustments keep turning out episodes like the last 2, which in my opinion were two of the strongest in the show's short history, then tinker away.

I also laughed when Corbin Bernsen was her Divorce Lawyer. On LA Law he played a prominent divorce lawyer. Love this show.

Yeah. And I especially liked how Julie Bowen left Jack from "Lost" to get together with Michael J. Fox on this show the same week.

It is strange though. One minute you see them, the next you don't.Better gone than not, IMHO. These two young lawyers were simply wrong for the show... as evidenced by the few episodes which actually gave them a chance to star and which quite simply flopped and insulted the viewer (remember the one where the guy lawyer was suddenly propositioned by the great looking intern/assistant assigned to help/watch in the records room, at which point she instantly undressed and they had sex! And then of course they "got caught" and got into trouble. How about when the black attorney was propositioned by the outside older male opposing lawyer.). I don't think there was any way to rehabilitate those two new characters in the series, at least not with the two actors they had selected.

The show didn't need them, nor did it need the 2nd-season introduction of courtroom dancing and singing, nor did it need young-people sex and silly musical interludes to "punch things up" and appeal to the target demographic, nor did it need Denny and Alan showing up in a Canadian courtroom dressed like Davy Crockett to plead a case while on a hunting/fishing trip. Plain stupid, and low-brow. All of this was probably in response to ABC's probable meddling to try and get the ratings up, but it was done very poorly indeed.

In contrast, the sudden and abrupt turnaround in show sophistication and quality over these past two shows (highlighted by the brilliant use of music in the Tom Selleck episode) has been stunning. The guy I spoke with at Kelley Productions last week said David is getting back to the writing, and I told him "it shows". He also quietly chuckled when I commended them for downplaying the two new young lawyers (although they still were both in the credits for the Selleck episode), and even leaving them out of that particular show. I didn't realize that one or both were destined to be truly and totally eliminated (shades of Monica Potter and Rhona Mitra, relegated to "guest starring" for a few episodes before being disappeared completely).

What happened to Betty White? She was there for a few episodes with a funny character and then she was gone.

"I am the big island" - Denny Crane

What happened to Betty White? She was there for a few episodes with a funny character and then she was gone.With the exception of the two young'ns just mentioned, the Betty White character is by far the most annoying and objectionable character in the history of Boston Legal. I wasn't pleased to see them reprise the character last month, and I'm obviously glad to see her disappear again.

There's only room for so many wiseacres in a given television show, and this show tends to push the limit on occasion. Still, I like it better than most others. :p

With the exception of the two young'ns just mentioned, the Betty White character is by far the most annoying and objectionable character in the history of Boston Legal. I wasn't pleased to see them reprise the character last month, and I'm obviously glad to see her disappear again.I agree completely... perhaps in a tie with that nitwit she befriended who killed his wife with a frying pan, and then Betty White killed him with a frying pan.

PULEEZE!!!

We really enjoyed last night's episode. As much as I think Carl is quite pissibly the least easitest to look at, I like the fact that he gets more lines and has a presence on the show. Also, is it my imagination, or is Julie Bowen looking hotter these days?

nc

Also, is it my imagination, or is Julie Bowen looking hotter these days?

nc

I liked the way Denny calls her "blondie !!" :D I love her.

It was funny in parts last night, but for some reason it was a let down coming after last week's episode. The best moment was at the beginning when Alan showed the news to Denny, and Denny gets up on bed saying "that is my case !!" without realizing he did not have anything covering his nuggets !! :D

How about in the strategy meeting; “you… punk kid- you’re good with computers right?? Make a website… do a blog or whatever!!”
Just Denny being Denny…… :D

How about in the strategy meeting; “you… punk kid- you’re good with computers right?? Make a website… do a blog or whatever!!”
Just Denny being Denny…… :D


Yes.. forgot that.. Very :D

The actual line was "you… punk kid- you’re good with computers right?? Make a website… do a blob or whatever!!”

ROTFLMBO !! Oh, and don't forget the wedge !! :)

One thing I was asking my self early on in the show was, "If Shirley was so concerned about those photos, why didn't she just offer to buy them herself and destroy them?"

One thing I was asking my self early on in the show was, "If Shirley was so concerned about those photos, why didn't she just offer to buy them herself and destroy them?"

Had she done so, Alan's entire story line would have not happened -- and we would have spent a large portion of the program viewing a blank screen.

Finally got to watch this week's episode. I thought the picture quality was "off" for some reason. A bit darker (not stylized or anything, just darker) and not the usual crystal clear sharpness I'm used to on this show.

The exteriors (shots of Boston skyscrapers, waterfront, blue skies in background, etc.) are always excellent, and still are. But the interiors, in the office and on Denny's patio during the episode cigar/scotch epilog, etc., were all nowhere near as good looking as usual... inferior enough so that I actuallly noticed it, and am writing about it here.

Anybody else?

Oh... and the wonderfully emotional and subtle reconciliation story arc between Paul and his long-estranged daughter Rachel (Jayne Brook) that began a few weeks ago has seemingly taken a turn towards the ham-handed this week. I'm afraid there was nothing subtle about the new developments... it was all very very obvious and telegraphed, not to mention over-the-top and overacted. I'm disappointed, because I was sort of rooting for her character, and for Kelley's resurgent influence on writing and quality. I've liked her as a character actor for many years... she was on "LA Law" a few times, and also appeared on "Sports Night". Wonder if Kelley handed over this story to others again.

One thing I was asking my self early on in the show was, "If Shirley was so concerned about those photos, why didn't she just offer to buy them herself and destroy them?"
The widow wouldn't have sold them to her...she hated Shirley for having an affair with her husband. She wanted them to be public out of spite.

she (Jayne Brook) was on "LA Law"...

I think you're remembering her from Chicago Hope where she played the research doctor in the lab who briefly dated Peter MacNichol, the hospital attorney. It's easy to mix these folks up because David Kelley seems to have a regular stable of actors he constantly turns to in all of his shows, starting with Picket Fences and up to present. Corbin Bernson was on as the divorce lawyer, playing an older version of his "Arnie" days from L.A. Law though. Between Ally Mcbeal, Boston Public, Practice and Boston Legal there must be actor-incest, so many have taken repeated parts. I know Anthony Heald has been in at least 3 (Guber in Boston Public, Judge in Practice and Judge again in Boston Legal). Don't know who holds the record though.

I think you're remembering her from Chicago Hope where she played the research doctor in the lab who briefly dated Peter MacNichol, the hospital attorney. And of course Peter McNichol went on to be John Cage in Ally McBeal.

But no, I wouldn't have seen Jayne Brook in Chicago Hope because I didn't watch that show. However I do agree with your assessment, in that this is probably where she's best known from. But I've been recognizing her face for a long time which is why I thought it must have been LA Law (which I did watch religiously).

For sure, she was in Sports Night (which I also watched religiously), where Dan meets her in a bar, she gives him her card, and it turns out she's a psychiatrist... Dr. Abby Jacobs. She turns out to be Dan's love/flirtation interest for three more episodes, although Dan denies he's getting sessions when he sees her in her office.

IMDB (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111632/) gives her bio.

MSN (http://movies.msn.com/celebs/celeb.aspx?c=329330) gives the synopses of her Sports Night appearances.

Also, is it my imagination, or is Julie Bowen looking hotter these days?

nc

You too huh? I never thought she was hot on Ed, but now, wow. Amazing what a nicely cut business suit can do for a woman.

I'm reminded of that episode where Tony Sopranos asked his g/f to dress more "professional-like"

I really liked Spader's acting. He even won an award of some sort in the past for his role on BL. I think Shatner did too! Even Shatner is bearable to watch at times. This is such a long thread, so I didn't go through it but does anyone else feel that Kelly has dragged the writing and acting of a once great show into just another goofy Ali McBeal knock off?

Next thing they will bring back that twit from Ali McBeal to do cameos with his remote toilet flusher because he likes a clean bowl. Ali McBeal got so bad I had to stop watching it and now Kelly is dragging Boston Legal down to the same level with all these goofy actors like Shatner's old bag girlfriend ( Thank God she's gone . . . or is she?) and that way past "long in the tooth" Candice Bergen.

Just my opinion, I'll give it a few more episodes cause I like Spader but I'm about done with the show now :(

the show is fine.... still. there's something wrong with you.

the show is fine.... still. there's something wrong with you.

Something wrong with Me . . . Oh my :eek:

Why do you say this . . . because I don't like seeing actresses in Hi Def at 50 inches with TURKEY NECKS . . . my bad?

Say, what's in your mirror? :D :D :D

that comment was tongue in cheek, i hope you realize that. seriously though, the show, still is fine. Yes Kelley has a track record of screwing up his hit shows (ally, boston public, etc) but I still have hope and like the direction of Boston legal.

that comment was tongue in cheek, i hope you realize that. seriously though, the show, still is fine. Yes Kelley has a track record of screwing up his hit shows (ally, boston public, etc) but I still have hope and like the direction of Boston legal.


So was mine, hence the 3 cheesy smiles ! ! ! Really though, producers, directors or who ever is responsible for putting actors and actresses on TV now needs to take into account the advent of how they are going to look on the home theaters bigger screens.

The worst are having to look each day at some of the newscasters yellow crooked lower teeth seen in Hi Def and on our big screens. Check out Eric Severides chompers on the big screen.

Fox news has it right by putting attractive people on their channel (except for maybe Gretta and Alan Combs) And now all of a sudden CNN is showing off some hotties of their own!

Yes, I still think Boston Legal is done well, so far!

Oops, 8:59 pm . . . time to hunker down for the Sopranos season opener!
Seeya

Tonight's episode was the last straw for me. I'm through with this show. Too bad, I really enjoyed The Practice (mostly) and loved Spader's character and was excited about the spin-off.

I am sick of Kelley's political rantings and his use of this show to preach his political agenda. In Kelley's world the Hollywood Left are the only sane minds...everybody else is ridiculed and belittled. That is not what I want in an entertainment show.

Just had to vent.....

Tonight's episode was the last straw for me. I'm through with this show. Too bad, I really enjoyed The Practice (mostly) and loved Spader's character and was excited about the spin-off.

I am sick of Kelley's political rantings and his use of this show to preach his political agenda. In Kelley's world the Hollywood Left are the only sane minds...everybody else is ridiculed and belittled. That is not what I want in an entertainment show.

Just had to vent.....
I, too, share your sentiments. I'm very surprised that DEK uses such an entertaining show for a political forum. What also upset me was when Carl had those two thugs cary his daughter away to a regab. What bunk! That would never happen. The ONLY part of the show I found entertaining at all was the judge who stood at Shore's trial. "Jibber jabber" - funny as hell. I'll still watch, but not very pleased of what was shown last night.

nc

Heck, I enjoyed it, DEK can do what he wants, the ratings will decide if the show gets yanked or not. Besides everything in Shore's closing was true, nothing wrong with stating fact. I'll bet the jibber-jabber part was a reference to the JibJab political cartoon site.

Tonight's episode was the last straw for me. I'm through with this show. Too bad, I really enjoyed The Practice (mostly) and loved Spader's character and was excited about the spin-off.

I am sick of Kelley's political rantings and his use of this show to preach his political agenda. In Kelley's world the Hollywood Left are the only sane minds...everybody else is ridiculed and belittled. That is not what I want in an entertainment show.

Just had to vent.....

By that logic, do you think the writers of Sex and the City were preaching promiscuity, or that the writers of Will and Grace were preaching that Gays could be funny, or that the writers of The Sopranos were preaching that "the way of the gun" was the way to do business?

These are all characters in a drama, and they should be allowed to have a say about things just as much as people in real life. Do you condemn anyone in real life having the views expressed in last episode, just as much as you seem to condemn characters in a drama to voice an opinion?

By that logic, ....just as much as you seem to condemn characters in a drama to voice an opinion?

Boy did you ever miss the point. Your examples are completely non-analagous to the complaint and no one "condemned" the characters. The point made was that KELLEY (not the characaters - they just voice his words as actors) is increasingly using the show to provacatively state his political views, in great detail. And it goes on weekly and in an ever-increasing sense of urgency ("WAKE UP AMERICA"). It is his right to do the show as he pleases - no one is denying that - it's just that the show was conceived one way, as a spin off of The Practice with this tremendously interesting and ethically challenged lawyer (Spader), and has quickly descended into Kelley's constant political ranting - which is simply not as entertaining as the premise and is sure to lose viewers (already has).

A good writer can weave his views skillfully into a show without a weekly brow-beating of how dumb you must be not to agree with him. And, did you notice, Alan is now almost always less portrayed as his original, ethics challenged character when he goes into these long, boring and repetitive rants - he is often given nobility, which he did not possess before. Yet Denny Crane, who is supposed to give the opposing view (for some minimum "balance" I guess) is increasingly unbelievable, acts totallly irresponsibly and has "mad cow". Let's just say, Kelley's view is not subtle - but worse yet, it is becoming boring. This show (once one of my favs., political viewpoint notwithstanding) routinely bounces between totally silly and serious political brow-beating. What it is starting to lack is any credibility and entertainment value. It is a history Kelley is becoming famous for and a theme most of his shows follow right down the drain. Just look at the cast changes this year and the stories nearly spinning out of control. Too bad.

Folks were in the age of black or white, no gray area. America is intolerant at the moment and televisions have tuners I believe, utilize them turn it over if its not your cup of tea.

Boy did you ever miss the point. Your examples are completely non-analagous to the complaint and no one "condemned" the characters. The point made was that KELLEY (not the characaters - they just voice his words as actors) is increasingly using the show to provacatively state his political views, in great detail.

It seems it is you that missed MY point. I questioned if the OP had also criticized the writers of such shows as Sex and the City, Will and Grace etc. as being wrong in showing something the poster might have considered wrong or preaching (as in glamorizing promiscuity and gay culture).

Simply because Kelley's character voiced political comments, did it suddenly become objectionable to people with opposing viewpoints?

As entertaining this show is, I think "The Practice" in Dylan McDermot's days was immensely better.

My view is that Kelley is bending too far forward to create silly "cases" simply to give his political viewpoints airtime. "Stick It" was a prime example. A "failure to file" charge from the IRS would never have resulted in that silly courtroom soapbox.

As to Sex in the City and The Sopranos, those players are true to their characters and are fascinating to watch. Whether I approve of their lifestyles is immaterial. I know the difference between acting and preaching...I only wish Kelley would keep his politics out of the teleplays and spend his energy developing his characters in entertaining ways.

I also fully understand I control the tuner...which is why I said this episode was the last straw for me. I never said Kelley doesn't have the right to air this crap...simply that I won't endure it any longer. Too bad...Spader's character used to be nuanced and conflicted. Lately he is just a pale and swollen mouthpiece for kelley's politics.

Frankly, there are just too many other good choices now.

yes the case abotu the incmoe tax was a bit rediculous, the first of its kind on the show so far. I hope they do better, it has potential.

It seems it is you that missed MY point. I questioned if the OP had also criticized the writers of such shows as Sex and the City, Will and Grace etc. as being wrong in showing something the poster might have considered wrong or preaching (as in glamorizing promiscuity and gay culture).

Simply because Kelley's character voiced political comments, did it suddenly become objectionable to people with opposing viewpoints?

As entertaining this show is, I think "The Practice" in Dylan McDermot's days was immensely better.

I don't think I missed it at all. We'll probably never agree on this (though I appreciate your civility in the discussion), but I see a clear distinction in your examples. Those shows were written specifically for the purposes explored. BLegal has wandered from that to become a specific public forum that is less than its entertaining beginnings in the Practice. Of course it's not objectionable to have a point of view. I often strongly differ with views of shows like West Wing or others (not necessarily political themes, but it fits here as an example). I still like and watch the show if it is done well. I still watch West Wing. It is doing what it was written to do, so I just look past the stuff I find unfair or inaccurate - but I still watch because it is (sometimes) well written stuff with superior dialogue.

Kelley, often falls deeply into sheer silliness with non-political stories. Then on the politics, ceases to engage and entertain - he merely pontificates and sermonizes and doesn't entertain. At least not like he used to in the early days of these shows. He can have all the viewpoints he wants (as can W&G, etc). But the point is to entertain and still get your view across. These endless rants don't do that for the most part. They have become almost weekly diatribes with specific name/issue calling. After all, it's a "legal" show and I agree, The Practice in its day was better and better incorporated the viewpoint of the writer without beating me in the face with it like I'm too stupid to get it otherwise. If he can't entertain and/or engage me, then he loses me and others. Remember, it's all about the ratings and most people don't watch this to be lectured to so vociferously and so often.

Sure I can turn it off, but I still find it mildly engaging when Spader is at his wicked best (too little of that anymore). And please, the dreary answer of "if you don't like it, don't watch it", doesn't hold up. We all have the right to say "why" and "what" we don't like about it and hope to see it improve. "Take it or leave it" is not the answer. I'll be the one to decide when it's time to change the channel. I'm not there yet, but I'll know when I am and make that decision for myself. Just like the decision I make to ignore, judge or accept the vastly expanded political views of the show.

Yeah ... it's not like TV has ever been used for a political soapbox before ( {cough} M*A*S*H, {cough} All in the Family {cough} ) ... to cough up a few examples from years ago. ;)

My view is that Kelley is bending too far forward to create silly "cases" simply to give his political viewpoints airtime. "Stick It" was a prime example. A "failure to file" charge from the IRS would never have resulted in that silly courtroom soapbox.

As to Sex in the City and The Sopranos, those players are true to their characters and are fascinating to watch. Whether I approve of their lifestyles is immaterial. I know the difference between acting and preaching...I only wish Kelley would keep his politics out of the teleplays and spend his energy developing his characters in entertaining ways.

I also fully understand I control the tuner...which is why I said this episode was the last straw for me. I never said Kelley doesn't have the right to air this crap...simply that I won't endure it any longer. Too bad...Spader's character used to be nuanced and conflicted. Lately he is just a pale and swollen mouthpiece for kelley's politics.

Frankly, there are just too many other good choices now.

I actually hope DEK would go back to ripping some stories from the headlines.

Last week an interesting case was filed in federal court in Michigan claiming that MI's law requiring fathers to pay child support violates equal protection because men do not have the same reproductive rights as women (i.e., if women have the right to choose, shouldn't men, perhaps in the form of a small window after pregnancy is confirmed for the man to terminate his parental rights?)

Not trying to start the debate here, but the issue can easily go both ways that it is ripe for Boston Legal. I enjoy BL for the courtroom drama, and even though I know DEK is using it as a vehicle for his message, we still get great cross-examinations and closing arguments.

I watched this weeks show from the DVR last night and I'm sad to say it was the proverbial straw. I like BL and like was stated by flint I can normally look past the weekly political jabs and still enjoy good drama. To be browbeaten for 10 minutes like last night made me angry and dismayed. It was a totally contrived and preposturous story line. Goodbye BL.

I watched this weeks show from the DVR last night and I'm sad to say it was the proverbial straw. I like BL and like was stated by flint I can normally look past the weekly political jabs and still enjoy good drama. To be browbeaten for 10 minutes like last night made me angry and dismayed. It was a totally contrived and preposturous story line. Goodbye BL.

I would hope you are secure and confident enough in your belief system that a 10 minute pontification on a television show would not get you feeling "browbeaten". I would suggest you may have to reassess your position if you get that reaction from watching a television show.

Take Boston Legal for what it is: a funny, sometimes intelligent often times outlandishly stupid, irreverent, quasi-legal based television show which looks pretty darn good in HD.

Also it seems to me that the show is the writer's foil to conservative talk radio which could be described similarly: funny, sometimes intelligent often times outlandishly stupid, irreverent, quasi-legal based radio shows which surely do not sound as good as HD looks!

I understand the OP's point. This show, it's characters, and it's acting have so much more potential than to waste time with weekly political diatribes whether one agrees with them or not.

As another poster alluded, when a "did not file" case turns into a closing argument about all that's "wrong" with the current administration, and all that's "right" about the left, that's not too realistic or engaging--it's just a diatribe.

On the other hand, if the drama is done really well, I don't mind some of the silliness, i.e., Denny (it's on the door) Crane, Denise, etc. to bring some levity. Problem is, the drama hasn't been done particularly well lately, especially with last Tuesday's episode.

And while one has the right to change the channel, one also has the right to post their disappointment here regarding the current direction the show appears to be taking. :)

Yeah ... it's not like TV has ever been used for a political soapbox before ( {cough} M*A*S*H, {cough} All in the Family {cough} ) ... to cough up a few examples from years ago. ;)

And that exactly makes my point for me - no {cough} required. The reason those shows ran for a decade or more was, as I said, because they skillfully wove their "political view" into an entertaining and engaging story. They didn't forget the primary purpose was to entertain and keep an audience interested. You didn't have week upon endless week of the same basic courtroom speech on political activism. You had terrific humor and satire and entertainment with a biting edge of viewpoint. Boston Legal is rapidly losing its original flair, IMO, with its spiraling descent into silliness on one side and speechifying diatribe on the other. As a test, let's just see if Legal lasts anywhere near as long as your two given examples. I seriously doubt it. In fact, I doubt it will last until next season. And I used to love it, despite its viewpoint.

...

As a test, let's just see if Legal lasts anywhere near as long as your two given examples. I seriously doubt it. In fact, I doubt it will last until next season. And I used to love it, despite its viewpoint.

And what a fall from grace it would be !! Going from a show with an Emmy award winner for best actor, to being cancelled because people couldn't stomach a leftist character on the show.

Characters can be sluts, bitches, gays and mouth-breathing murderers week after week, sometimes for 5-6 seasons (HINT!! HINT!!), but they cannot be "left of the center" in voicing their opinions - when suddenly they become nothing but the preaching mouthpiece for the "liberal" political views of their writer.

Shelve the show, we say !! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

As a test, let's just see if Legal lasts anywhere near as long as your two given examples. I seriously doubt it. In fact, I doubt it will last until next season. And I used to love it, despite its viewpoint.

Yes it is dangerous to agitate 50% of your potential audience. :D It's always possible that the handwriting is already on the wall and DEK is swinging for the fence while he still can. ;) "Soylent Green is People!" :D

Personally, I'm glad somebody is standing up and saying something about anything. After a decade of "shows about nothing" and latte houses it's a welcome change of pace. :)

And that exactly makes my point for me - no {cough} required. The reason those shows ran for a decade or more was, as I said, because they skillfully wove their "political view" into an entertaining and engaging story. They didn't forget the primary purpose was to entertain and keep an audience interested. You didn't have week upon endless week of the same basic courtroom speech on political activism. You had terrific humor and satire and entertainment with a biting edge of viewpoint. Boston Legal is rapidly losing its original flair, IMO, with its spiraling descent into silliness on one side and speechifying diatribe on the other. As a test, let's just see if Legal lasts anywhere near as long as your two given examples. I seriously doubt it. In fact, I doubt it will last until next season. And I used to love it, despite its viewpoint.
While I like the show and happen to be of the same political bent of what DEK has been spouting, I agree that it's not very well crafted. I get the underlying feeling that DEK knows this show is doomed and it's like he's taking his shots while he can. It is not smoothly integrated with an entertaining storyline. To go from a $400 tax evasion case to all the things Shore ranted about was a huge stretch IMO. I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts.

And what a fall from grace it would be !! Going from a show with an Emmy award winner for best actor, to being cancelled because people couldn't stomach a leftist character on the show.

Characters can be sluts, bitches, gays and mouth-breathing murderers week after week, sometimes for 5-6 seasons (HINT!! HINT!!), but they cannot be "left of the center" in voicing their opinions - when suddenly they become nothing but the preaching mouthpiece for the "liberal" political views of their writer.

Shelve the show, we say !! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I was going to ask if you even bothered to really - I mean really read - what I wrote, but your answer is proof you did not. Or, at the least, you still don't understand what I am saying. I said nothing approximating your summation about what "characters" can and can't do before being dismissed as unacceptable or stomach turning. I barely mentioned the characters at all in that regard. It's senseless to argue this with you, you insist on debating points not in contention. The two responses below yours seem to "get it" much better.

Yes it is dangerous to agitate 50% of your potential audience. It's always possible that the handwriting is already on the wall and DEK is swinging for the fence while he still can....

I'm not suggesting he is agitating 50% of the audience (political demographics) by the viewpoint. I'm suggesting he is agitating MORE than 50% of the audience with the way in which he does it - not entertainment, not education, not engaging in most any way. Simply a continual (think back over the last several episodes, it's become a constant theme) diatribe, boringly shoved in your face. Much as the poster below you suggests and with whom I agree completely. My personal politics are not part of my objection in this show at all. I don't watch TV dramas or comedies for political validation or education - it's the wrong medium for either.

While I like the show and happen to be of the same political bent of what DEK has been spouting, I agree that it's not very well crafted. I get the underlying feeling that DEK knows this show is doomed and it's like he's taking his shots while he can. It is not smoothly integrated with an entertaining storyline. To go from a $400 tax evasion case to all the things Shore ranted about was a huge stretch IMO. I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Now here is someone who shares Kelley's view, but mine as well. The tax case being a perfect example of the silliness being taken beyond the pale simply to preach. I agree with Keenan's further observation on Kelley making a last, obvious stand, knowing his show is doomed. Sadly, I don't think Kelley realizes he is the one who unnecessarily doomed it. The Practice re-visited, where you take a really good show and run it into the ground.

It's a shame really, all his political rants and a good story could co-exist, in fact in earlier episodes it has. One gets the feeling when they sit down to right these episodes the primary subject is what sociological or political message are we going to talk about this week, then fill a story in around it. Which could work, if done well, lately though it hasn't been done well at all.

I also miss the introspective looks into Alan's dark, disturbed inner character, all we've had is he's afraid of clowns and has night terrors, nothing like the stuff touched on last season.

While I like the show and happen to be of the same political bent of what DEK has been spouting, I agree that it's not very well crafted. I get the underlying feeling that DEK knows this show is doomed and it's like he's taking his shots while he can. It is not smoothly integrated with an entertaining storyline. To go from a $400 tax evasion case to all the things Shore ranted about was a huge stretch IMO. I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts.

That's my concern, that it's "last ditch pontificating". When the writing had Denny to counteract Shore's viewpoint, even if Shore ended up more "correct" - it was entertaining (even for those of us not alligned politically with DEK). As it's been recently, there's no "debate" to win because only one extreme viewpoint is presented, and anyone opposing it is portrayed as "bad" or "wrong". It's like watching a boxer punching one of those blow up clowns - the battle is shallow, hollow, and lopsided so the victory isn't very gratifying.

If you're going to bring up serious issues, and want to get a left-leaning message out than bring up 4 or 5 bullet points and let Denny "win" one of them with the "right-leaning" viewpoint. Then even conservatives can enjoy rooting for the very likable Shore and his liberal side of the case. Oh, and add in some extreme, more wacko right wing sentiments from Denny that both sides get a kick out of. ;)

Most importantly, I want the show to continue, and like keenan suggests - this desperation in getting your message out seems like he's giving up on the show. If there's a glimmer of hope for renewal, he could be killing any chance of that by intentionally eroding his base of viewers.

It is a TV show folks ---and one of the better ones out there. If you don't like it ,turn it off and watch people eat dead frogs on NBC. I do not agree with the political innuendo all the time on any of the shows but I am thick skinned enough to realize where they are coming from and, if I think it is too much, I have the choice of about 175 other channels that I can watch.

There !!! I think that was rather Fair and Balanced !!


Bill

I don't like the political bluster because it detracts from the show. DEK starts out with quirky characters that are interesting, funny and entertaining but his shows too quickly descend into silliness and politcal posturing.

This is still a good show but it was once a great show. We've all seen the same progression with The Practice, Aly McBeal, etc. Cool shows with cool characters that lose their edge because the writing just gets ridiculous.

The early Alan would've delivered the political speech far more elegantly and would never have turned the young thing away.

So, I take it that all the people seriously put off by this week's episode don't agree with the points Alan raised in his "speech".

Maybe you guys missed that even the judge was shown to chastise Alan to stick to the specifics of the case, rather than ranting off about the current politics. Alan had a very weak case, which the prosecution was trying to nail and make an example of to crackdown on tax evaders.

Alan made a masterful move of exploiting the current political issues to paint the picture that his client was showing "civil disobedience" by refusing to pay taxes with a note to the government saying "Stick it !!".

Was the plot contrived? Yes. Were the questions raised in the process not relevant to the current American society? Not at all. Did his diatribe make the difference between the girl ending up in the jail and being let off with a suspended sentence. You bet !!

I haven't seen this week's episode yet. I assume from the comments here that they haven't really changed directions.

Thank God they've minimized the "Mad Cow" disease. They need to get Denny back in the courtroom as a character, not a caricature.

So, I take it that all the people seriously put off by this week's episode don't agree with the points Alan raised in his "speech".


Not in my case, the message, I had no problem with, it was the delivery where I feel the show is falling on it's face. This sort of unconnected, uneven presenting of issues gives us liberals a black eye in my opinion, not to mention, it results in bad story-telling.

I haven't seen this week's episode yet. I assume from the comments here that they haven't really changed directions.

Thank God they've minimized the "Mad Cow" disease. They need to get Denny back in the courtroom as a character, not a caricature.
I agree, we need more Denny, and please Denny, get over Bev, she's gone...I like the Paul and daughter storyline, Denise seems to get better looking each week...I noticed from the previews that the Betty White character is back next week, haven't they milked that character's idiosyncrasies enough..?

Maybe you guys missed that even the judge was shown to chastise Alan to stick to the specifics of the case, rather than ranting off about the current politics. Alan had a very weak case, which the prosecution was trying to nail and make an example of to crackdown on tax evaders.

Apparently the quite brilliant portrayal of the "last gasps" of the judicial process went over a lot of heads too. :D

Also ... remember folks, this show is about a law firm in Boston, MA home of that little tea-party thingy. What could be more American than protesting over (or with) taxes. :D

Oh and for those who are really upset with this latest BL affront, how do feel about Fred Thompson's pontificating at the end of numerous L&O episodes?

Not in my case, the message, I had no problem with, it was the delivery where I feel the show is falling on it's face. This sort of unconnected, uneven presenting of issues gives us liberals a black eye in my opinion, not to mention, it results in bad story-telling.

Exactly. Though I don't think it gives liberals a black eye, it's simply gets old as story-telling. He can raise salient political points all he wants (or all raaj wants), but like several others have said (including me), it's not well done - that's the point, not the leaning of the content. If it were right-wing preaching it would be equally uninteresting.

I don't find it an affront or uniquely biased (of course it's biased, who cares, other shows are biased in the other direction). It's not the bias as much as the delivery, the story. The once delectable Alan Shore, man of challenged ethics and great humor. He's become an uninteresting personal spokesman for Kelley's politics, not Kelley's entertainment. It's a TV show and as such needs to entertain and hold audience interest. You can have a totally different point of view and still enjoy - IF IT'S WELL DONE. This hasn't been. The old days of Shore vs. the bad guys and even Denny Crane were fun and enjoyable. They've become spokesmen.

As for bringing back another run of Betty White's character - talk about "Mad Cow" - please, make it brief. Lastly - to those who repeatedly insist on telling the rest of us about our ability to "turn it off" or "change the channel", give it a rest! We all know we can do that, just as you can ignore a post you don't like or agree with. I suggest taking your own advice. I happen to like this show and the purpose of an open forum is to discuss/debate it. If all we did was sing Kum-by-Ya and march to the tune you dictate or else be asked to leave, this would be a very uninteresting place. Much like Boston Legal is becoming. Personally, I want to see it saved, but I don't think DEK has it in him.

Flint,

Suffice it to say that you and I disagree on the point whether the recent political jabs by Alan (by implication, of DEK) detracted from the entertainment value of the show. I still enjoyed the jabs, and thought they were even contested by Alan's opposition (the prosecution - in most cases, and Denny in some), but Alan's "liberal leftist views" always seemed to prevail. Last week's episode was still "entertaining enough" for me, and I hope it was for a lot the show's audience too.

As a contrast to the BL method of message delivery, ER had a scene with Neela at a soldier spouse club meeting(husband Michael is in Iraq) where she voiced her opinions about the war, it was tastefully done, brief, and in fact had a more emotional and intellectual impact than the way BL has been doing it lately.

The ep aired Thursday night. Ep no. 261-Out On A Limb

As a contrast to the BL method of message delivery, ER had a scene with Neela at a soldier spouse club meeting(husband Michael is in Iraq) where she voiced her opinions about the war, it was tastefully done, brief, and in fact had a more emotional and intellectual impact than the way BL has been doing it lately.

The ep aired Thursday night. Ep no. 261-Out On A Limb

You should qualify that with "New BL Method" - there are many examples in the "Old" BL method where an effective liberal message got out in a very entertaining fashion.

So it sounds like a lot of cases of, 'It's not you, it's me ... no really, I mean it,' going on around here. :) ;)

You should qualify that with "New BL Method" - there are many examples in the "Old" BL method where an effective liberal message got out in a very entertaining fashion.
Well, I did say "lately", but yes, the old BL was much better in handling the political stuff.

BTW, I think ER (including this week's ep) is getting more "soapboxy" than ever. (Darfur et al.) I don't see much difference with the way ER and BL handled their "messages." One could easily say that the Neela speech was unexpected, jarring, out of place and unwanted in the context of the rest of the episode - it's all your POV.

Although, I've got to give props to ER for tying in the image of "getting rid of our crutches" to the storyline. ... Nice job, although it'll probably go over the heads of 98% of the audience or at least the 2% that really matters :)

The "2% that matter" are precisely the ones that will likely catch and be impacted by a well delivered message.

Flint,

Suffice it to say that you and I disagree on the point whether the recent political jabs by Alan (by implication, of DEK) detracted from the entertainment value of the show.

Agree on this, though I think they far exceed mere "jabs", which is why they detract. They are ever-ongoing, repetitive and boring. As I said repeatedly, I would feel the same if it were righ-wing preaching. You seem to prefer it as long as it coincides with your personal views. "Stick It" to the gov't.

I still enjoyed the jabs, and thought they were even contested by Alan's opposition (the prosecution - in most cases, and Denny in some),

Of course you did, you agree with them and they, in some way, validate your beliefs. So you find them satisfying. As for being "contested", hardly. Crane always protests as a buffoon who shoots homeless people, appears in court like Davey Crockett, with a rifle no less, and makes constant non-sensical statements meant to imply the idiocy of the other side. But this goes more to Kelley's bias, not to the loss of entertainment. I wasn't entertained, for example, by the coon skin cap courtroom fiasco, which was downright silly.

As Keenan and Panther said, Kelley used to do this sort of thing well, in entertaining stories. It's the progression to simply pushing an ideology through dull speeches on how dumb we all must be not to "get it" that is overwrought. If he did it once, why can't he do it now? Present your view all you want, in a story related and entertaining fashion. The lower ratings reflect that and I don't think it's due to the politics themselves, but rather the insipid stories, revolving door of characters and other basic elements now gone from the show.

But I'll end my debate with you on this as we are disagreeing on different issues and this is now, unquestioningly, beaten to death. I'll let the ratings and cancellation decide how well it was done and how many people liked it.

The "2% that matter" are precisely the ones that will likely catch and be impacted by a well delivered message.

LOL ... the 2% that I'm thinking of probably aren't watching anyway (or bothering to read newspapers.) ;) ... I will say no more :)

As Keenan and Panther said, Kelley used to do this sort of thing well, in entertaining stories. It's the progression to simply pushing an ideology through dull speeches on how dumb we all must be not to "get it" that is overwrought.

Apparently, DEK is right on this (just not getting it part) in may cases. I thought the dreaded "speech" was quite eloquent and even inspiring. I'm actually somewhat shocked that the network gatekeepers allowed it to pass through.

'If not DEK, who? If not now, when?' ... I will say no more :)

LOL ... the 2% that I'm thinking of probably aren't watching anyway (or bothering to read newspapers.) ;) ... I will say no more :)


I doubt that, I would characterize the polarized 98% that way before the 2% who straddle the fence. The "98%" are the ones who prefer to hear their own viewpoint repeated back to them rather than any real debate, if they read newspapers, it's the ones that share their ideology. If a message only appeals to those that already believe it, how effective is it?

An effective delivery leaves you with the message that it is OK to want to shoot some fish while at the same time going out of your way to save others. ;)

... I will say no more :)
I don't believe you... :D

I don't believe you... :D

I'm tryin' :) Besides, I never said anything about "typing." :D

I am still surprised no lawyer character from "The Practice" has shown up yet for a single episode case or a multiple episode case arc.

It seems like they are saving such tactics for when the show begins the slide, but that is when it is too late.

Come on DEK, give us a case against Jimmy Berludi (sp?) and his associate Jamie Stringer. Or maybe Rebecca Washingon. Or Elenor Frutt.

At least give us a state court case in front of Judge Eugene Young!!

This has been a most interesting discussion of the morphing of Alan Shore, Rebel with a Cause, into Alan Shore, the Prig.

Boston Legal has been my favorite TV show since it first came on the air. After the last preachy portion by Alan, I've begun to question myself--not my politics, but my sanity...

Regards to all,
Fitzie

Yeah ... it's not like TV has ever been used for a political soapbox before ( {cough} M*A*S*H, {cough} All in the Family {cough} ) ... to cough up a few examples from years ago. ;)

This is perhaps a good example of doing it right. And BL does it right sometimes too. For example, while I don't appreciate the recent example of this IRS thing, which was just pure political ranting, I don't mind the Shatner political pieces which basically have the same liberal slant (by making the conservative side seem silly). The difference? One is intended to be funny! The other is just pure political ranting.

Also, repeatedly mocking Fox News is getting a bit old. We get it. DK does not like Fox News. He doesn't need to make that point in every episode.

Perhaps I missed it, but isn't anyone else put off a bit by this meth addict storyline? It seems like complete filler. It's not funny, and unless the government is totally lying to us about the addictive qualities of meth (which is perhaps a possibility), it's not realistic either. It seemingly portrays being a meth addict as well as Pretty Woman portrays being a street hooker.

Perhaps I missed it, but isn't anyone else put off a bit by this meth addict storyline?

It does seem that the character is a bit too "high functional" to be a serious meth addict ...

It does seem that the character is a bit too "high functional" to be a serious meth addict ...
There really isn't any degrees to being an addict, you either are or you're aren't. There are different degrees to how well an addict functions, depending on their particular poison, many function at nearly 100% in all aspects of their life, of course, many are completely dysfunctional. Paul's daughter strikes me as a "weekend warrior", or just a regular dabbler. Neither is good, but given what we've seen, the intervention bit seemed a bit overdone. Maybe DEK has someone close to him who has succumbed to the drug and he decided to incorporate in the story.

Summary of tonight's episode:

Pointless. Filler. Crap. Worst so far.

Summary of tonight's episode:

Pointless. Filler. Crap. Worst so far.

I liked it

IMHO The tank is being filled with water.. getting ready for the shark. :D

I liked it too, there was no soapboxing from DEK, we saw more of Denny, and Alan resorted to some of his earlier illegal, outside the box, behavior which made the Piper storyline tolerable.

I liked it too, there was no soapboxing from DEK, we saw more of Denny, and Alan resorted to some of his earlier illegal, outside the box, behavior which made the Piper storyline tolerable.

I found the whole Shirley-Ivan story line tenuous, tiresome and again, pointless. I would take Alan's courtroom pontification any day over some ridiculous wrangling over the ownership of a sex toy. I am not a big fan of seeing sexual tension between two 50 somethings.. :eek:

I found the whole Shirley-Ivan story line tenuous, tiresome and again, pointless. I would take Alan's courtroom pontification any day over some ridiculous wrangling over the ownership of a sex toy. I am not a big fan of seeing sexual tension between two 50 somethings.. :eek:
I liked it. I thought Candace Bergen did a fine acting job...she made an otherwise strong and in-control character seem vulnerable and unsure of herself for once, although she was able to get it together long enough to keep anything from happening in the elevator.

And the whole sex toy bit was just a vehicle to further the Shirley-Ivan story.

I'll take well acted sexual tension between two 50 somethings anyday over most of the poorly acted (and written) crap we get these days.

And the scene between Denny and Ivan...the bit about how they're both used to being the stars of the show, but there can only be one star...that was priceless.

I found the whole Shirley-Ivan story line tenuous, tiresome and again, pointless. I would take Alan's courtroom pontification any day over some ridiculous wrangling over the ownership of a sex toy. I am not a big fan of seeing sexual tension between two 50 somethings.. :eek:

I agree...the worst moment of season 1 was Denny saying (about Schmidt) "She's still hot."

Sorry, she's not. So seriously not hot. It was disgusting to hear this line uttered. Thank god now Denny sticks to banging chicks in coat rooms.

I still say we need some appearances from lawyers from "The Practice," Catherine Piper only being one of the few "Cross-overs" stinks big time.

Not sure if this has been raised...but I find the PQ horrible on this show. I'm watching on WXYT-DT here in Detroit via Comcast. The picture is grainy as hell (which might be intended) and during scenes with the judge's bench on the screen or other reddish colored things (e.g., shelving) I can see all kinds of pixeling going on.

Not sure if this has been raised...but I find the PQ horrible on this show. I'm watching on WXYT-DT here in Detroit via Comcast. The picture is grainy as hell (which might be intended) and during scenes with the judge's bench on the screen or other reddish colored things (e.g., shelving) I can see all kinds of pixeling going on.

Perhaps it is your local station or provider. The dark mahogany colored courtroom interiors look great on my TV, watching on my local OTA. The picture is a but grainy, but I didn't see any pixelation.

seemed fine here in Nashville, TN Comcast. no pixellation. so-so ep... that whole 'word salad' thing was covered in an episode of "House"

PQ is great on Cablevision for WABC-DT New York.

Next week is a repeat.

I left the show 20 minutes into it. BL has dropped off allot. What's happened? Not funny as it once was. Disappointing ...

nc

This show was once great. I always watched it for the character and character development (Denny Crane!). The court room parts were always hokey and not done very well. It seems to be 100% court and political now and lacking a huge amount of the funny character side of the show I used to love.

The arguements in court always try to accomplish something rather silly, which is "opening your eyes" to a very intellegable debate in court. You always see it in the faces of the judge and the faces of the lawyers argueing the case. That's the problem, you know what's coming and you have to sit there and watch the actors try to accomplish the forced "eye opening" conclusions.

There are still funny parts of the show no doubt, but the focus of the show has moved moreso to political activism and less to the basics behind the characters. Even with seemingly non-politically related cases, it gets thrown right into a current politically fueled debate.


In the end, I miss Denny Crane!

Not sure if this has been raised...but I find the PQ horrible on this show. I'm watching on WXYT-DT here in Detroit via Comcast. The picture is grainy as hell (which might be intended) and during scenes with the judge's bench on the screen or other reddish colored things (e.g., shelving) I can see all kinds of pixeling going on.
I hadn't noticed...so I paid particular attention last night (OTA in Sacramento). I didn't see any PQ problems...no grain, no pixellation. Must be a local issue...anyone else in Detroit notice the same thing?

I liked the episode, although not as much as previous episodes. It was a nice break from the usual routine, though. As for character development, pretty much the entire episode was centered around Denny and Alan's relationship as well as their individual issues. It was pretty much *all* character development. More laughs would have been nice, but I'll take an *occasional* episode like this to break things up...

I liked the episode, although not as much as previous episodes. It was a nice break from the usual routine, though. As for character development, pretty much the entire episode was centered around Denny and Alan's relationship as well as their individual issues. It was pretty much *all* character development. More laughs would have been nice, but I'll take an *occasional* episode like this to break things up...

The whole spa sequence between Denny and Alan was hilarious for me.. particularly Denny's prank about Alan's "Word Salad Day" while they were in the "bath tub full of milk and rose petals" had me in splits. :D :D

Hmm.. not a single comment after last night's episode?? WTH is wrong with you guys ?? :rolleyes:

:p

It was an awesome episode last night, and easily one of the funniest I've seen this season. All you folks who Tivo'd it should watch it ASAP. Brad was laugh-out-loud funny last night, particularly when interrogating the Italian guy and when threatening the Father in the Church..


Brad says to the Italian guy during interrogation, in an intimidatory tone:

Arms will be broken, ligaments will be torn, electric shocks applied to the testicles.. and I'm not talking about mine !! :D :D :D

Last night's show was a repeat, thus the lack of commentary.

Last night's show was a repeat, thus the lack of commentary.

Really?? I didn't know, having started watching this show just this season.

Color me :o :o

Denny was great tonight. I look forward to his lines every week.


"Is it sign of Alzheimers if you cant remember how many people you have shot?"

brilliant episode, love shatner

Denny was great tonight. I look forward to his lines every week.

"Is it sign of Alzheimers if you cant remember how many people you have shot?"
In an evening of several high points and lines, I agree that the one above was at the top. My son and I laughed about it for several minutes - what a wonderfully twisted alternate universe where the problem is not shooting someone, but losing count.

:eek: :D

Last night was typical of the recent episodes written by Kelley. This time his target was gun owners...inferring that Denny represents those who carry concealed weapons.

Millions of us citizens in this country have been background checked, fingerprinted, photographed, trained and certified to carry concealed weapons with legal permits, yet in Kelley's Hollywood universe, Denny is presented as the only gun owner.

I'm increasingly tired of the condescending attitude of the Hollywood elites toward those of us that don't share their "values".

In a dramatic reversal over the last 20 years, 48 states now issue concealed permits, 38 of which "shall issue" them to all who meet the requirements, with no reason required. Two states (Alaska and Vermont) don't even require permits.

Of course, guns are just fine with Hollywood as long they (and their bodyguards) can carry them...just not us crazy nutcase "common folk".

Yeah, I know it's just a TV show...but week after week this show just keeps dishing out the attacks...it is just increasingly silly and irritating. What a waste of some good characters and potential. Guess it's just time to move on...

dave has 1 point of view... "....dramatic reversal...48 states now issue concealed permits..."

I have another... a non elite I might add-
not a stat. I would want to point out or be proud of - 48/50 allow your neighbor to carry gun- & have chance of using it improperly.
Hmm right to bear arms... what a distortion from founding father days when our neighbors were the militia fighting to be free from England & fighting each other in civil war.

I'd rather share a beer or coffee & "BS"about the weather or something & not wonder if the caffeine,alcohol, or "mad cow" will make my neighbor do something stupid with the concealed gun.

Denny Crane!

This time his target was gun owners...inferring that Denny represents those who carry concealed weapons.Kelley IMPLIES something to you. You INFER something from Kelley.

Don't take it personally.

Guns, in the hands of people, kill people. Couldn't hurt to have fewer around... especially assault rifles (which are not used for hunting anyway).

Kelley IMPLIES something to you. You INFER something from Kelley.

Great catch.


Guns, in the hands of people, kill people. Couldn't hurt to have fewer around...

And spoons make people fat...etc. Guns in the hands of law abiding citizens who have been backgrounded by the State DOJ and the FBI, fingerprinted, trained, etc., save lives daily in this great country. The bad guys will always have weapons regardless of law.

Carrying a weapon is certainly not for everyone...but it should be the right of every law abiding citizen. I personally choose not to be a victim if I have a choice.

As to the old (1939) Supreme Court decision...it's not as settled as some think. For an excellent overview of that decision and others...and the legal history of this right, here is clear analysis from the Dept of Justice (http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm#1)

Anyway...back to the show...my point remains that BL delights in insulting "conservative" values and preaching the writer's leftest agendas at the expense of good character and plot development. It seems some may agree with me as the ratings have declined recently.

Too bad. The show had great potential.

"BL delights in insulting 'conservative' values"
And in unmasking and lampooning "liberal" values and stereotypes, also. (Ex. - the head-in-ass school attitudes, for one.)

BL and Kelley can't be TOO anti-gun: they're basing the entire show around a main patriarch character being able to repeatedly shoot others and get away with it. And all that with sympathy and good will so that the audience cheers. (With due respect - remember post #230.) What's to complain?
:)

I suspect a lament on "past" potential is derived in large part from current vista and future expectation.

I absolutely loved it when Alan said to Chelina something about the last time he saw her was on Sun. night until the show got moved to Tues. nights. That was hillarious.

Then, later in the episode, the blond chick that Alan kissed once says, "She's only a guest star anyway." :D

This is how the show is making fun of itself and it's great!

Is it something with my system, or are we completely missing the whole series of posts between 2/8 and 2/22 as demonstrated on page 8 of this thread?

That is, #236 is from 2/8 and #237 is from 2/22 (at least for my machine), and the quoted text in #237 is from an earlier post of mine in the now-missing two week group!

I recall that there was a good deal of discussion about the splendid 2/21 episode and the wonderful use of music, and that David Kelley had written that one, etc.

And yet, I do not now see any of that discussion.

I've posted a question in the Moderator's forum but David Bott doesn't recall any problem with the database back then.

And yet...

My local basketball game went into OT last week. I just found out the hard way that my dvr only got the first 50min of the show. Can someone run down the last 10min of the show...

What happened to Denny's felony charge? Are the partners gonna expel him?
Are Brad's kissing "lessons" going anywhere?
Did Shore win his racism case, more importantly did he score with the hot African-American or did his psycho secretary interfere?

Thanks
Hammer

From The Hollywood Reporter,

May 02, 2006

ABC's 'Legal' back on docket


By Nellie Andreeva

David E. Kelley's dramedy "Boston Legal" will return for a third season.

Sources said ABC has given a full-season pickup to the show from David E. Kelley Prods. and 20th Century Fox TV.

The series, starring William Shatner, James Spader and Candice Bergen, is slated to end its sophomore season with a two-hour finale May 16.

In addition to "Boston Legal," Kelley has another project at ABC, "Life on Mars," a drama pilot based on the BBC sci-fi crime drama, which is targeted for fall 2007.

"Boston Legal," which earned Emmys for stars Spader and Shatner in its freshman season last year, has been a modest ratings performer for ABC in the Tuesday 10 p.m. slot.

The show had been on the bubble for a third-season pickup with other ABC dramas, most notably freshman "Invasion." ABC declined comment Monday.

My local basketball game went into OT last week. I just found out the hard way that my dvr only got the first 50min of the show. Can someone run down the last 10min of the show...

What happened to Denny's felony charge? Are the partners gonna expel him?
Are Brad's kissing "lessons" going anywhere?
Did Shore win his racism case, more importantly did he score with the hot African-American or did his psycho secretary interfere?

Thanks
Hammer

IIRC
The guy Denny shot pulled a gun out in court and Denny shot him again and saved everyone, case dismissed.
They had sex on her office floor.
Alan lost the case and the secretery told Alan why do you want her "she's only a guest star." Nothing happened.

David E. Kelley's dramedy "Boston Legal" will return for a third season.


That's good, it's probably the only network show that I currently watch that will be back next season.

Alan lost the case Er... IIRC I think Alan won the case, not lost the case. "Yes, you're free to go". And he wished the black defendant good luck, and "pick a better neighborhood" when he finally gets to live in his own house.

Er... IIRC I think Alan won the case, not lost the case. "Yes, you're free to go". And he wished the black defendant good luck, and "pick a better neighborhood" when he finally gets to live in his own house.

I must have fell asleep and dreamt up my own ending :o

Anyone else disappointed with last night's episode?

Except for the new cast member, not too entertaining.

nc

Anyone else disappointed with last night's episode?

Except for the new cast member, not too entertaining.

nc

Yeah, it was forced, boring and reeked of desperation to make a point. I am feeling that they've reduced Blondie's role to a minimum over the last few weeks.

I hope they are saving the good stuff for next week's 2 hour season finally. Last night was very dull.

Not a great show, but it did have its moments.

Robert Wagner & Bill Shatner saying "Barry Goal", "Denny Crane" in front of all the cameras, funny as hell.

I think the new girl, although atractive, doesnt add much at all. And I dont like what they are doing with Spader's character at all.

Does the business cards at the end of the show mean that not every one will return next season?

nc

Well... THIS ONE WAS TERRIFIC!


SPOILER ALERT!!



Loved the "Springtime. I'm in heat! So am I!"

Loved the closing lines: "Here's to next season. Same night? Let's hope so."

Jeri Ryan was just FABULOUS! Wow, did they make her look fantastic (not that she really needed much help). The heat and coy conversational interaction between her and Alan in that final witness room wrapup was fantastic, especially the final cheek kiss.

[P.S. - I think it was James Spader who did the voiceover for an Acura TL commercial I happened to see somewhere during the show, after repeated 30-second DVR skips and then a 15-second backspace... I normally don't ever see commercials.]

Is Julie Bowen really going to be gone??? I mean I've always been a big fan of super-quirky Parker Posey (think "Best In Show"), but first they lose Lake Bell, then Rhona Mitra... and now Julie Bowen? Say it ain't so! I've gotten very fond of her and I think the rivalry and physical humor with Parker Posey is very amusing and entertaining. This would be a shame.

Even the writing for Candice Bergen and Rene got better as the season wound down. Shirley's confrontation with Robert Foxworth's judge character was excellently created.

I continue to like the assistant DA lawyer girl, whose character got started earlier in the season when she got ignored by Brad at her interview. I hope they keep her around, or maybe hire her!

I especially enjoyed the in-Alan's-office fireworks between Alan and Marlene the minute he returned to Boston. Hilarious! And the associated comments from Shirley and Paul about having to update the office manual were terrific.
All in all, an excellent season finale. Really excellent and enjoyable. Very amusing.

I also thought this finale was better than average. The insider lines about "sweeps episode" and "next season, same night, God I hope" were inserted in a seamless fashion with good humor. What I didn't like was the silly Road Runner vs Coyote chase scenes with Bowen and Parker Posey. Posey is always quirky and sort of fits a semi-fantasy telling of a point. But Bowen's character has not been used this way before that I recall and it seemed inappropriate and typical David Kelley. I'm waiting for the singing lawyers in the local bar to start warming up next season, a la Ally McBeal. That's usually Kelley's swan song. While this episode was generally good, it gives me a sense that next year will be BL's last. Kelley just can't stop himself and the deterioration has seemingly begun.

The insider lines about "sweeps episode" and "next season, same night, God I hope" were inserted in a seamless fashion with good humor.Looks like their wish has come true:

ABC's fall evening schedule:

MONDAY 8, "Wife Swap"; 9, "The Bachelor"; 10, "What About Brian?"

TUESDAY 8, "Dancing With the Stars"/"Set for the Rest of Your Life"; 9, "Let's Rob ..."; 9:30, "Help Me Help You"; 10, "Boston Legal."

WEDNESDAY 8, "Dancing With the Stars" (results show)/"George Lopez"/"According to Jim"; 9, "Lost"; 10, "The Nine."

THURSDAY 8, "Big Day"; 8:30, "Notes From the Underbelly"; 9, "Grey's Anatomy"; 10, "Six Degrees."

FRIDAY 8, "Betty the Ugly"; 9, "Men in Trees"; 10, "20/20."

SATURDAY College football.

SUNDAY 7, "America's Funniest Home Videos"; 8, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"; 9, "Desperate Housewives"; 10, "Brothers & Sisters."

I loved it.

Felt like the "old magic" is back. Querky...but not quite silly...okay, maybe a bit silly.

No preaching/political agenda...just good writing. I agree that Jeri Ryan was a great guest spot except ...assault/shooting, prelim, trial, and verdict all in "a couple of days"...HA!

My favorite scene was the "spider" in Spader's office...complete with scars and scratches. Hints of "Secretary" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274812/) there....

Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed the finale. Hope next season continues like this one left off....

The writing is outstanding and hilarious. I can't get enough of Shattner. I especially loved the courtroom scene where him and Robert Wagner are holding hands under the table!

I hope Julie Bowen isn't gone like some are specualting.

Is Julie Bowen really going to be gone??? I mean I've always been a big fan of super-quirky Parker Posey (think "Best In Show"), but first they lose Lake Bell, then Rhona Mitra... and now Julie Bowen? Say it ain't so! I've gotten very fond of her and I think the rivalry and physical humor with Parker Posey is very amusing and entertaining. This would be a shame.

Please say NO!

Ive loved Monica Potter for years - and only forgave Boston Legal as I was torn as another favorite, Julie Bowen showed up.

If she's gone, so am I this time....as i seriously doubt they will bring in one of my other handful of favorite blondes.

Re: my hypothetical about Julie Bowen perhaps being gone, I have ZERO information supporting that notion.

I simply was trying to imagine why they put her in the situation they did, telling her "NO! You never were up for partner and you're not going to be a partner, at least not in this year's vote. In contrast, we brought Marlene in specifically to make her a partner."

Pretty harsh.

And then Michael J. Fox asks her to marry him (when she obviously was very vulnerable and could easily decide that being married to a gazillionaire she already had feelings for might not be such a bad idea), and she raises her eyebrows.

I realize they had gotten a good subplot going between her and Brad on that "friends with benefits" thing, and any show certainly benefits from showing two attractive people naked in bed every week... but why would they do that non-partner thing to her professionally?

Again, this is purely my own private speculation... and concern. I do NOT want her to go, and I have not found anything on the "Internets" to confirm my thought. So if they wanted to build a cliff-hanger for a season ender, they did it.

But I hope she's back next year. I also hope they keep Marlene around as additional estrogen next year, although she was only supposed to be written into these last three episodes of the current season... perhaps pending how it turned out. I think it turned out FUN (especially her bout with Alan after his return from LA), and I'd like to see her as a full-time lawyer. I've always enjoyed Parker Posey.

The dynamic between Parker's character and the rest of the characters is truly a great addition. I hope they keep her on as well. But please, keep Julie!

I realize they had gotten a good subplot going between her and Brad on that "friends with benefits" thing, and any show certainly benefits from showing two attractive people naked in bed every week... but why would they do that non-partner thing to her professionally?
This show would be better on HBO. Why doesn't David do a show there?

The lovely Julie Bowen is back next season. She did an interview on 94.5 WKTI last week in which she said she would definitely be back.

The lovely Julie Bowen is back next season. She did an interview on 94.5 WKTI last week in which she said she would definitely be back.

I didn't hear the interview or read an account of it except the above statement. Unless you know more, I wouldn't count on what it means. Remember, both Rhona Mitra and Monica Potter were "back" this season. But back only to say goodbye and in non-useful ways. Maybe Bowen is back full-time - or - she could be back just to tie up the story and leave with Michael J. Fox by the 2nd episode. She was flat out told she wouldn't make partner and her stories were beginning to have that typical David Kelley deterioration in them. You can almost predict a character's demise on a Kelley show by the way in which they are treated/transformed as the end nears. Bowen's last story, with the silly chase scenes with Posey and the uncharacteristic ethics-challenged acts to derail Posey in the Partnership battle, seemed to spell the end for her, IMO. I like her and hope she's back in a meaningful way, but I won't be surprised if she isn't.

I have heard the interview, it is on 94.5 WKTI's web site.

I can't post a link here because I'm only a new member and it won't let me post a link until I've posted 5 messages. :mad:

If you go to podcast <dot> wkti <dot> com, click on "Reitman, Mueller and Amy Taylor", you'll find the interview there.

Welcome to the forum David.

Here's your link:

http://www.wkti.com/

Thanks

TV Notebook
Boston Legal Premiere Change

ABC announced Friday that Boston Legal will have its season premiere on September 19.

Previously it had been scheduled to debut a week later on September 26

So glad to have this show back. I enjoy the funny parts much more then the serious parts. PQ was great for the season premiere.

Eh. Not so sure about that episode last night. The whole doll and sexual healing thing was really cheesy. Especially Denny Crane's doll. :rolleyes:

Also, the comments regarding the fact that it's a TV show were funny for one or two episodes towards the end of last season, but they're already getting old. The preview for next week has Denny saying something like, "New characters?! Nah! They would have shown up in the season premiere." The show is making fun of itself way to much.

I was wondering if they did not find a better theme for a season premiere !! What a waste, and what a letdown ! :o

I liked it. Meta humor doesn't bother me as long as it's an offhand comment or two. I think some of the court scenes are a little contrived and predictable, but overall I find this to be an enjoyable show to watch.

Was there minor strech-o-vision going on w/ this show last night. Everyone looked bloated...

(From Marc Berman’s Wednesday, September 20, 2006, Programming Insider column at Mediaweek.com )
Primetime Ratings For Tuesday, September 19th

… The “Dancing With The Stars” extravaganza led into the season-premiere of Boston Legal at a respectable 8.2/13 in the overnights (#2), 11.60 million viewers (#2) and a 3.5/ 9 among adults 18-49 (#2t) at 10 p.m. Although the launch of CBS’ competing Smith got sampled, old faithful Law & Order: SVU remains the force to reckon with in the Tuesday 10 p.m. hour.…

Was there minor strech-o-vision going on w/ this show last night. Everyone looked bloated...
The sex doll was over inflated.... that's all.
Denny Crane! :D :D :D :D

And why are Alan and Denny fantasizing over Candice Bergen when Julie Bowen is in da house :p :p :p

I am hopoing that Boston Legal hasn't already jumped the shark.

David E. Kelley productions have a sad history of being great at first and deterioraing fairly rapidly.

Can you say "Ally McBeal"?

BL was to be my most anicipated premier this season. What a disappointment.

A candice Bergen sex dool? Are these people crazy and studpid? This show sucked. If this is to be the "Denny Crane show", which I think it has become, surely a better story line could be written.

I'm very disappointed.

Mike

I respectfully disagree. I was VERY entertained (and laughed out loud a number of times) by the opening show of the new season.

Most disappointing was the departure of Parker Posey (to the NY office, so we probably will see her again on occasion).

Looks like they worked on hair color and style for Spader, Valley and Shatner (and toupee styling for the Shat). It looked quite artificial and unnatural on all three of them. Shat looks like he's lost some weight, which is good.

I thought the subject matter of both cases was serious and thoughtfully presented, with no slapstick or vaudeville (or outlandish singing and dancing). I thought Michael J. Fox was surprisingly good.

I'm glad Julie Bowen is still around, but if/when she gets married to Fox who knows what will happen next.

And no reference [yet] to "mad cow"... which is also good.

All in all I thought it was a great beginning to a new season. Definitely a BRAND NEW SEASON... not like last year's fiasco starting with horendously edited versions of the final four episodes of the previous season.

I agree somewhat that it's starting out better (not too difficult), but still have reservations. And, the "TV insider" comments were cute once or twice, but are now becoming an every week plot point ("you guys can't be new, you would have been in the season premiere", etc). Continually drawing your attention to the fact that you're watching a TV show that KNOWS it's a TV show is distracting, if occasionally clever or funny. The last scene of last year was where they used it best - "see you next year?...."I hope so, same time day and time period". Nice little dig at ABC by Kelley. But let's not make it too much a habit. Personally, I found the doll bits and the closet "outing" a little too close to the silliness of last season. The rest wasn't bad though. Just hoping for improvement.

I want to know where Denny had that doll made. ;)

I want to know where Denny had that doll made. ;)

There's this place on NW 2nd and Couch .... :cool:

i thought the doll bit was kinda cheesy, but on the whole i enjoyed the episode. the writing is still sharp and i'm glad the show returned. I also agree that those insider tv comments should be only relegated to a couple a season

Was last week's episode left over from last season? Last NIGHT showed new characters. The guy is very good; a real challange to Alan. (wasnt this new guy in an episode of "L&O:SVU" once playing partner with Olivia for a show?)

Denny Crane, "Mad Cow", I'm sick of it.

Too much sexual inuendo in this show as of late. Kelley has really gotten away from what made this show good. Im still very interested in this show, I still find it very funny. But I think SOME of the comedy is gone replaced by sleaze.

n

What, no comments on the "new kids"?

I thought they were both terrific new characters. I think Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) is an excellent replacement for Parker Posey, and is actually a fuller, cleverer, smarter and more entertaining lawyer. "What?" "Ick." I hope she's around alot, although she's not in the main title credits. I thought it was sweet when Alan confided on the balcony to Denny "I like the new girl".

Also, Coho's cell phone ring tone is a chipmunk voice yelling "OBJECTION! MOVE TO STRIKE! OBJECTION!" Very funny. And his rapid-fire sarcastic personality is also quite amusing. I liked the close-in confrontation with the DA.

I actually enjoy the "fourth wall" surprises ("cue the music").

And the show continues to have gorgeous HD picture quality and top-notch sound.

I thought the new people were initially annoying but they got a little better as the episode went on. There are plenty of great exchanges in each episode that make me come back for more every week. The HD PQ is great on this show.

Love the snarky new girl--Constance Zimmer I think is the name of the actress. Rowr!

I wasn't to sure of the two new lawyers also, but didn't take long for them to grow on me.

I noticed this year, at least so far, that the makeup seems much better than last year. I would continously get distracted last season by the poor makeup on several characters. The lipstick was the most obvious, especially on the men.

Can anyone tell me what happened after Denny Crane met his date? My DVR stopped recording a bit early.

thanks

Be glad to. Denny became the biggest joke on this show and is no longer a funny character to watch. That about sums it up.

Be glad to. Denny became the biggest joke on this show and is no longer a funny character to watch. That about sums it up.

No longer funny? You didn't laugh when Denny was waiting with the photo of his online date to show up, and that little female dwarf walked in?? C'mon!

Cocoon: "what happened"

Denny "apparently" walked out on her without notice (his actually walking out isn't shown, just referenced), and she shows up in his office threatening a lawsuit for his use of the word "midget."

I continue to think "Denny" is hilarious and a great foil for "Alan Shore": one is totally non-PC, and the other is unabashedly (but in a funny way) PC up the ying-yang. If it weren't for Denny, this show would be an attempt at a comedic "Maher" show--and Maher ain't funny.


Regards, Fitzie

If it weren't for Denny, this show would be an attempt at a comedic "Maher" show--and Maher ain't funny.


Regards, Fitzie

That's a matter of opinion, and an odd one. Bill's hi-larious; if you don't think so, you've never watched the "New Rules" segment of his show or seen his stand-up act.

What, no comments on the "new kids"?

I have a comment: it is scary that the show has not been on that long and has had SO MANY cast changes. They are trying to find a hook to beat SVU in the ratings, but it ain't happening.

What is sad is that with Justice and Shark on the brink of cancellation, and Boston Legal's ratings going down the tube, by the end of this TV season we may have ZERO 100% legal/courtroom dramas on TV.

The only way to get that "fix" will be L&O (which is, at best, 50% legal/courtroom drama), or an L&O spinoff which only has a few minutes of legal drama, if that. Either way it will be a sad day because 100% legal/courtroom drama's are fun!

Cocoon: "what happened"

Denny "apparently" walked out on her without notice (his actually walking out isn't shown, just referenced), and she shows up in his office threatening a lawsuit for his use of the word "midget."

Regards, Fitzie

Thanks for the recap. I kinda agree with your other comments but those would be off topic yada yada yada...

No longer funny? You didn't laugh when Denny was waiting with the photo of his online date to show up, and that little female dwarf walked in?? C'mon!

I admittedly haven't watched an episode in awhile, but this one was quite entertaining :p I might come back to watching this every week.

Seems to me the new partner is a regurgitation of the old Alan Shore. In your face, witty and ready to take on the world. The current Alan Shore is a ghost of his former self, sadly. The new female lawyer is an improvement on Posey I think. It also looks like they may be setting the stage for Julie Bowen to depart. The show is still sinking in quality in my opinion but I continue to watch, especially since I think this is its final season.

I really like Coho's character. Looks like he is going to be a kick butt laywer in the courtroom as well. I loved how he shut down the assistant DA, called for the good cop during interrogation, and made Brad look like a fool several times. I miss that Denny doesn't really take cases like he did in the early episodes since they have moved him to be incompetent with Mad Cow, and Alan has done his best work by illegal methods recently. I am hoping they will show some real ruthless case arguement with Coho's character and show that the firm isn't just a circus, they really can argue the law.

"Wireless Guru" wrote "I am hoping they will show some real ruthless case arguement with Coho's character and show that the firm isn't just a circus, they really can argue the law."

This comment is one that I agree with; unfortunately, some of the episodes of Boston Legal have come too close to "Desperate Housewives" (i.e., "soapy") to suit me. But that's just an opinion; my daughter loves both "Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy." She also loved the Parker Posey character on BL--thought she was just "kick-butt" good. I like the new gal better.

Regards, Fitzie

This show had gone very, very bad. Not entertaining at all. It's been a big disappointment.

I don't think this was one of this show's best efforts, and does anybody else but me have a complete lack of interest in the murdered wife of the judge plotline? I don't know how to explain it, but it's like, who cares, there's nothing about it that grabs my interest in the least. Plus, I don't get the whole Coho character, isn't that what we have Alan Shore for?

On the other hand, I thought the board room deposition between Claire and the "little lawyer", with the Shat sitting by in silence but with the occasional facial reaction, was great. I really liked Claire's back-handed slaps and insults at Denny, plus her biting sarcasm toward the small opponent.

Unfortunately, I am not turned on or entertained by the Alan-Denny-Shirley triangle/competition/rejection story line... which had a non-minor part in last night's episode. Just silly and unbelievable.

Regarding the Alan-Denny-Shirley triangle.

It's like road-kill. You look at it and sometimes it fascinates you, even though you're repulsed. It's a little like being drunk, puking, and laughing at the same time. I can't wait until next week to see if they do more of the same.

Regards, Fitzie

Interesting how many of the "studs" on this show all fall hopelessly for Shirley (Candace Bergen). Possibly, they are playing up her "sex appeal" just a tad much for a mature lady of her years. I recognize the allure of a good intellect, but this is a bit overboard. Of course, this whole show has gone a bit overboard and then some.

Regarding the Alan-Denny-Shirley triangle.

It's like road-kill. You look at it and sometimes it fascinates you, even though you're repulsed. It's a little like being drunk, puking, and laughing at the same time. I can't wait until next week to see if they do more of the same.

Regards, Fitzie
Also like road-kill, it keeps getting runover(replayed) over and over...

I didn't like Candace Bergen as Murphy Brown and I certainly don't like her since her first appearance on this show. What a horrible addition. This show is going down so hard, it's not even funny.

I bet this is its last season.

The storyline with Shirley and Ivan might not be some of BL's best work, but the scenes with Denny and little person Bethanny are some of the funniest scenes on the show so far. :D


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And the new girl: "Before we start, I want it on the record that I am very uncomfortable deposing a dwarf."

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Is anybody else cracking up at all the Star Trek actors in this? The jude with the dead wife played Quark. Pool is played by the guy who did Odo. The father of the boy who may or may not have killed the judge is played by the guy who was Nelix. Then of cousre there is the one and only William Shatner. I'm half expecting Nimoy to pop up lol.

Is anybody else cracking up at all the Star Trek actors in this? The jude with the dead wife played Quark. Pool is played by the guy who did Odo. The father of the boy who may or may not have killed the judge is played by the guy who was Nelix. Then of cousre there is the one and only William Shatner. I'm half expecting Nimoy to pop up lol.


I noticed this as well... one of the reasons why I watch it! I wonder if it's a coincidence? lol

George Takei would be an excellent addition to this show.

Pool is played by the guy who did Odo.

The guy who played Odo, Rene Auberjoinois, plays Paul Lewiston, a senior partner, but not a named partner in the firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.


Named partner Edwin Poole is played by Larry Miller, you might remember him as the "Crazy" named partner who had no pants on in the series premiere.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0588777/

Is anybody else cracking up at all the Star Trek actors in this? The jude with the dead wife played Quark. Pool is played by the guy who did Odo. The father of the boy who may or may not have killed the judge is played by the guy who was Nelix. Then of cousre there is the one and only William Shatner. I'm half expecting Nimoy to pop up lol.

Rene Auberjonois, the actor who played Odo on Star Trek: DS9, is attorney Paul Lewiston at the law firm of Carne, Poole and Schmidt. And even James Spader is a SciFi veteran, from his role in the movie Stargate.

The guy who played Odo, Rene Auberjoinois, plays Paul Lewiston, a senior partner, but not a named partner in the firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.


Named partner Edwin Poole is played by Larry Miller, you might remember him as the "Crazy" named partner who had no pants on in the series premiere.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0588777/
Did Larry Miller play in Graveyard Shift? Kinda looks like the same guy who made fun of Macht.

This show continues to be, for me, a huge disappointment.

Ahhh come on now ... last night's episode was worth it for the Denny vs Alan 'rasslin match alone. ;) :D

Is anybody else cracking up at all the Star Trek actors in this? The jude with the dead wife played Quark. Pool is played by the guy who did Odo. The father of the boy who may or may not have killed the judge is played by the guy who was Nelix. Then of cousre there is the one and only William Shatner. I'm half expecting Nimoy to pop up lol.


Other references to Trek from Wikipedia:

# In a middle episode of the second season, Alan talks to Denny about the sea lice, and how they're called "cling-ons." Denny, in surprise, asks "Klingons?" This is an obvious allusion to William Shatner's Star Trek career.
# Another Season Two episode features Denny trying out a new cell phone. The phone flips open and makes the exact beep used on the old Star Trek communicators.
# In the Season Two episode "...There's Fire", Denny's new bride suggests the pair live in Hawaii. Denny responds by asking if he should "beam to Boston" for work, a reference to the transporter system on Star Trek.
# In the ninth episode of the second season, Denny shoots a homeless man named Kirk, another reference to Shatner's Star Trek character. Later in the episode Alan Shore calls to Mr. Kirk while seemingly speaking to Denny.

John

Best episode of the season last night. I will go further say that it was one of the best episodes ever of this show. Cracked up at a few of Alan's lines attacking religion and there was exciting courtroom drama in the other case. Keep them coming like this.

Best episode of the season last night. I will go further say that it was one of the best episodes ever of this show. Cracked up at a few of Alan's lines attacking religion and there was exciting courtroom drama in the other case. Keep them coming like this.
Yeh, I agree. This show has not been good at all lately, except for last night. It had it all!

I especially liked Linco!n He is a very odd, scary and disturbed character.."I should wash your mouth out with soap...!" Cool!

(Has anyone else noticed that they don't show Candice Bergen much anymore? She doesn't look the greatest lately, huh? What's up with her?)

Not having Candice Bergen in last night's episode is what helped make it so good.

Having Lake Bell on the episode is what helped make it so good.

Amazing that Alan can fart on cue.

As far as the boy that is in court for killing the woman? This is the longest I've seen any one case span over so many episodes. In the past, any one case may have lasted 3 episodes. But we're 4 episodes into this one and next week will be 5. I actually like the fact that this story-line can last that long. I suspect it was done this way so that the audience wouldn't leave after the first couple or few episodes of the season.

I know these eps were put in the can a while ago, but she supposedly was recently hospitalized after having a stroke. The official word from "her people" is that she was admitted for observation suffering from high blood pressure.

Agreed, a better than usual show this time. The "cover all the bases" religious rant by Shore was the delicious Shore of old. Personally though, I thought Lake Bell looked worse than she used to - but certainly more sustainable as the object of Shore's lust than that silly pursuit (hopefully over) of the matronly Candice Bergen. I mean the lady no disrespect and hope her health is good. It's simply that the continued use of her character as some object of desire to all the studly younger men (Denny, excepted) seemed out of place to me.

Improved, but probably not enough to save it in the end.

Definitely a good ep last night. The "peeper" is just intriguingly creepy all right. I thought it was funny how "Hands" kept referring to the Lake Bell character as the androgynous one. And the little aside to the camera by Alan saying he knew he'd "receive letters" after the anti religious, "I've had enough" speech was a nice touch.


ron

I really liked seeing the inside of the courtroom for a change. Looks like they plan to accuse the mother of the murder next episode.

I didn't get a look at the ratings for this past week... were they good? I hope ABC will renew BL for another season...

I was wondering, is this is the same attorney who used to work with Allen Shore last season?


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Yes it is.

"Mad penis"...mildly funny. I think this show has lost allot. It's all sexed up and not too funny anymore. I miss Shirley Schmidt. I miss the two ladies who used to play on this show...blondie and the one w/the accent ( sorry I can't remember names at this early hour ;) ). What we get now is this Coho guy. Who's pretty good in his own right, but isn't he doing what Allen had ben doing? Why is Allen Shore not participating in court much? What we also get now is this likeness of Nancy Grace.

I don't think this show is gonna make it much more.

It's been a big disappointment as of late.

nc

They've taken the heart and soul out of the Shore character and given it to Coho. They have reduced Shore to the infrequent court speech with his old biting wit and increased his various litte eccentricities like night terrors, intimacy issues, lust for the matronly Candice Bergen, and simple leering lust in the office in general. What a pity. ABC folded the Practice purportedly bcz of ensemble salary issues. That can't be much different here now, and Kelley has once again managed to lose touch with his original creation (as he always seems to do). Loved the Practice, mourned its loss but learned to live with it thru Shore continuing on. Started to love BLegal, am entering mourning and doubt any of it will continue. Of course, there's always the shining light of Anthony Heald in anything he does - but they have even taken most of the venom out of his judge character as well. I recall fondly his LA judge challenging those upstart lawyers from Mass-a-chew-setts. Sigh. Ring the death knell. It's time.

I was wondering, is this is the same attorney who used to work with Allen Shore last season?


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Yes, and I want to point out that fans are getting a big SCREW job because Boston Legal, now in its THIRD SEASON, has done something I never would have expected:

They brought back a character who was canned in a recurring guest role (Lake Bell's character) BEFORE bringing back an attorney character from The Practice for a guest role.

I think DEK is making it clear that he is flipping the bird to old fans of "The Practice" who want an episode with Judge Eugene Young, or to have Crane, Poole and Schmidt go into court versus the legendary Bobby Donald (or Eleanor, Lindsey, Jimmy hell I'll even settle for Rebecca or Jamie)

He will probably add insult to injury by having one of these people appear for the series finale (most likely Eugene) and only in a token role.

I miss the two ladies who used to play on this show...blondie and the one w/the accent ( sorry I can't remember names at this early hour ;) ).
nc

You miss Monica Potter (character name: Lori, Who left the show to have a child) and Rhona Mitra (character name: Tara, the british chick).

I miss seeing characters from The Practice. DEK thinks he is a genius by ignoring The Practice universe (except for judges, but who cares), but he isn't.

(From Marc Berman’s Wednesday, October 25, 2006, Programming Insider column at Mediaweek.com )

“…Despite facing a repeat of NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, ABC’s Boston Legal (Overnights: #2t, 7.8/12; Viewers: #3, 10.43 million; A18-49: #3, 3.1/ 8) could not pick up much steam with Fox’s The World Series in the competitive mix….”

• Source: Nielsen Media Research data
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/newsletters/proginsider/index.jsp

Loved it! Lincoln is a real b@st@rd, huh?

Looks like next week is pre empted for election coverage.

My wife called it. As soon as Lincoln stared at the judge, she said " He is gonna kill him ". Whoever that guy is, he is a good ( creepy ) actor.

Bill

My wife called it. As soon as Lincoln stared at the judge, she said " He is gonna kill him ". Whoever that guy is, he is a good ( creepy ) actor.

Bill

Yup. The exact same thing that would occur on David Kelley's previous show "the practice".

Yup. The exact same thing that would occur on David Kelley's previous show "the practice".

Yep, a simple "George in the nun's habit" killing that was easily predictable. The death penalty story line was well-conceived and, unlike Kelley's usual heavy-handed political pandering, done very well, poignantly and with great effect. It actually made me question some of my own beliefs along those lines.

HOWEVER - could the Michael J. Fox/Julie Bowen story have been any more ridiculous (halloween tie-in notwithstanding) tasteless, silly, totally contrived and unbelievable? Goodbye Legal - like Boston Public, The Practice, Picket Fences, et. al., I will miss you greatly for when you were great, but will be glad to see you go. You are becoming embarrassing. A few comic interludes btwn Crane/Shore notwithstanding.

Worst episode ever....
Gee, we get Shore defending "hands" yet again and he gets off when he shouldn't.
We get Denny possibly having sex or at least thinking about it with what may turn out to be his daughter.
We get a very tastless ending for Daniel Post.
And we get a peepy clocking a judge over the head with a shovel? Guess he was a killer afterall. No slander there.

Is this show in peril? Is Shatner leaving? (I see he is running a new game show.)

nc

Worst episode ever....
Gee, we get Shore defending "hands" yet again and he gets off when he shouldn't.
We get Denny possibly having sex or at least thinking about it with what may turn out to be his daughter.
We get a very tastless ending for Daniel Post.
And we get a peepy clocking a judge over the head with a shovel? Guess he was a killer afterall. No slander there.

Yes, the whole episode, except the perjury case was rather odd and tasteless. Peepy was acting way over the top "gayish" in this episode, it looked forced, yet disgustingly "creepy". Daniel Post's end made a mockery of the death of an important character, so much so that I wonder if it all was a prank - maybe Blondie and Wrinkles see Post smiling jokingly in that box in the haunted mansion. The most disturbing thing was Denny's interactions with Bethany and her mom. A couple of sick characters !!

Looks like DEK got the memo, and is tyring to make a loud exit.

Next new episode is Sunday 11/26 10:01 EST. The second part of that eposide will be 11/28 in BL's regular Tuesday 10:00 EST time slot.

Spoiler alert: The press releases at this link have some show information. Don't look at them if you don't want to know.
http://www.abcmedianet.com/pressrel/press_disp.html?seas_id=001654

Next new episode is Sunday 11/26 10:01 EST. The second part of that eposide will be 11/28 in BL's regular Tuesday 10:00 EST time slot.

Spoiler alert: The press releases at this link have some show information. Don't look at them if you don't want to know.
http://www.abcmedianet.com/pressrel/press_disp.html?seas_id=001654

I just saw that there was a new episode tonight from my DVR!

What gives? Is ABC trying to screw over Boston Legal? Wouldn't be the first time.

Yes, the whole episode, except the perjury case was rather odd and tasteless. Peepy was acting way over the top "gayish" in this episode, it looked forced, yet disgustingly "creepy". Daniel Post's end made a mockery of the death of an important character, so much so that I wonder if it all was a prank - maybe Blondie and Wrinkles see Post smiling jokingly in that box in the haunted mansion. The most disturbing thing was Denny's interactions with Bethany and her mom. A couple of sick characters !!

Looks like DEK got the memo, and is tyring to make a loud exit.

I agree it was odd and maybe tasteless not that I care I don't. I knew the perjury case would be a loser for the federal prosecutor because of the way show runs and the jury would not have been death penalty qualified and a good majority of people in MA are against death penalty the only way the federal prosecutor would have a chance of winning is if they managed to change venue in a pro death penalty state.

On the disgusting part about "the body" I think he was trying to make a point thats all is not pretty in the world of selling body parts sometimes it works out but a lot of time gross and bizarre things happen in that world (because its illegal) what better episode to show the horrors in a halloween episode.

Sunday night's episode was the season's best!

Can't wait to see which way the wind blows for Alan and Denise.

Lincoln is a very villianous character, scary in fact!

Loved the show. Noticed that with less of Coho and more of Alan, its a better show.

nc

I just realized that Coho is the same actor that played the boxer that had killed a couple of guys in the ring in the movie The Cinderella Man.

Good actor. Uses that bottom lip a little too much though.

Alan holding up cue cards for Denny ?? Denny getting tackled in the middle of the office ??? Coho propositioning Shirley ?? Lincoln striking poses in a police line-up ?? Funniest episode yet !!! I love this show !! Who will rescue Shirley ??

Bill

I hope she doesn't get rescued. How is it at all possible that she is seen as, of all things, a sex symbol amoungst all the lawyers in this office? I can suspend my disbelief, but this is taking it a little...okay, a lot...too far.

Denny getting tackled is stupid. Now we have two annoying women on this show. Candice and Delta.

Who will rescue Shirley ??

Bill

Don't know but at least it's a short wait to find out. As they say, tune in tomorrow.

I can suspend my disbelief, but this is taking it a little...okay, a lot...too far.... .

Dude ... like perhaps the "CourtTV" channel would be a better match for your tastes? ;) (Assuming that they still show actual real-world trials. :D )

Now we have two annoying women on this show. Candice and Delta.On the other hand, to offset them we have Julie Bowen (who's really grown on me, or at least they're writing her character much better than they originally did) and Constance Zimmer, the new Claire Simms lawyer. I think she's terrific. I love her smart alecky behavior.

In fact I noticed that they now give her full credits at the front of the show, which means she's no longer an "intern" but has become a full-fledged character.

Cute scene where Brad walks in and Claire jumps behind Jeffrey to hide. Brad says "what was that?", and Jeffrey says "well, Claire heard you were a serial dater and she's afraid her number's up."

Alan holding up cue cards for Denny ?? Denny getting tackled in the middle of the office ??? Coho propositioning Shirley ?? Lincoln striking poses in a police line-up ?? Funniest episode yet !!! How about that scene with Shat, Brittany, and Delta sitting in the paternity clinic waiting for the results, backed by the music from "Jeopardy"? And when the doctor announces the results all of them simultaneously exhale a huge "OH THANK GOD!"

What about Alan peeping around the door of the office with an obviously evil look as he overhears Denise tell Shirley that since Daniel's death whenever she sees anything in pants all she ever thinks about is having sex.

As far as Coho propositioning Shirley, I don't think any of those types of story lines (making her out to be the genuine object of anybody's desire... much less very much younger and attractive male lawyers) work. She's a bit long in the tooth now and this doesn't make sense.

What about Alan peeping around the door of the office with an obviously evil look as he overhears Denise tell Shirley that since Daniel's death whenever she sees anything in pants all she ever thinks about is having sex.
I think that shot was added in post. It looked like they originally shot it with Alan not there. Then, they chroma keyed him in later.

I just realized that Coho is the same actor that played the boxer that had killed a couple of guys in the ring in the movie The Cinderella Man.

Good actor. Uses that bottom lip a little too much though.

He also played [mocked] Tom Cruise's character from War of The Worlds in Scary Movie 4.

I guess he has a very stiff upper lip. ;)

... As far as Coho propositioning Shirley, I don't think any of those types of story lines (making her out to be the genuine object of anybody's desire... much less very much younger and attractive male lawyers) work. She's a bit long in the tooth now and this doesn't make sense.
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks the whole "Shirley- object of anybody's desire" story line is just weird. Now if they were chasing after Julie Bowen, I'd believe that! Candice must be 60+ now :confused:

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks the whole "Shirley- object of anybody's desire" story line is just weird. Now if they were chasing after Julie Bowen, I'd believe that! Candice must be 60+ now :confused:
She's 60 and a few months old, but yes, I agree as well it's becoming quite a stretch.

This episode definitely redeemed so of the old BL magic, hope it continues.

missed sun night-recording failed-It is not available on abc web site like other programs. ??? stinks- How can I get caught up? I only saw 1 place when I googled & it was a yrly sub fee. Don't need that for 1 missed show. Where can I view? PM me if need be.
Thanks in advance.

As far as Coho propositioning Shirley, I don't think any of those types of story lines (making her out to be the genuine object of anybody's desire... much less very much younger and attractive male lawyers) work. She's a bit long in the tooth now and this doesn't make sense.

This is getting disgusting. I mean, come on.

Candice Bergen was hot...30 years ago!

Can DEK finally give us a show or arc involving a case with/opposing another lawyer from THE PRACTICE?

This show has gone on long enough without a case involving Bobby and/or Lindsey and/or Eleanor and/or Judge Eugene Young and/or even Jamie....

I'm glad they didn't kill off Lincoln. He's an absolutely awesome character!

Q: If one does perjure oneself in court, CAN they recant the lie and not be prosecuted for it?

BL has been unusually entertaining lately. I notice this is so because we are seeing less of Coho and more of Alan/Denny/Shirley :)

nc

I'm glad they didn't kill off Lincoln. He's an absolutely awesome character!


Was there anyone who didn't know it was Lincoln that was going to get shot with the arrow as soon as he revealed it was there. To me that was blatantly obivious as to how the show would end.

If one does perjure oneself in court, CAN they recant the lie and not be prosecuted for it?


I actually wondered that myself. As its a state statue, the answer could vary wildly depending on the state.

Now the wierd thing was the judge immediately ordered him remanded - but its up to the D/A to prosecute for perjury - and the D/A didn't ask that he be arrested and charged - so the whole thing was somewhat of a head scratcher.

He did admit to Insurance Fraud, but again, I don't think that the judge would take him in to custody at that point for that - only if he admitted to murder - which he didn't do nor did he commit.

So as I said, the whole thing was a little wierd at the end there.

This is getting disgusting. I mean, come on.

Candice Bergen was hot...30 years ago!

Can DEK finally give us a show or arc involving a case with/opposing another lawyer from THE PRACTICE?

This show has gone on long enough without a case involving Bobby and/or Lindsey and/or Eleanor and/or Judge Eugene Young and/or even Jamie....

Of course you cannot have 2 lawyers from the same firm on opposites sides of the case (except in the one very unlikely situation we were already presented with - which was a stretch - as the show itself is - as opposing counsel from the same firm almost never happens in reality) as a law firm would find it hard ethically to represent both - as the full resources of the firm is supposed to be behind a client - you cannot do that for both sides.

I actually wondered that myself. As its a state statue, the answer could vary wildly depending on the state.

Now the wierd thing was the judge immediately ordered him remanded - but its up to the D/A to prosecute for perjury - and the D/A didn't ask that he be arrested and charged - so the whole thing was somewhat of a head scratcher.

He did admit to Insurance Fraud, but again, I don't think that the judge would take him in to custody at that point for that - only if he admitted to murder - which he didn't do nor did he commit.

So as I said, the whole thing was a little wierd at the end there.
I think it was more a case that he was arrested for falsifying evidence at the scene of a death. It could also be that the court, and not the DA, would make the determination as to whether or not someone who had perjured themselves would be remanded, or held in contempt, it's an offense against the court itself, there's no law against lying in general, only when under oath.

Of course with this show, it was probably just a case of dramatic effect with no real substance.

I think it was more a case that he was arrested for falsifying evidence at the scene of a death. It could also be that the court, and not the DA, would make the determination as to whether or not someone who had perjured themselves would be remanded, or held in contempt, it's an offense against the court itself, there's no law against lying in general, only when under oath.

Of course with this show, it was probably just a case of dramatic effect with no real substance.
just as an aside...Jerry did a heck of a job :)

nc

Did anyone else's audio not sound right tonight? Mine only had the L+R channels of the dolby digital stream, so i did not get the C, surrounds or sub.

Anyone else?

A little better than normal as of late, I think. It had the usual goofiness that DEK can't seem to control, but not as much and not as cartoony (e.g. no Delta Burke tackling Crane scenes - reminded me of last year with Julie Bowen tackling/hitting Parker Posey in its stupidity).

The cases were interesting, if occasionally "DEK stereotypical". I still cringe, however, when some younger guy utters something like "ah...Shirley, a goddess!". I simply can't imagine why they continue this theme when it is so patently ridiculous. I was relieved at the end when it turned out her "bunny" costume was full figure. For a while, after Alan won the bet, I had horrific visions of the matronly Ms Bergen in a real Playboy bunny outfit. Thankfully, we were spared.

Yeah, I was kinda hoping Alan would lost just so we wouldn't have to see "Shirley" in a real Playboy Bunny outfit.

Personally, I think DEK finds Candice attractive. That's the only thing I can come up with.

Of course you cannot have 2 lawyers from the same firm on opposites sides of the case (except in the one very unlikely situation we were already presented with - which was a stretch - as the show itself is - as opposing counsel from the same firm almost never happens in reality) as a law firm would find it hard ethically to represent both - as the full resources of the firm is supposed to be behind a client - you cannot do that for both sides.

This response to my post seems to dodge the issue of DEK screwing over fans by going THIS long without going up against (or even co-counseling with) a lawyer from THE PRACTICE, or being in court with Judge Eugene.

The cases were interesting, if occasionally "DEK stereotypical". I still cringe, however, when some younger guy utters something like "ah...Shirley, a goddess!". I simply can't imagine why they continue this theme when it is so patently ridiculous. I was relieved at the end when it turned out her "bunny" costume was full figure. For a while, after Alan won the bet, I had horrific visions of the matronly Ms Bergen in a real Playboy bunny outfit. Thankfully, we were spared.

I was glad to see DEK make a case out of the white supremacist girl duo "Prussian Blue," but I think it could have been done better than a case of an aunt trying to get custody from parents (mother and father).

The real Prussian Blue is raised by their psycho mom, as dad was a druggie a long time ago (now recovered and never was a hate-monger) and mom got full custody.

A mom vs. dad custody case would have been much more interesting (And closer to reality).

Yeah, I was kinda hoping Alan would lost just so we wouldn't have to see "Shirley" in a real Playboy Bunny outfit.

Personally, I think DEK finds Candice attractive. That's the only thing I can come up with.
:D :D

Same here, when the costume thing was first mentioned, I was asking myself, do I really want to see Bergen in a Playboy Bunny outfit, actually, I was thinking, I really don't want to see that.

Now, Julie Bowen in a bunny outfit....

While I think BL is a pretty good show, I also think they try a bit too hard at being comedic. BTW, is "Hands" back, or is he just showing up in reruns? I'm not sure if he ever really left, but after brandishing that weapon....... :eek: !

This response to my post seems to dodge the issue of DEK screwing over fans by going THIS long without going up against (or even co-counseling with) a lawyer from THE PRACTICE, or being in court with Judge Eugene.

I too have wondered why this hasn't yet happened. There seems to be such a large cross over contingent to the point of artistic incestuousness with Kelley's band of players. And in this case, it would make much more sense to do since they share the legal profession. His other cross-overs are just a stable of actors he puts in all of his shows. Some I love in everything (like Anthony Heald), others not so much. But someone from the Practice (especially a Eugene vs. Shore battle) would be simply wonderful.

...BTW, is "Hands" back, or is he just showing up in reruns? I'm not sure if he ever really left, but after brandishing that weapon....... :eek: !

God, I hope he's finally gone. He's a fine actor, but that role has played itself to death. It's getting as worn out as the Shirley Schmidt as "goddess" angle.

Pressed my memory button to try and remember what else the actress who played Shelley Ford (the lawyer representing the anorexic daughter) had done, because she looked very familiar.

Turns out it was Christine Dunford, and I was thinking of her very funny role as the "Eurotrash salesgirl" in the Feb 1994 episode of Seinfeld, "The Pie", where Elaine concocts a scheme to steal the naked mannequin in the clothing store which looks just like her.

Also, I tried to place the actress who played Sophia Wilson (the mother of Claire Wilson, the anorexic daughter) who also looked very familiar.

Turns out it was Kathleen Wilhoite, and I was thinking of her role as Rosalie Hendrickson in 1993-1994 episodes of "LA Law", as the somewhat retarded girlfriend (and later wife) of somewhat retarded Benny Stulwicz.

Also, I tried to place the actress who played Sophia Wilson (the mother of Claire Wilson, the anorexic daughter) who also looked very familiar.

Turns out it was Kathleen Wilhoite, and I was thinking of her role as Rosalie Hendrickson in 1993-1994 episodes of "LA Law", as the somewhat retarded girlfriend (and later wife) of somewhat retarded Benny Stulwicz.

Thought I'd add she also had a small recurring role on ER as Susan's challenged sister in the earlier seasons.

Also, I tried to place the actress who played Sophia Wilson (the mother of Claire Wilson, the anorexic daughter) who also looked very familiar.

Turns out it was Kathleen Wilhoite, and I was thinking of her role as Rosalie Hendrickson in 1993-1994 episodes of "LA Law", as the somewhat retarded girlfriend (and later wife) of somewhat retarded Benny Stulwicz.

She also currently plays Luke's sister on Gilmore Girls.

I too have wondered why this hasn't yet happened. There seems to be such a large cross over contingent to the point of artistic incestuousness with Kelley's band of players. And in this case, it would make much more sense to do since they share the legal profession. His other cross-overs are just a stable of actors he puts in all of his shows. Some I love in everything (like Anthony Heald), others not so much. But someone from the Practice (especially a Eugene vs. Shore battle) would be simply wonderful.

FINALLY, some support on this!

It is a freaking joke that a cast member dismissed like Lake Bell could appear in a few episodes but we haven't yet had a lawyer from THE PRACTICE (Who is not a current member of the BL cast) show up for an episode or an arc.

And no, Rhona Mitra (former BL cast member), won't count. We want one of the regulars. I'd even settle for Jimmy the Grunt right now.

The point is, why does DEK have to sh** all over the Practice??? It is bad enough he refuses to put them on DVD while BL has all of its completed seasons on DVD, but the best we've got from THE PRACTICE are judges not named Eugene and some lawyers who appeared opposite THE PRACTICE crew during their run.

Sorry, it isn't good enough and eventually when he does do it (if you believe it will happen, as people have been saying for YEARS now), it will be when ratings really start to slip and look like a desperate ploy.

Did you ever stop to think that those cast members don't want any part of Boston Legal. After all, they had to deal with James Spader coming in, taking over the last season of The Practice (which got canned). Wouldn't you be a little bitter?

Did you ever stop to think that those cast members don't want any part of Boston Legal. After all, they had to deal with James Spader coming in, taking over the last season of The Practice (which got canned). Wouldn't you be a little bitter?

Did you ever stop to look at the careers of most of those cast members? Some of them look like they need the work.

I suspect this is more about DEK acting like The Practice doesn't exist (notice I mentioned the lack of DVD's of that hit show, for which no explanation has been offered here by anyoine) than about DEK trying to get these people like Steven Spielberg's stepdaughter to appear, but her/they refusing to do so.

After all, DEK and company promptly dismissed Lake Bell in Season 1, but after her career stalled after that (Surface was a bomb), she was back doing a guest app this season. She wasn't too bitter to come back to BL.

I was glad to see DEK make a case out of the white supremacist girl duo "Prussian Blue," but I think it could have been done better than a case of an aunt trying to get custody from parents (mother and father).

The real Prussian Blue is raised by their psycho mom, as dad was a druggie a long time ago (now recovered and never was a hate-monger) and mom got full custody.

A mom vs. dad custody case would have been much more interesting (And closer to reality).

Wow! Didn't realise this was based on true characters. It was a weak storyline though, your suggestion would have played out better had they gone that route.

Edit: Thanks for providing the name of this group, after looking them up I realise these girls have been at it quite a while. I think I've seen them on an ABC Primetime special of some sort but was not sure.

Wow! Didn't realise this was based on true characters. It was a weak storyline though, your suggestion would have played out better had they gone that route.

Edit: Thanks for providing the name of this group, after looking them up I realise these girls have been at it quite a while. I think I've seen them on an ABC Primetime special of some sort but was not sure.

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=1231684&page=1
ABC News: Young Singers Spread Racist Hate

Excellent return from vacation.

Denise playing both Brad and Jeffrey as "friends with benefits" (but don't tell anyone, or it's off!) is a very amusing side story.

But I thought Alan's New Orleans courtroom appearance was just fabulous. He articulated so many common sense thoughts so eloquently and cogently, that I don't think any right thinking human being could have found his client guilty. He was right... it was simply not possible to interpret and evaluate the events of that week against the "normal" laws of man and rules of mankind and society. It was complete chaos, and his doctor client actually stayed to try and help while the treating doctors actually left (and left their patients to die on their own).

Brilliantly written and delivered closing argument. James Spader is really fabulous.

I am really feeling "familial" with all of the characters of this show. David Kelley's team of writers (including him) have done a wonderful job bringing this show from the depths of the start of Season 2 to what I declare to be the heights where it is now. Just brilliant, and adult, and thoroughly thoroughly enjoyable.

Any comments on last night's ep?

To me, it was okay. Now I'm starting to put myself in the camp of "Alan Shore needs to finally lose a case or two." His winning all the time (in fact, their firm winning all the time) is ridiculous.

Can anyone explain how a show with so many cast changes can survive? Does anyone realize that only *three* regulars have been there since day one (not counting Rene Auberjoinois since you don't see him all the time)?

Those three are Denny Crane (Shatner), Alan Shore (Spader), and Brad Chase (Valley). All the regulars now were not regulars when it debuted and the main cast has undergone numerous cast changes.

Does this have precedence? I thought numerous cast changes = quick failure.

Those three are Denny Crane (Shatner), Alan Shore (Spader), and Brad Chase (Valley). All the regulars now were not regulars when it debuted and the main cast has undergone numerous cast changes.

Does this have precedence? I thought numerous cast changes = quick failure.
MASH, Law & Order, ER, and Cheers come to mind.....

thats what they do, its a silly show its not like the practice which was a serious show. They are supposed to win every case and interject socially relevant commentary. the trials themselves are afterthoughts, in terms of the verdicts and stuff. The cast changes dont bother be because the inter-office dynamic is great, and i love the social commentary and alan's closing. and of course Denny Crane. "can i shoot him?" --- great line

thats what they do, its a silly show its not like the practice which was a serious show. They are supposed to win every case and interject socially relevant commentary. the trials themselves are afterthoughts, in terms of the verdicts and stuff. The cast changes dont bother be because the inter-office dynamic is great, and i love the social commentary and alan's closing. and of course Denny Crane. "can i shoot him?" --- great line

I'll agree it's a "dramedy," but to say it is not serious is missing something.

This is still first and foremost a legal/courtroom drama (one of the few of the 100% legal/courtroom dramas on TV), if it wasn't we wouldn't have the trials at all.

And I don't see why "they are supposed to win every case." This isn't Perry Mason or Matlock.

I like it when have cases that deal with issues that can literally go either way (like last night's wrongful-death peanut allergy case), as opposed to the Denny Crane on the no-fly list (although it was humorous and Alan's closing is great, of course).

I suspect you didn't care at all for the wrongful-death peanut allergy case, which exemplifies where our differences on the show lie.

I thought the peanut allergy case had lots of good story-telling and a clever and point-making end when the teacher went on to other work after Shirley's great closing. The arguments were compelling for both sides (as usual for Kelley). However, also usual for Kelley is his inability to stay off the soapbox and preach his political agenda into the ground. I think I counted about a half dozen direct political references by name that he attacked along with the entire non-Democrat agenda.

I get it, he's a liberal Democrat and has that viewpoint. And all opposing thought is ridiculed as simply cartoon silliness. At least Sorkin occasionally adds a thoughtful character of the opposite view for balance (recall Ainsley Hayes in West Wing). Kelley simply can't bring himself to do it. He's a simple basher who hammers his theme into the ground in an effort to hammer it into your brain. The Practice this ain't. It can't make up its mind if it's a cartoon or serious. And it isn't working any longer as either for me, except on rare occasions. As much as I liked the original premise and Alan Shore's ethically challenged lawyer (holdover from The Practice), I'm ready to say goodbye. It's lived long enough for me.

its still better than anything else at that hour on a tuesday

Can anyone explain how a show with so many cast changes can survive? Does anyone realize that only *three* regulars have been there since day one (not counting Rene Auberjoinois since you don't see him all the time)?

Those three are Denny Crane (Shatner), Alan Shore (Spader), and Brad Chase (Valley). All the regulars now were not regulars when it debuted and the main cast has undergone numerous cast changes.
All I know, is that I'd hate to be the opening titles graphics guy. Although the theme stayed the same since episode 1, the footage, the people and the names change on an almost weekly basis.

Actually, I wouldn't mind having his job. It's probably the same After Effects files that he simply substitutes the footage and the text and then re-renders. Timing might have to be reworked though if the number of titles change. Ah well! Job security for that person. :p

its still better than anything else at that hour on a tuesday

True. Which is partly why I still watch it. However, that doesn't excuse its rapid descent into cartoon-land when it used to have more meaningful and interesting story-line that included a sense of humor. Now the humor is mostly over-the-top silliness (midget lover tackling lawyer, midget's mother tackling lawyer, attorney's literally chasing each other thru the office and physically assaulting each other for promotions, searching for dead lover's body parts, etc etc).

And the serious/interesting stories and characters have taken a back seat or else are often simply pitching a political agenda. It just seems like wasted opportunity and talent to me - given what it used to be and its roots in The Practice.

It's distressing to watch Boston Legal as it tries to appeal to a wider audience by coughing up a bunch of weird story lines. David Kelly is a brilliant writer, and when he is listed as the sole writer, the show is usually compelling, in spite of his soapbox tendencies. The courtroom scenes are almost always interesting, and both sides are given rather eloquent arguments. It bothers me that the firm always wins its court cases, even when in real life the jury would vote otherwise, but Kelly has never been a stickler on legal logic. Still, Spader and Shatner are wonderful, unique actors, and they are given some fabulous dialog. But the silliness and sexual pandering are getting worse and worse. I ended up fast forwarding through the Clarence/Clarisse segments. If it gets any dumber, the irritation may outweigh the enjoyment, and the show goes off my season pass list.

And the serious/interesting stories and characters have taken a back seat or else are often simply pitching a political agenda.Somehow, I suspect that if that political agenda spewed "support the troops" and "don't you want America to win?" that you wouldn't be complaining.

Fact of the matter, much of what is delivered through Alan's mouth is quite humanistic and reasonable. To wit, his closing arguments last week regarding the euthanasia case of that New Orleans doctor who had stayed behind to care for patients when their own doctor's had abandoned the city. I don't consider this to be "political"... despite the fact that plenty of negative aspersions were cast on the horrible failures of the Federal and local governments in this catastrophe, as well as the vast majority of the medical profession who failed to live up to their oath. Fact is fact, even if you don't want to admit it.

From my own point of view, I find Denny's hyper right-wing buffoonery to be very amusing. I'm reminded of Bill Frist's diagnosis of Terry Schiavo by videotape, something equally as laughable. Fact is fact.

I may be wrong , but I dont think Shatner was on the show at the very beginning.

Yes he was, very first episode cast listing. From IMDb.

James Spader ... Alan Shore
Monica Potter ... Lori Colson
Rhona Mitra ... Tara Wilson
Lake Bell ... Sally Heep
Mark Valley ... Brad Chase
Rene Auberjonois ... Paul Lewiston
William Shatner ... Denny Crane
Steven Anderson ... Walter Seymore
Anne Betancourt ... Judge Isabel Hernandez
Kevin Cooney ... Atty. Smith
Helen Eigenberg ... Atty. Tompkins
Anita Finlay ... Helen Poole
Philip Baker Hall ... Ernie Dell
Melora Hardin ... Sharon Brant
John Michael Higgins ... Jerry Austin
Aisha Hinds ... Beah Toomy
Lisa Kaseman ... Alpers receptionist
Sharon Lawrence ... Judge Rita Sharpley
Rebecca Lin ... Receptionist
Don McManus ... John Lennox
Larry Miller ... Edwin Poole
Tom Ormeny ... Man No. 1
Kevin Owers ... London Guy Nigel
Eric Payne ... Sam Halpern
Jadzia Pittman ... Sarah
Simon Rhee ... Tokyo Guy
John F. Schaffer ... Man No. 2
Al Sharpton ... Himself
Todd Stashwick ... Matthew Calder
Nina Avetisova ... (uncredited)

Somehow, I suspect that if that political agenda spewed "support the troops" and "don't you want America to win?" that you wouldn't be complaining.

And, as is common with uninformed people who make wild assumptions based on little real knowledge, you would be (and are) wrong.


Fact of the matter, much of what is delivered through Alan's mouth is quite humanistic and reasonable. To wit, his closing arguments last week regarding the euthanasia case of that New Orleans doctor who had stayed behind to care for patients when their own doctor's had abandoned the city. I don't consider this to be "political"...

And where, oh intuitive one, did I say differently or even mention that scene? In fact, I praised that very scene earlier. I didn't call it, or believe it to be, "political" either. Work on those comprehension skills some and stop assuming things I don't say. Speak for your own biases, not what you ASSUME are mine. I talked about the show's (Kelley's) general leaning, not yours or anyone else who has an opinion about it.


Fact is fact, even if you don't want to admit it.

This bit of (non) wisdom really escapes me. What "fact", exactly, did I refuse to admit? Your intellectual confusion keeps on coming with nothing to support it.

From my own point of view, I find Denny's hyper right-wing buffoonery to be very amusing. I'm reminded of Bill Frist's diagnosis of Terry Schiavo by videotape, something equally as laughable. Fact is fact.

Ah, now we see the agenda and the reason for your angry assumptions and positively inane comparisons. You like to throw that "fact is fact" thing around. Too bad you don't have any for your argument. Next time you attack me for an expressed opinion on the content of a show, try to bring some intelligence to the table instead of false assumptions, putting unsaid words in my posts, and your own obvious bias. Fact is fact.

cwilson, I agree with your take on the show and that was part of my sense of its decline. (politics aside)

OK guys, calm down. It's just a TV show.