It was a good, but not great, episode. There are no carry over story lines to next week's final new show.
There's that, at least. Also, next week's episode is apparently a musical, which should be fun. I thought that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Scrubs musical episodes were among the best in either series.

Does iTunes carry Boston Legal? I thought it was a pretty good show, we got to see Denny do what he did to get the "Denny Crane!" moniker, meaning he actually did a case start to finish.

I stand corrected. There are still 2 more new BL episodes to air.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12838572#post12838572

Seriously? A musical? :rolleyes: :confused:

Seriously? A musical? :rolleyes: :confused:
It's an old idea, which, as noted in my earlier post on the subject, worked well on both the Buffy and Scrubs series. Anyway, I never met a musical I didn't like, so I'm looking forward to it.

It's an old idea, which, as noted in my earlier post on the subject, worked well on both the Buffy and Scrubs series. Anyway, I never met a musical I didn't like, so I'm looking forward to it.

Did you see the 7th Heaven one? Supposedly very bad.

Did you see the 7th Heaven one? Supposedly very bad.

The musical on 7th Heaven was not nearly as bad as the recent musical episode of 30 Rock, I thought it was pretty poor........

Scott Bakula is supposed to be in an upcoming episode, according to this article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/15/AR2008011503464.html) and I am guessing it is next week's episode since he supposedly sings to Candace Bergen's character (Star Trek/Murphy Brown).

Scott Bakula is supposed to be in an upcoming episode, according to this article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/15/AR2008011503464.html) and I am guessing it is next week's episode since he supposedly sings to Candace Bergen's character (Star Trek/Murphy Brown).
Yikes!!!!
I was going to reference "jump the shark" here but, heck... BL did that years ago :D:D:D

I can understand musicals for other shows, but not for this one. I REALLY don't care to see James Spader brought down to this. He deserves so much better.

I can understand musicals for other shows, but not for this one. I REALLY don't care to see James Spader brought down to this. He deserves so much better.
I do not view a musical comedy as a step down from a plain old comedy. The biggest limiting factor is that a lot of actors can’t sing a lick (although a surprising number of them can). Besides, I see nothing sacrosanct about avoiding having either Spader singing or setting a Boston Legal episode to music. If a story as bleak as Sweeney Todd’s can be made into a highly honored Broadway musical, which won the Tony for best musical, and later a well thought of movie, which has already won the Golden Globe for best movie musical, I would think that Boston Legal might well be a fertile field for such a thing.

All of this contention could end up being just sound and fury, signifying nothing, though. Although the episode is entitled “Roe v. Wade, The Musical,” that doesn’t guarantee that it actually will be a musical episode, as the teaser for it, which I just watched online, contains no singing. Time will tell, I guess.

I was disappointed to see that the Boston Legal episode that ran last night, Roe V. Wade: The Musical, wasn’t very musical at all. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun, as usual. It did feature Meredith Patterson, who really has been a Broadway musical actress, as Missy, but she didn’t get to sing much. Although I think that’s too bad, I gather from some of the earlier posts here that others would disagree. Anyway, last night’s episode was excellent, I thought.

I think that's it for new episodes. Next week is a repeat.

The previews at the end of the episode's closing credits showed Scott Bakula wooing Candace's Shirley (apparantly they dated in law school), so there has to be one more new episode. Please get this strike settled.

The musical episode was kinda scary. At least Spader didn't sing and we got our usual Denny Crane "Denny Crane" mentions.

This was posted in HOTP

I think the next new episode airs on 02/12/08. I think this will be the last episode. Hope this helps.

According to ABC Medianet new episodes of Boston Legal will air on 2/12 and 2/19.

According to ABC Medianet new episodes of Boston Legal will air on 2/12 and 2/19.
I'll believe it when I see it :D

TV Notes
ABC To Return Only Highest-Rated Shows in Spring
By John Consoli, MediaWeek, February 11, 2008

Scripted shows said to be on the fence at ABC as far as renewal goes are ... Boston Legal...

http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003709451
From HOTP

More from HOTP

TV Notes
Patience is a virtue:
What shows will return, and when?
By David Kronke, Los Angeles Daily News Television Critic, in his “The Mayor Of Television” blog February 11, 2008

Your guess is as good as mine:

ABC
“Boston Legal” (TV Guide says it’ll resume production on between four and seven episodes in March or April, but as we’ve noted, it hasn’t been picked up for next season yet)
http://www.insidesocal.com/tv/

More from HOTP

The article cited here says "Boston Public." I guess BL is doomed. Gotta love it when a network craps on a show and then cancels it :(

The article cited here says "Boston Public." I guess BL is doomed. Gotta love it when a network craps on a show and then cancels it :(

Remeber BL "came back from the dead". ABC tried to kill it after launching "Grey's Anatomy" on Sunday. I LOVED BL from episode one and am disappointed at how they treat it. Why don't we ever get repeats in the summer? ALong with "Scrubs", BL is the most abused show on TV.

Lets take a cue from the Jericho and 4400 fans.
We'll need to send ABC lots of cheap cigars pleading to save this show...

Six new episodes will be coming in the spring now that the writers' strike is over.

Did you guys hear about the school shooting today at Northern Illinois University? Sad stuff.

I mention this only as a heads up that ABC could pull next week's BL for a fluff Nightline/20/20 special on this shooting.

ABC has no one to blame but themselves for SVU repeats beating new BL episodes.

Remeber BL "came back from the dead". ABC tried to kill it after launching "Grey's Anatomy" on Sunday. I LOVED BL from episode one and am disappointed at how they treat it. Why don't we ever get repeats in the summer? ALong with "Scrubs", BL is the most abused show on TV.

ABC treats cancelled shows better than Boston Legal. They've known for a long time they were going to can Cavemen and Carpoolers, but last time they did a stupid fluff news piece (on the Nebraska mall shooting), they pre-empted BL. Now I expect them to pre-empt BL this upcoming Tuesday so they can do a fluff piece on today's school shooting. If it wasn't fluff, I wouldn't mind, and even then, there are shows with worse ratings they can pre-empt for that kind of stuff. Doesn't always have to be BL.

Now an SVU repeat beat BL head-to-head Tuesday night. This is getting ridiculous.

ABC craps on it, it doesn't do well, and ABC says "Well, see." Seems like every network has show like this that it gives this kind of treatment to.

It seems there are rumors about Boston Legal may or may not making it to next season. I would hate to see it cancelled. After Two and a Half Men, I think B.L. is the second funniest show on tv.

ALong with "Scrubs", BL is the most abused show on TV.

Quoted for truth.

I wish they would treat BL better...it's really the only network TV series I've been very enthusiastic about in years.

Face it ABC, if William Shatner says it is quality writing...it's quality.

I found it odd that last week’s episode was hardly musical at all, while this week’s had a nice song sung to Candace Bergen by the estimable Scott Bakula. I thought that scene was extremely effective.

As usual, I liked this week’s show a lot. I thought the conflict between Jerry’s deranged girlfriend, Leigh, and Katie was a hoot, and I also enjoyed the nymphomaniacal activist. This is a funny, funny show, which is written for big boys and girls.

According to ABC Medianet BL will return on 4/8 with six original episodes.

According to ABC Medianet BL will return on 4/8 with six original episodes.
That's great news! ..... if it's true :D:D:D

New episode tonight.

New episode tonight.
Thanks for the heads-up, I completely forgot!
Don't even know if I still have the season pass for BL on my TiVo any more :eek:

WABC-DT NYC FIOS TV.

I had not watched the show in HD for some time and thought the PQ was not the best tonight.
Granted I'm watching with a HD tuner card and closer to the image then most would be watching on TV but,
the grain on the video, which I'm guessing comes from the way the show is recorded, has digital compression artifacts on it.
In the very close up shots the video goes from sharp to soft every half second or so, it's similar to the swimming grass effect on FOX.

That opening bit was Hoot, with a capital H.:D

So I'm sittin down all comfy ready to watch BL for the first time in a few months.

What a tremendous disappointment!

DEK, OK, so I can handle Alan spouting off about the atrocities of war and all that once in a while. But must we be inundated every week with you and your soap box? I see enough of this crap on TV/CNN/Fox, etc, I don't need to be "entertained" by it too. What was really the thing that put me over the edge was when Shirley talked about war vets and stuff. Too much. (Yes, I know, we talk about this debate often in this thread. But does anyone else think that maybe we are getting a little too much of it in this show, especially as of last night's episode?)

Hey, I still love this show. There are hilarious parts all the time. Denny shoting at Alan's toy balloon thing. Funny as hell.

But when Shirley did her shpeel about war veterans being homeless in the street, and can't eat anything but seal, and seals aren't really endangered... I turned it off, read a little, and went to bed :)

nc

Fell asleep around 10:30 and it seems I didn't miss too much.

So I'm sittin down all comfy ready to watch BL for the first time in a few months.

What a tremendous disappointment!



Hey, I still love this show. There are hilarious parts all the time. Denny shoting at Alan's toy balloon thing. Funny as hell.


At least in that episode Alan Shore I mean David Kelley admitted there are right wing and left wing news outlets. Whatever happened to just the news...

Tonights episode was much better. I would of done the entire episode only on the death issue but maybe thats just me.

Tonights episode was much better. I would of done the entire episode only on the death issue but maybe thats just me.

Maybe it is just you, as, IMHO, we've seen the death issue too much in media. I was bored every time it went to Shirley and her dad stuff.

The best part of the episode is that Jerry now has a HOT girlfriend! Most shows never give the nerdy/dorky/socially awkward guy a hot girlfriend. Yay for Jerry!!

Stayed awake this time and caught the ep. where Jerry gets the girl (Christian Clemenson is great in that role), and Shirley's dad dies. Better than last week.

Tonights episode was much better. I would of done the entire episode only on the death issue but maybe thats just me.

I thought Allen's scene in the courtroom was one of the most compelling scenes I have seen on the show. I have only watched the last couple of seasons, but that scene really moved me.

The best lines this week were:

Jerry: "During the strike I fell in love."
Katie: "The strike?"
Jerry: "It doesn't matter..."

For those that don't get it, David is referring to the writer's strike. :)

For those that don't get it, David is referring to the writer's strike. :)

... Gee ... ya think? ... :rolleyes: ;)

The best part of the episode is that Jerry now has a HOT girlfriend! Most shows never give the nerdy/dorky/socially awkward guy a hot girlfriend. Yay for Jerry!!

Actually, most TV/movies do this... it is reality that doesn't do it!

... Gee ... ya think? ... :rolleyes: ;)

I said, "For those that don't get it..." Obviously, you got it.

PQ is excellent on this program..............one of the best.

BL will move to Wednesday's at 10:00 starting next week (4/30).

As mentioned several times by Alan & Denny as well as in the promos during the closing credits. No fourth wall here!

Guess we all know how DEK feels about the Supreme Court Justices now :D
I busted out laughing when Denny "released"!

The harangue against the SC (and its members) was one of the 10 greatest moments in TV that I can recall.

:eek:

Anyone notice that the last spoken dialog in the show, on camera, was about their move to Wednesday nights. Pretty funny.

Anyone notice that the last spoken dialog in the show, on camera, was about their move to Wednesday nights. Pretty funny.
... and in the closing balcony scene- their mouths didn't even move! I guess the boys were trying out their ventriloquist act :D

The harangue against the SC (and its members) was one of the 10 greatest moments in TV that I can recall.

:eek:

While I agree with pretty much every thing stated in the rant I felt it really took me out of the story. It is apart of the show, but once they made me care about the guy they were going to kill the rant felt inappropriate.

While I agree with pretty much every thing stated in the rant I felt it really took me out of the story. It is apart of the show, but once they made me care about the guy they were going to kill the rant felt inappropriate.

While it was the usual Alan Shore exposition, what are the chances that such a rant would get you evicted for contempt of the [supreme] court in real life?

While it was the usual Alan Shore exposition, what are the chances that such a rant would get you evicted for contempt of the [supreme] court in real life?

That is the other thing that bothered me. The show has its own cast of wacky judges that would let that kind of stuff go, but when you advance it to the Supreme Court it took me out of the scene to have such a rant.

That is the other thing that bothered me. The show has its own cast of wacky judges that would let that kind of stuff go, but when you advance it to the Supreme Court it took me out of the scene to have such a rant.
It would never happen in real life. Regardless of what their personal politics may be, lawyers have too much respect for the institution to ever engage in such grotesquely inappropriate rhetoric. Not only would it be horribly bad manners, it would be dumb, dumb, dumb. Don’t EVER bite the hand you want to feed you!

Don’t get me wrong, I love Boston Legal, Kelly’s far left politics notwithstanding but its courtroom scenes are dramatic nonsense. The saving grace is that the nonsense is usually funny, often very funny.

Maybe it is just you, as, IMHO, we've seen the death issue too much in media. I was bored every time it went to Shirley and her dad stuff.

The best part of the episode is that Jerry now has a HOT girlfriend! Most shows never give the nerdy/dorky/socially awkward guy a hot girlfriend. Yay for Jerry!!

Damn it I spoke too soon! Should have known they would find a way to ruin it. After all, Screech never got the girl of his dreams, Lisa. There are plenty of examples in TV/movies where the nerd guy doesn't get the girl.

In real life, he would get the girl if he was rich. :D

I busted out laughing when Denny "released"!

That was a great moment in television history IMO. The wife almost fell out of bed laughing. Hey wait! That didn't come out right.

If it wasn't clear last night (sarcasm), BL moves to Wednesday nights starting next week. Probably because the idiots at CBS put Shark on Tuesday at 10pm [new ep for them next week] which would have pitted two 100% legal/courtroom dramas up against each other.

Thank god they are not competing, BUT I hate that BL moves yet again.

Thank god they are competing, BUT I hate that BL moves yet again.
Yeah, me, too. ABC treats the show like a redheaded stepchild, doesn’t it?

Wolfgang Blitzkrig :)

What a horrible airing last night. Just bad on every level. All politics. :rolleyes: Didn't buy the Denny falling in love storyline. Didn't like the Alan/Shirley argument.

The judges are getting to the point of just being annoying. There is NO SUCH THING as a judge THAT stupid. I don't care how old they are. It was just a big distraction away from the content of the show. Bad bad bad.

The ONLY funny thing in this ENTIRE show was the VERY beginning when they talked about being on a new night. Seems like NOBODY knows if there's going to be a "next year."

^^^^ Oh look yet another negative remark ... as predictable as Wednesday (oops we moved it to Thursday) mornings. ;) :D

What a horrible airing last night. Just bad on every level. All politics. :rolleyes: Didn't buy the Denny falling in love storyline. Didn't like the Alan/Shirley argument.

The judges are getting to the point of just being annoying. There is NO SUCH THING as a judge THAT stupid. I don't care how old they are. It was just a big distraction away from the content of the show. Bad bad bad.

The ONLY funny thing in this ENTIRE show was the VERY beginning when they talked about being on a new night. Seems like NOBODY knows if there's going to be a "next year."

Probably one of the worst episodes of BL ever. Every single aspect of it sucked.

At least when the show comes back in two weeks, there will be more with Jerry and his now ex-GF. It would be nice if they get them back together, or if Jerry and Katie finally get together. Of course becoming a couple on the show as a lesser character usually means the kiss of death, like them having your character just disappear with no explanation (Claire).

LOL ... and that makes it "official." Perhaps the mods should just change the title of the thread to "Boston Legal Haters Support Group." ;) And I say this love. :D

I confess that I enjoyed the political thread in this week’s show far more than I have any of the others of its kind. For a change, the writers mostly poked fun at the internal wrangling of Democrats instead of trotting out nothing but lefty shibboleths. I thought it was both refreshing and a lot of fun. I didn’t know that Kelley had it in him.

LOL ... and that makes it "official." Perhaps the mods should just change the title of the thread to "Boston Legal Haters Support Group." ;) And I say this love. :D

I know you say it with love, but come on.

When I think it's a good ep or storyline in an ep, I say so. I said I was thrilled when Jerry had an attractive girlfriend.

Of course, not-so-thrilled when she turned out to be a call girl, but that's the thing: BL is entertaining, but it's flawed. There is nothing wrong with commenting on when it's good or bad.

^^^^ Oh look yet another negative remark ... as predictable as Wednesday (oops we moved it to Thursday) mornings. ;) :D

So what - this is now (according to you) a thread where only positive posts are allowed? Why is that, exactly and who made you the arbiter of taste? We all have our opinions and are free to state them, positive or negative. We could, after all, say that here you are again with nothing but castigation for those who dare to not like the trend this show is following - probably to its demise.

I'll throw my hat into the "it was pretty bad this week" group and hope that doesn't upset you too much. I don't see too many folks criticizing those (you or others) who say how good it is. Possibly you are smitten with Kelley's now seemingly endless political rants. Some of us are tired of it. As pure satire or comedy, some of this may work. But they always put themselves up for Emmy awards as serious drama. BL does far less serious drama than ever and has become a ludicrous and often laughable (not in a good way) excuse of a show. Read some of the professional critic reviews like Matt Roush and Bianco and then tell them how wrong they are about the ridiculous turns this show has taken.

As for the rest of us, we'll happily maintain our right to "not like it" when it's bad and say so - just as you maintain your view in opposition. Try to remember there are at least two sides to most opinions and both can be heard without denigration.

Read some of the professional critic reviews like Matt Roush and Bianco and then tell them how wrong they are about the ridiculous turns this show has taken.


Ooooo...........professional critics !! Now THERE is some opinions that I can REALLY stand behind :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

But yeah, this weeks episode was pretty lame. It was like their writers were back on strike although I did chuckle when Denny got off his horse and complained that his balls hurt.:D

So what - this is now (according to you) a thread where only positive posts are allowed? Why is that, exactly and who made you the arbiter of taste?

Not at all ... I was just expressing amusement (tainted with a bit of sadness) that there seems to be a group dedicated to "complaining" about the show (over and over.) If you don't like the show, there's always FNC. ;) :D

Like all TV programs, there are good episodes and not so great episodes. My comment would be that if one takes a broad view of David Kelley's history as a writer and exec producer....Pickett Fences; Boston Public; Ally McBeal; The Practice and now Boston Legal.....the longer the shows' tenure, the more eccentric the scripts become. Finally, he reaches the point of self-destruction, and the shows' ratings drop and they either limp to an ending or are simply canceled. I don't see anything different about Boston Legal. Even creative genius can run a-mok.

Not at all ... I was just expressing amusement (tainted with a bit of sadness) that there seems to be a group dedicated to "complaining" about the show (over and over.) If you don't like the show, there's always FNC. ;) :D

But the thing this, this group, of which I assume you think of me as a member, does watch the show. If we didn't like it that much we'd not watch.

For me, as I've said numerous times, this is one of the few 100% legal/courtroom dramas on TV so I want to watch it. Some (maybe many) eps are worth it, some, like this weeks, are not.

Not at all ... I was just expressing amusement (tainted with a bit of sadness) that there seems to be a group dedicated to "complaining" about the show (over and over.) If you don't like the show, there's always FNC. ;) :D

All the smilies in the world can't conceal the continuing fact that your message constantly comes down to "sad that there are complainers" and "if you don't like it, go elsewhere". These threads are for all opinions (I thought), not just raves and plaudits.

I concur completely with hdguru's analysis of Kelley and all his shows. This is the reason for the decline in BL - totally predictable, along with the usual ABC interference which DEK so loves to hate. I still watch it bcz of the few (and getting fewer) prize moments and out of long habit and carryover from the far better Practice. That doesn't mean I can't point out its failings and they are many.

All the smilies in the world can't conceal the continuing fact that your message constantly comes down to "sad that there are complainers" and "if you don't like it, go elsewhere".

And there are plenty of folks around here that use proxy "complaints" since forum rules generally forbid discussing what they really hate about the show (and DEK in general.)

And there are plenty of folks around here that use proxy "complaints" since forum rules generally forbid discussing what they really hate about the show (and DEK in general.)

+1 QFT.

In an earlier post there was the quote Kelly’s far left politics. :) Most people in the US wouldn't recognise "far left politics" if Josef Stalin walked up and slapped them in the face. :)

Looks like the show was renewed today for another season.

Looks like the show was renewed today for another season.
Great news!
I can just see Alan and Denny on the balcony "well Denny, looks like we'll be back next season" "Yup, they just can't get enough of me!"... "sleepover??"
:D:D:D:D

Looks like the show was renewed today for another season.

Yes, wonderfull news.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13844920#post13844920

Great news!
I can just see Alan and Denny on the balcony "well Denny, looks like we'll be back next season" "Yup, they just can't get enough of me!"... "sleepover??"
:D:D:D:D

Replay: You've obviously been watching too many BL episodes. The doctor recommends that you erase all episodes from your DVR, and spend the hiatus watching Hannah Montana instead! LOL :cool:

Replay: You've obviously been watching too many BL episodes. The doctor recommends that you erase all episodes from your DVR, and spend the hiatus watching Hannah Montana instead! LOL :cool:
Hannah Montana... :eek::eek::eek: that's cruel and unusual punishment!
I'm so glad my two girls (11 & 13 years old) aren't mindless "must... follow... the... masses... at... all... costs..." drones. They don't watch and couldn't care less about HM, and/or her predecessor Hillary Duff. One has a 4.25GPA (5 A+'s, 2 A's and a B+ on her last report card) in middle school and the other has pretty much straight A's in 5th grade. Their favorite shows... "MythBusters" and "How it's Made". I'd love to introduce them to BL, but they still think Shat is the Captain of the Enterprise :D

Looks like another new night for BL next season.

ABC’s fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern)
MONDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
9:30 p.m. “Samantha Who?”
10:00 p.m. “Boston Legal”

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13857451#post13857451

It has also just been reported that next season will be BL's last and it will only be 13 episodes.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13858140#post13858140

It has also just been reported that next season will be BL's last and it will only be 13 episodes.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13858140#post13858140

dammit
:mad:

It has also just been reported that next season will be BL's last and it will only be 13 episodes.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13858140#post13858140

Not surprising, but still sad.

Hopefully those last 13 will cater to fans and finally give us an appearance or two from lawyers from THE PRACTICE, such as Judge Eugene, Bobby, Lindsey, Eleanor, Rebecca, Jimmy, even Jamie, etc.

After all, now THE PRACTICE/BL universe will be coming to an end so it's only fitting that some PRACTICE stars come back for one last hurrah.

After all, now THE PRACTICE/BL universe will be coming to an end so it's only fitting that some PRACTICE stars come back for one last hurrah.

LOL ... Some folks just never give up. :) I think the universes parted ways for good quite a while ago.

Not surprising, but still sad.

Hopefully those last 13 will cater to fans and finally give us an appearance or two from lawyers from THE PRACTICE, such as Judge Eugene, Bobby, Lindsey, Eleanor, Rebecca, Jimmy, even Jamie, etc.

After all, now THE PRACTICE/BL universe will be coming to an end so it's only fitting that some PRACTICE stars come back for one last hurrah.
Shatner was on The View this morning and said there'd be 10 episodes next season...not 13.

I will miss those judges...they're hilarious :)

Shatner was on The View this morning and said there'd be 10 episodes next season...not 13. That may have been the Mad Cow speaking.

I will miss those judges...they're hilarious :)Likewise

More BL news from HOTP.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13859563#post13859563

WORST EPISODE I EVER SEEN! Actually, its the worst episode I never seen. Once they said Denny was running for president and McCain was not good enough, I canned it! DEK, You deserver to have your show cancelled!

WORST EPISODE I EVER SEEN! Actually, its the worst episode I never seen. Once they said Denny was running for president and McCain was not good enough, I canned it! DEK, You deserver to have your show cancelled!


The Denny for President stuff was hilarious. To bad you turned it off. Had you continued to watch you would have seen that.....
Ah, why should I tell you, you don't care.:p

Wednesday night's episode was hilarious. My wife and I were rolling in the aisles!

I STILL like this show. Gonna miss it.

WORST EPISODE I EVER SEEN! Actually, its the worst episode I never seen. Once they said Denny was running for president and McCain was not good enough, I canned it! DEK, You deserver to have your show cancelled!
Just watched that episode on Sunday... You don't know what you missed! :D

I recorded 60 minutes of a black screen.....anyone else? HR21 D* HD LIL Dallas...

Thank god for the internet!!

Front right was outputting weird noise for first half of the show. Local station switched to SD in an attempt to solve that problem which they did eventually. Maybe it was just local or D* I don't know.

It was fine via WABC on Cablevision.

It was fine via WABC on Cablevision.
Good via Cablevision here on Long Island too.
Will Denny ever lose a case before the series ends next year?
To me, Shat looks better/healthier this season then he has in the last couple of years. Seems he lost a few lbs too... kudos to him!

Anyone notice last night's ep very much felt like a series finale (especially the last 30 seconds-1 min)? I think they shot it as such and did not make any edits when they found out they were coming back.

And to those who say BL left The Practice universe years ago, note that in this season finale the Judge the Practice lawyers originally met long ago in California returned again (the one who has his unique way of saying Massachusetts).

The ties between BL and The Practice are NOT dead. Now here's hoping before this universe completely folds in December that we finally get some Practice lawyers to show up.

I really liked last night’s episode. Even the political thread was evenhanded, for Kelley at least, and often very funny. I also enjoyed Anthony Heald, as the nasty judge from Concord. Heald does a great job of portraying meanspirited professional men – recall his Dr. Chilton in The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon.

The writers accurately stated the law, something they often do not do. They made clear that while summary judgment should be rare, in cases where, as a matter of law, the plaintiff can’t win, it must nevertheless be granted. And, miracle of miracles, that’s exactly what happened. Better yet, they made all of that clear in a funny and entertaining way. Good stuff!

Anyone notice last night's ep very much felt like a series finale (especially the last 30 seconds-1 min)? I think they shot it as such and did not make any edits when they found out they were coming back.

And to those who say BL left The Practice universe years ago, note that in this season finale the Judge the Practice lawyers originally met long ago in California returned again (the one who has his unique way of saying Massachusetts).

The ties between BL and The Practice are NOT dead. Now here's hoping before this universe completely folds in December that we finally get some Practice lawyers to show up.

also john larroquette who was on episodes of the practice and the guy sitting next to him in court was a judge on the practice

I just hope there is another, more serious law series that will feature Alan Shore. That man plays one HELL of an attorney. He is the only part of that show I will truly miss.

Anyone notice last night's ep very much felt like a series finale (especially the last 30 seconds-1 min)? I think they shot it as such and did not make any edits when they found out they were coming back.


I would agree with that.

I thought it was a terrific well-written and well-balanced final episode of the season, though it did seem like they weren't quite sure when they made it if they were going to be coming back for another season. So this was, I guess, sort of a possible series finale as well... if it turned out that way.

Remember that their renewal for next season (and a short one at that) was only quite recent, as part of a deal which is thought to have allowed DEK to get his next series ("Life on Mars") on ABC.

So the "gone fishin'" sign, phone on "answer", and totally evacuated office in the last shots, was actually very fitting... and quite touching.

Anyway, I thought it was top notch.

Best line of the night, when Denny and Carl come into the courtroom as attorneys for Massachusetts and the judge says "opposing attorneys, from the same firm?", and Denny quips "saves on guest casting".


And, I might observe that Katie (Tara Summers) DID LOOK HOT TONIGHT! Jerry was absolutely spot-on, commenting on her dress being able to stop traffic! I even observed it to myself as the three of them walked down the hallway, before he made exactly the same comment I was thinking.

She looked like she'd lost lots of weight, and had really toned up. She looked fabulous! And that dress, hair and makeup... whoa!

I'm guessing this episode was shot much later than previous episodes shown at the tail end of the season, due to the writers' strike. She looked completely different than she did in last week's episode, which may have been part of what they'd gotten in the can prior to the strike's beginning.

Anyway, I thought she looked great... good enough to make Jerry say something even without a wooden cigarette.

I look forward to next season.

And, I might observe that Katie (Tara Summers) DID LOOK HOT TONIGHT! Jerry was absolutely spot-on, commenting on her dress being able to stop traffic! I even observed it to myself as the three of them walked down the hallway, before he made exactly the same comment I was thinking.

She looked like she'd lost lots of weight, and had really toned up. She looked fabulous! And that dress, hair and makeup... whoa!
Yeah, I, too, had noticed how great Tara Summers looked before Jerry commented. She has always appealed to me. She is not conventionally beautiful but she is hugely appealing and projects an air of, for lack of a better term, sexy sweetness. :)

Best line of the night, when Denny and Carl come into the courtroom as attorneys for Massachusetts and the judge says "opposing attorneys, from the same firm?", and Denny quips "saves on guest casting".
Had to replay it on the TiVo a couple of times to be sure he said that... it was pretty funny. Nice to see that BL doesn't take it self too seriously :D

"Yeah, I, too, had noticed how great Tara Summers looked before Jerry commented. She has always appealed to me. She is not conventionally beautiful but she is hugely appealing and projects an air of, for lack of a better term, sexy sweetness."

+1

also john larroquette who was on episodes of the practice and the guy sitting next to him in court was a judge on the practice

Shhhhhhhhhh. Don't mention Larroquette. That actually cuts against my position that the universes are still close (because he plays a different character on BL). :)

The writers accurately stated the law, something they often do not do. They made clear that while summary judgment should be rare, in cases where, as a matter of law, the plaintiff can’t win, it must nevertheless be granted. And, miracle of miracles, that’s exactly what happened. Better yet, they made all of that clear in a funny and entertaining way. Good stuff!

It was close to enough to exact, but then again, you could take issue with the whole city secession thing.

Not the ridiculous idea per se, but the idea that a city could secede from the United States. By that I mean, even if a city could secede, it would need to secede from it's state first, since our 50 states are (loosely) "sovereign" republics. Then accomplishing that would make your city by default a federal territory (similar to when the US reclaims land from states to form parts of reservations), and then you could seek secession from the United States.

Of course there is no such thing as a trial for secession anyways, plus it was quite funny to see someone move for a city to be succeeded from the US in a State Court (they said so during one of the proceedings), but the seal behind the judge says "United States Court."

Fun stuff, and I don't mind...although I really wouldn't mind if we could get some ex-Practice lawyers to make some appearances in the final season of BL. :D

It was close to enough to exact, but then again, you could take issue with the whole city secession thing.

Not the ridiculous idea per se, but the idea that a city could secede from the United States. By that I mean, even if a city could secede, it would need to secede from it's state first, since our 50 states are (loosely) "sovereign" republics. Then accomplishing that would make your city by default a federal territory (similar to when the US reclaims land from states to form parts of reservations), and then you could seek secession from the United States.

Of course there is no such thing as a trial for secession anyways, plus it was quite funny to see someone move for a city to be succeeded from the US in a State Court (they said so during one of the proceedings), but the seal behind the judge says "United States Court."

Fun stuff, and I don't mind...although I really wouldn't mind if we could get some ex-Practice lawyers to make some appearances in the final season of BL. :D
Yeah, ultimately the idea of a city seceding from the United States is even more toweringly silly that the idea of a state seceding from the Union would be at this late date. States are sovereign and are limited in what they can do vis a vis the United States and other states only by the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Cities, though, derive such sovereign power as they may have from the state of which they are a part. The powers granted by the state sure as hell don’t include the power to file a suit for secession from the United States.

It is correct that there is no such thing as a “United States Court.” At the trial level it is, “The United States District Court.” There really is, however, a “District of Massachusetts.” The true name of the federal trial court in Boston is “The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.” In any event, some of the courtroom dialog between the nasty state court judge from Concord and the Henry Gibson character made clear that the matter was supposed to be before a federal court.

No matter, it was fun stuff this week.

Pappy said: "Go COMMERCIAL DLP for movies shot digitally or animation or for audiophiles(uncomped PCM) yes it does make going to the theater fun again! http://www.dlp.com Not employed by TI just a total fanboy!"

Having had the chance to view Cars and a Star Wars movie at the "Legend" in Dallas (just a short run down Central Expressway from TI), I agree. There is no comparison with mechanical, film projection. The technology is now spreading, with AMC having recently equipped 4 of their local (Houston) auditoriums with DLP, and their release noting that all new theatres would be so equipped. The other "good news" is that with DLP, if you don't want to get involved in the opening days crowds, the "film" will still look pristine the next weekend.

I have a 52" DLP at home; however, there are some movies that really need a 55' or larger movie screen to produce the proper effect. Unfortunately, that doesn't include most of the current day productions.

Pappy said: "Go COMMERCIAL DLP for movies shot digitally or animation or for audiophiles(uncomped PCM) yes it does make going to the theater fun again! http://www.dlp.com Not employed by TI just a total fanboy!"

Having had the chance to view Cars and a Star Wars movie at the "Legend" in Dallas (just a short run down Central Expressway from TI), I agree. There is no comparison with mechanical, film projection. The technology is now spreading, with AMC having recently equipped 4 of their local (Houston) auditoriums with DLP, and their release noting that all new theatres would be so equipped. The other "good news" is that with DLP, if you don't want to get involved in the opening days crowds, the "film" will still look pristine the next weekend.I'm suspecting the above item was posted to the wrong group, yes?

Originally posted in HOTP
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13957772#post13957772

Critic’s Notes
In praise of 'Boston Legal'
(Really, I mean it).
By Barry Garron, The Hollywood Reporter, in the “Past Deadline” blog, May 27, 2008

If you're a TV critic, it's not cool to write about "Boston Legal." Partly, it's because the show has been around a while, partly because next season will be its last and partly because the series doesn't generate a lot of buzz like some others, such as "Lost" and "Heroes" and even ratings-starved "Gossip Girl."

I'm going to write about it anyway because it's become increasingly obvious that there's nothing like it on TV and because, even with a season to go on ABC, I miss it already.

The show has changed a lot since it morphed in 2004 from the more deathly serious "The Practice." Initially, it used to be more of an ensemble. Also, each hour had at least one wacky case obliquely tied to an important constitutional right or principle. It took a while to find itself. Cast members came and went but, ultimately, it turned into a drama about unflappable Alan Shore (James Spader) and unpredictable Denny Crane (William Shatner) and their unique friendship.

It also became a show about very contemporary issues, a wild and woolly battleground in which debates raged about the ideas behind today's headlines. Yes, at times the show became a podium at which exec producer David E. Kelley lectured us about what was wrong with the country and what simply made no sense. Mostly, though, it was a livelier arena for debate than you were likely to find on any current events or public affairs program.

In the penultimate show this season, Kelley satirized the political nominating process and raged at the idiocy of laws against prostitution. In the season finale, he wrestled with conflicting views -- diametrically opposite views -- over whether sacrificing civil liberties for security is sound policy and whether it is consistent with the country's ideals. (In the process, he transformed Shatner's Crane from a smug buffoon into an intellectual zealot, but that's another story.)

Drama that bursts with honest intellectual conflict simply doesn't exist anywhere else in the vast TV universe. It is as if the essence of editorial and op-ed pages had been distilled, then blended with superb performances to create entertaining and often compelling television.

It's not a perfect show. Practically every season, several cast members are seriously underused. This season, it's John Larroquette and Candice Bergen. At the same time "Boston Legal" is overpopulated with over-the-top characters whose behavioral shtick is too pretentious.

Be that as it may, no series on any network does more to tell stories that stimulate thought than "Boston Legal." I for one will relish every episode of its final season.

http://www.pastdeadline.com/2008/05/...ise-of-bo.html

Pappy said: "Go COMMERCIAL DLP for movies shot digitally or animation or for audiophiles(uncomped PCM) yes it does make going to the theater fun again! http://www.dlp.com Not employed by TI just a total fanboy!"

Having had the chance to view Cars and a Star Wars movie at the "Legend" in Dallas (just a short run down Central Expressway from TI), I agree. There is no comparison with mechanical, film projection. The technology is now spreading, with AMC having recently equipped 4 of their local (Houston) auditoriums with DLP, and their release noting that all new theatres would be so equipped. The other "good news" is that with DLP, if you don't want to get involved in the opening days crowds, the "film" will still look pristine the next weekend.

I have a 52" DLP at home; however, there are some movies that really need a 55' or larger movie screen to produce the proper effect. Unfortunately, that doesn't include most of the current day productions.

As someone else said, this probably should have been sent to me personally or put in another thread under HDTV Programming. But thanks, I appreciate the support. Glad you enjoyed it.

Did anyone notice that BL got an emmy nom for best drama? Come on now. I think what I said before has to be true: The reason BL gets emmy nods is because it preaches to liberal Hollywood with its politics. Nothing more.

Did anyone notice that BL got an emmy nom for best drama? Come on now. I think what I said before has to be true: The reason BL gets emmy nods is because it preaches to liberal Hollywood with its politics. Nothing more.
I agree that BL getting an Emmy nomination for Best Drama is silly because the show is a comedy, pure and simple. David Kelley’s sometimes over the top political messages notwithstanding, I love the show because it’s funny, often very funny. Only the truest of True Believers in Kelley’s politics could take it seriously, it seems to me.

Did anyone notice that BL got an emmy nom for best drama? Come on now. I think what I said before has to be true: The reason BL gets emmy nods is because it preaches to liberal Hollywood with its politics. Nothing more.

AhhhEeeeehhhh! The liberals are coming, the liberals are coming. Land, sea and airwaves .... Quick get my gun! ;) :D .... "Denny Crane"

Did anyone notice that BL got an emmy nom for best drama? Come on now. I think what I said before has to be true: The reason BL gets emmy nods is because it preaches to liberal Hollywood with its politics. Nothing more.

Just another quote from a paranoid, conspiracy-driven, conservative.

Ya know, after years of this paranoid garbage from both liberals AND conservatives, it's just getting a bit old and has relegated itself to the art of "whining".

Fact is, is that MOST people have liberal views on some subjects and conservative views on other subjects. The ones that are TOTALLY liberal or conservative on ALL subjects are considered "extremists" and are at the far end of both spectrums and as such, they are not worth anyones time or effort to discuss.

Irks me when people brings up crap like this. Boston Legal KNEW that it would be controversial to write scripts as they did, and as such, drew attention to itself. That's why they did it. They were soooooo over the top, that I find it incredible that anyone would take that stuff seriously enough to say that "it preaches to Hollywood liberalism". There are many issues that I take a liberal bent on, and yet, when BL aligned itself with some of my beliefs, I, at times, had to cringe a bit and laugh at myself.

Give it a rest, Pappy. No conspiracy here. But I DO find it odd that they considered it a drama and not a comedy. That in itself is kinda funny.

The fact that it got an Emmy nod at all is enough to trashcan the whole Emmy award thing, there were far better shows overlooked to make room for BL. Take a look at the TCA awards, it's a much better reflection of quality TV.

The fact that it got an Emmy nod at all is enough to trashcan the whole Emmy award thing, there were far better shows overlooked to make room for BL. Take a look at the TCA awards, it's a much better reflection of quality TV.

I kinda feel the same way about Sundance, Canes, and the Golden Globes versus Oscar.

BL was a great show though, until near the end. Died a slow death.

The Oscars are the only awards that I take the slightest bit seriously. The rest range from irrelevant to just plain silly, it seems to me. The Emmys long ago lost what little credibility, if any, they may once have had.

can;t wait to sept 8th ,2008 monday new season @9pm

BL was a great show though, until near the end. Died a slow death.

It's not dead yet. One more season to go.

I thought it was cancelled. Didn't know that there was one more season. Thanks for the info.

Lucky me I still can see my favorite actress monica potter (http://www.monica-potter.com) in the show. I also can;t wait to sept 8th ,2008 monday new season @9pm

http://www.monica-potter.com/pictures/26.jpg

Gentleman (and ladies) start your DVR's
Boston Legal Season Premiere tonight 10PM!

Denny Crane :D

Power willing and the creek don't rise !!!

Power willing and the creek don't rise !!!

I got the generator all hooked up and ready. :D

Boston Legal AND Heroes season premiere tonight. Thank God for multituner DVRs. ;)

Thank God for multituner DVRs. ;)
+1
Has to be one of the best ideas ever!

+1
Has to be one of the best ideas ever!

It would be if Comcast had temporary power for their nodes down here in Houston. It hasn't stopped ATT from providing phone and DSL service with "high tech" gas generators if required. So...it's between BL and CSI-Miami at 9 PM.

It would be if Comcast had temporary power for their nodes down here in Houston. It hasn't stopped ATT from providing phone and DSL service with "high tech" gas generators if required. So...it's between BL and CSI-Miami at 9 PM.

Yeah, it's interesting to see all of those generators locked up next to all of those AT&T boxes.

A very predictable episode last night, I hope we can get at least a few good ones in this final season.

Power is on and the creek didn't rise !! Woo-hoo !! I thought it was a great episode ---maybe because I wasn't watching it on a battery powered 4" black and white TV !!!

Power is on and the creek didn't rise !! Woo-hoo !! I thought it was a great episode ---maybe because I wasn't watching it on a battery powered 4" black and white TV !!!

It was a good episode. Dancing with the cheerleader outfit was :rolleyes:. I'm still trying to figure out why they think Candice Bergen is so hot. :confused:

Anyway, I'm still on generator. My next door neighbor has power, but we're still in the dark.

Haven't watched the episode yet.

However I did see Tara Summers at the Emmy's Sunday night. (http://img151.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=53704_tara_summers_celebutopia.net_122_1130lo. jpg)

WOW!! VavavaVOOM!!!

Decent ep, but I didn't like them going back to tobacco. Recall that the first major case on The Practice was Lindsey's tobacco case.

The BL one at least went to trial which is nice, but I didn't like David E. Kelley dipping into the well. (And if you are going to dip into the well, at least bring back a prominent atty from The Practice for a case against Alan Shore for this farewell to the DEK Practice/BL universe).

The daydream montage was pure Allie McBeal.

Noticed there were no comments on the cast diminution...

No more Saffron Burrows, no more Taraji P. Henson, no more Gary Anthony Williams.

In fact, notice how many actors have come and gone (http://www.boston-legal.org/cast.shtml) from this show over the years...

I still miss Rhona Mitra.

I still miss Rhona Mitra.I also liked the first female office character in Alan's life, Lake Bell.

I still miss Rhona Mitra.
I came in to BL only two years ago... so I guess I missed her :(
She positively kicks a$$ in "Doomsday", has to be one of the best female action roles ever. Not to mention the form-fitting (and she does have a gorgeous figure) outfits she wears in the movie. If you liked Kate Beckinsale in the Underworld movies, check out "Doomsday" with Rhona Mitra... you won't regret it.

Noticed there were no comments on the cast diminution...

No more Saffron Burrows, no more Taraji P. Henson, no more Gary Anthony Williams.
Well, in all fairness to BL.... it was only the first episode of the season. Is there any official notice that the old cast is gone?
At least Mark Valley got some work on "Fringe".

I can't remember if any of them were in the opening credits, but I checked out http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=001654&type=lead and they are not listed as cast members and are not in any of the upcoming episodes

As opposed to most previous episodes, there was really just one story line this time - other than Denny's problem with his "junk". Custom has been to try 2 or 3 cases each episode, besides the obligatory Denny meanderings. Wonder if this is going to become a new standard?

Custom has been to try 2 or 3 cases each episode, besides the obligatory Denny meanderings. Wonder if this is going to become a new standard?

There are two cases in each of the next two episodes.

Terrible and boring episode. Just one long rant against "big tobacco". Ho hum.

Last week "big tobacco", this week "big pharmaceutical". Guess "big oil" is certain to come up soon. Would love to see "big cable TV" get the treatment before the series ends. Nice to see DEK showing some restraint in the stretch run :D

Denny quote of the episode: "Our last year?? Aren't there any time-slots we haven't tried yet?".

Nice to see DEK showing some restraint in the stretch run :D

What did you expect to happen? :)

If thine eye offends ye, pluck it out. :p

Last week "big tobacco", this week "big pharmaceutical". Guess "big oil" is certain to come up soon. Would love to see "big cable TV" get the treatment before the series ends. Nice to see DEK showing some restraint in the stretch run :D

Denny quote of the episode: "Our last year?? Aren't there any time-slots we haven't tried yet?".

I've loved this season so far. The premiere's Big Tobacco plot was excellent as well as this week's Big Pharma. I hope the trial continues into next week(probably will). For a series finale, I'd like to see Alan Shore take on Big Oil. That's why I've always loved Alan Shore's cases and closing arguments. They go beyond just a story into real life and real issues.

Also, in the finale, I'd love to see Denny Crane shoot Melvin Palmer(Christopher Rich), the annoying southern "hoot" lawyer. He's always been a bit annoying before, but last night's handling of the rape case, from making a settlement into a game show and his actions in court, he really proved to be a douche. Kudos to the new confident Jerry for poking fun at him.

And I loved the Denny lines at the end of the show. Such a true commentary on how awful ABC has treated BL over the years. First they tried to dump it in favor of Grey's Anatomy. Then it was bounced around between different nights. "Are there any time slots we haven't tried yet?" Probably not. Plus I loved Alan saying "live each year like it is your last". Also true about BL.

I've loved this season so far. The premiere's Big Tobacco plot was excellent as well as this week's Big Pharma. I hope the trial continues into next week(probably will). For a series finale, I'd like to see Alan Shore take on Big Oil. That's why I've always loved Alan Shore's cases and closing arguments. They go beyond just a story into real life and real issues.


Regardless of who they take on, we should see Alan Shore vs. Bobby Donald (if DEK can get McDermott to come back for the BL finale) with Judge Eugene Young (if DEK can get Steve Harris...) presiding. And DEK should give both guys equally captivating cross-exams and closings.

THAT would be the ultimate. And please spare us the "Give it up already" comments. The end of the DEK Practice/BL universe is quickly approaching and to give it justice, we should have Alan Shore vs. Bobby Donald.

If not that Alan Shore vs. Lindsey, or Shore vs. Eleanor, or Shore vs. Rebecca, or even Shore vs. Jimmy (with his associate, Jamie).

Fans of the DEK Practice/BL deserve not only that, but to also give them a fair case that could go both ways and equally riveting crosses and closings. That's the ONLY way to go out in style.

Despite Kelley's often tiresome political rants, I love this show because of its warmth and wry humor. When I get tired of the rants, which usually come in the form of jury arguments bashing business or extolling government, I just fast forward until something funny is happening. It never takes long. :)

I loved last night's episode. Typical of Kelley, it wouldn't bear a moments analysis but it was VERY funny. I thought that Denny's problems with his "blood flow monitor" were hysterical, added to by his obvious prurient interest in the aging but still beautiful dominatrix who was the judge in this week's trial.

Despite the preposterousness of the central concept of this week's show, I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Alan for having let himself get maneuvered into defending the former love of his life's husband on a murder charge. Boston Legal is always good but I thought this episode was exceptional.

Monday's episode was one of the best ever. Episodes like that are why this show get the nominations and awards.

It was a very good episode, based on the old movie Witness for the Prosecution.

I enjoyed last night's ep, but I can't believe people are raving about it. It's obvious DEK has nothing left and is dipping in the well.

First in this short season he gives us a fight against Big Tobacco, just like season 1 of the Practice.

And last night reminded me very much of several cases from The Practice where a witness fooled Bobby Donald into attacking them to help get someone off. Can't name a specific case, but it's been done by DEK several times before.

If DEK is going to dip into the well, why not call up the out-of-work actors who starred in The Practice and bring them in for a huge case against Alan Shore?

Does anyone think there is a better way to go out than a Bobby Donald vs. Alan Shore case in which DEK gives both characters the great cross-exams and closings we've seen on The Practice and BL?

Remember that in December we are not just getting a Series Finale, but a Universe Finale as this will be the closure on the DEK Practice/BL Universe. It's bigger than just Boston Legal.

I wonder if this episode (10/20/2008) foreshadowed the end of the series?

Will Alan (or Denny) be disbarred when appearing before the Supreme Court? What will be the timeline?

1) On Tuesday Alan appears before the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, he and Denny get disbarred.
2) On Tuesday Alan (and Denny) get disbarred. On Wednesday Alan appears before the Supreme Court.
3) On Tuesday, while Alan is appearing before the Supreme Court in Washington; in Boston he and Denny are being disbarred.


Oh, and I loved Alan's throwaway line - "and I thought I was the star (of the show)" :)

I agree. This season is supposed to be a short season. Only eight episodes if I remember correctly. So, I think it's going to end sooner rather than later.

I hope it doesn't end with Denny and Alan getting disbarred, but it looks like that's the way it's headed.

By the way, these aren't spoilers. The episode has already aired and everything discussed here is purely speculation. :)

Well Denny getting disbarred would probably be seen as a public service (and would preserve his "never lost- never will" record) :D
... but it would be a shame if Alan got disbarred along with him. I know it's just TV- but it would be a bummer to see them go out this way after everything that they've been through.

By the way, these aren't spoilers. The episode has already aired and everything discussed here is purely speculation. :)

I agree that they aren't spoilers but nobody had said a thing about the episode two days after it aired here. Well it aired at 10 pm on Monday night on the Providence, RI station but at 1 am Wednesday morning on the Boston station.

So I didn't know if anyone else had seen it. :confused:

This week's episode was the weakest I can remember, way too much time spent on Kelley's political rants and way too little on stuff that was funny. Yuk! Maybe it really is time to wrap up the series.

Time to end it alright.

I was late finding this series, perhaps because of the way The Practice deteriorated and then morphed into BL put me off. But I find the comedy engaging, and although I was never a Shatner fan, I think he has found his place in this series.

But the courtroom "drama" and the 15 minute legal triumphs as platforms for inane politcal speeches that are often a misstatement of fact, but with everyone so struck by the summary that they are hanging on Shore's every word--but the skip button on the DVR cures that.

Take the idea that the military exploits the poor. Here is chart from a scholarly study (not biased to either side as far as I can tell, but you may suspect to the right).

http://www.heritage.org/research/nationalsecurity/upload/85092_1.gif

Anyway there are usually 15 to 30 minutes worth watching in each hour. The balcony endings are often very good, but the idea of the program as a bully pulpit for social causes has overstayed its welcom.

Time to end it alright.

I was late finding this series, perhaps because of the way The Practice deteriorated and then morphed into BL put me off. But I find the comedy engaging, and although I was never a Shatner fan, I think he has found his place in this series.

But the courtroom "drama" and the 15 minute legal triumphs as platforms for inane politcal speeches that are often a misstatement of fact, but with everyone so struck by the summary that they are hanging on Shore's every word--but the skip button on the DVR cures that.

Take the idea that the military exploits the poor. Here is chart from a scholarly study (not biased to either side as far as I can tell, but you may suspect to the right).

http://www.heritage.org/research/nationalsecurity/upload/85092_1.gif

Anyway there are usually 15 to 30 minutes worth watching in each hour. The balcony endings are often very good, but the idea of the program as a bully pulpit for social causes has overstayed its welcom.
I agree entirely that Kelley's left wing rants are biased. But worse than that, they aren't funny. When Kelley sticks to humor he is a master, politics, alas, not so much.

Because of how dreadful Kelley's unfunny political stuff is I fast forward through most of it. Also, I try never to think too deeply about the parts I end up watching, for this way lies madness. :)

I don't see why DEK can't make the final few eps humor + courtroom drama for interesting cases, NOT humor + politics (using the courtroom for political rants).

You know what they could do?

See if Dylan McDermott is available and have Bobby Donald vs. Alan Shore in a non-political courtroom case for the series/universe finale. :-) (You all know it's a good idea even you continue to ignore it). ;-)

That was pretty bad last night.

Looking forward to next week though with the return of Denise (Julie Bowen)

Only funny line:
"you're an extra, be quiet"

It's the Denny and Alan show.

I love Boston Legal; but the Dude Ranch show was the worst ever!

I love Boston Legal; but the Dude Ranch show was the worst ever!

Really? I thought is was very funny.

Paintball fight. :) :D :) :D :) :D

The paintball fight was hilarious!

My wife and I haven't watched the paintball episode yet but we thought the dude ranch episode was hilarious!

The "One Day At A Time" reference was cute.

I liked last night's episode. It was quite clear, to me at least, that Kelley himself wrote this one. Its left-wing Democratic bias was palpable but it was REALLY funny anyway. I loved the political argument between Denny and Alan that culminated in the paint ball fight. I always enjoy the sequences that feature Christian Clemenson as Jerry but he was particularly effective in this week's episode.

I liked last night's episode. It was quite clear, to me at least, that Kelley himself wrote this one.

You are correct.

"Mad Cows" was written by David E. Kelley and directed by Steve Robin.
http://www.abcmedianet.com/assets/pr/html/102008_03.html

You are correct.

"Mad Cows" was written by David E. Kelley and directed by Steve Robin.
http://www.abcmedianet.com/assets/pr/html/102008_03.html

The only thing that was missing was at the end of the episode...

Alan and Denny on the patio, in walks Barack Obama and says.

"I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this episode"

I liked how Denny explained his (bulge) by saying it was "Valerie's fault."

Denny - "Oh No. A whole show about abortion. I can just hear people switching off." :D

so how many episodes are left?

so how many episodes are left?
It was renewed for 13 episodes (http://www.buddytv.com/articles/boston-legal/boston-legal-ends-at-season-5-19368.aspx) they've aired 8 (including "Roe") so far. :(

It was renewed for 13 episodes (http://www.buddytv.com/articles/boston-legal/boston-legal-ends-at-season-5-19368.aspx) they've aired 8 (including "Roe") so far. :(

The finale is 2 hours, so there should be 4 more episodes.

"pappy97" is going to be upset as they broke The Practice > Boston Legal time line continuance again. The DA in Virginia was they same guy who used to play the Boston DA on The Practice.

This show is growing old on me, the cases are all too predictable, and the political stuff is getting old. If this wasn't the last season I would give up on it, but I'll watch the rest of them hoping for some good moments. I think next week will be a "hoot".

So Alan does lose. :) Not like Denny Crane :)

Tonight's episode "Thanksgiving" should be .....um ...... interesting?
Could you imaging the full (current) cast together in one place at the same time.... May even make the Griswold family look normal by comparison :D

I've been watching the reruns on ION TV. Hilarious!!

What a disappointing episode tonight. With only a few episodes left, TV's lone remaining 100% legal/courtroom drama gave us an episode without a case. No legal drama (although I suppose law firm drama), no courtroom action.

DEK has even been recently quoted as saying he didn't see The Practice series finale as a true finale, since BL was a spinoff continuing on the universe. He sees the BL finale as the real finale. Hopefully he doesn't disappoint as he did tonight.

I thought that was a wonderful episode which pushed the series towards its finale. There were more plot developments as to how Crane, Poole and Schmidt will close or why the partners will leave.

I don't know what "The Practice" is or why Boston Legal should have anything to do with it but I always thought BL was about the PEOPLE who worked in the law firm and the cases were just vehicles for DK to rant.

What a disappointing episode tonight...No legal drama, no courtroom action.
I've had enough of DEK's pontifications in the last few episodes to last a lifetime. Last night's episode provided a much needed break. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments, many involving Melvin Palmer. The dinner table scenes were hilarious as expected.
Overall.... it was a double hoot- that's what it was :D:D

That was an awful episode. Because there are only a few left I will stay until the end to see how it winds down, otherwise that would have been it for me last night.

i guess it is in the eye of the beholder because i thought it was a great episode :), very funny.

count me in the crowd who says boring episode.

I can't wait to see Shirley Schmidt and Carl Sack get married.

I just hope Shirley doesn't decide to hyphenate: Shirley Schmidt-Sack ;), not the best combination. ;):p:p

How out of place was "Turnip" Graves? Was this DEK's Obama?

I normally hate the political pontifications on this show. But what the heck, as Mr. Poole says, "Crane, Poole & Shmidt is cancelled".

Count me among those who loved this week's Thanksgiving episode. I'm just a holiday kind of guy, I guess. I have trained myself not to be bothered by Kelley's tiresome -- not to mention usually unconvincing -- political rants. Thus, I enjoyed the warmth and humor of this week's show.

Jerry and Katie's relationship still doesn't work for me. It's been clear all along that Jerry was in love with her, so his having expressed it this week was redundant. I keep thinking that Katie might actually entertain a real romance with Jerry but there was nothing in their scenes in this week's episode to support that. We still have 3 episodes to go, though, so maybe lightning will strike. I hope so.

So they are going to run the last two episodes next week starting at 9pm and that's it. Gonna miss this show.

Me too. ABC will fill this hour with cheaper reality crap starting in January.

So they are going to run the last two episodes next week starting at 9pm and that's it. Gonna miss this show.

I haven't checked my DVR today; however, the MNF game on ESP was carried in Houston INSTEAD of the regular ABC prime time schedule. Samantha Who? and Boston Legal were supposed to run beginning at @ 12:35. I think they were about 15 min late, so I set my DVR to begin at 12:50.

If this is the case, you can probably get the BL episode at ABC.com.

I didn't notice we were so close to the end, I expected it to run to May

Decent ep, but come on? The only bone thrown to "The Practice" is the ringtone on Catherine Piper's phone? DEK can do better than that, especially when he conceded that this is a Practice/BL universe finale as he didn't feel like The Practice was a true series finale because of BL.

Sorry "pappy97" but according to the press release there are no former Practice stars on the final episode.

I didn't much like this week's episode. It did have a couple of good moments, though. When Alan walked into Denny's office and found him zoned out sitting at his desk, Denny told Alan about what he thought had been a dream and then asked, "Were my eyes closed when you came in?" Alan looked stricken for a moment, and then lied and said, "Yeah, you must have nodded off." That was nice. I also liked the promise the episode showed that Jerry and Katie may get together romantically, after all.

Even though us "fans" nitpick over certain aspects of each episode and from time to time complain about DEK's political rants- one thing we probably all agree on is... we'll certainly miss BL once it's gone!
First they cancel Las Vegas, now BL ... maybe Carl Sack was right- not many shows with 50+ year old stars. Funny thing is, the old timers gave both shows that certain something that kept me coming back week after week. Once James Caan left Las Vegas, the show quickly went down hill and I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling that if Shat had left BL before it's run was over- there wouldn't be much reason to watch BL any longer.
Oh well, guess all good things......

Even though us "fans" nitpick over certain aspects of each episode and from time to time complain about DEK's political rants- one thing we probably all agree on is... we'll certainly miss BL once it's gone!
First they cancel Las Vegas, now BL ... maybe Carl Sack was right- not many shows with 50+ year old stars. Funny thing is, the old timers gave both shows that certain something that kept me coming back week after week. Once James Caan left Las Vegas, the show quickly went down hill and I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling that if Shat had left BL before it's run was over- there wouldn't be much reason to watch BL any longer.
Oh well, guess all good things......

Well said...I'm 45, and the reality TV does NOTHING for me.

Hello Folks - I only found BL last year. What a great show. I didn't realize it was ending this season until I saw the hints being dropped in the shows.

My only issue with politicization of the show is the fact that the conservative side of issues is typically a strawman, in the form of a old man suffering from Mad Cow.

I find Alan Shore's arguments thought provoking, but if there was a strong counter-argument included, it would have been an amazing show indeed.

snash22 -- For peace of mind, it's better to simply ignore Kelley's frequent left wing rants because of how righteous and unfunny he can get. That said, he is a funny dude and Boston Legal has been a great series. I will miss it.

Can't believe it's last call for BL tonight- Sniff... sniff.... :(
Wonder if DEK has any TV projects in the pipeline?

I think he's got a legal-comedy project(Legally Mad) about a father-daughter law firm that should air on NBC hopefully. Check the HOTP thread for more info http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=838060&page=434

Can't believe it's last call for BL tonight- Sniff... sniff.... :(I opened this thread back at the start of the 2005 season because I was hysterical that Rhona Mitra was being cut from the show. A lot has come and gone in the past four seasons... in the way of femininity. I did think the Saffron Burrows story line didn't take maximum advantage of her acting talents (although, as with all of them, she had an ongoing affair with Alan).

Anyway, in honor of the final night, here's that opening post from September 2005.

--------------------------------------------------------

Unbelievable!

I thought Rhona Mitra had done her part on the new season of "Nip/Tuck" during hiatus from "Boston Legal". But now I learn that she's actually been cut from "Boston Legal"!

And Monica Potter is gone as well!

And Lake Bell was axed at episode 5 of season 1.

What is David Kelley thinking? I guess this is the new David Kelley... of "Girls Club" and "The Law Firm" fame (two stinkers which are long-since canceled). He's clearly lost his touch and insight.

Instead, they've apparently brought in someone (never heard of her) named Julie Bowen, from "Ed" and "Jake In Progress" (neither of which I watched), supposedly to give the show more of a comedy tilt rather than drama!!! WTF??

And Candice Bergen goes full-time.

Well, I can only say I'm very disappointed, but I still will tune in... at least for the first few episodes of the new season. Presumably the final four episodes from season 1, which got postponed to begin season 2 will still have Potter and Mitra, after which they'll disappear.

I'm hoping the writing is still A-1, but I'm not optimistic if they're now going to push "comedy".

"Retooling"... way to kill a show. Think super-smart terrific original "Boomtown" and "Karen Sisco", which only got worse and then withered away to die once the retooling jocks had at it to make the shows "more appealing to the masses".

Hey, I thought "Boston Legal" was my most favorite, most enjoyable, best written, best acted series from last season. I don't know why they had to change anything.

Anyway... at least Rhona Mitra is on "Nip/Tuck" where she can finally get some significant screen time. I think she's terrific.

DSperber,

Interesting post on my wife's favorite show. How about some pictures of the women you bring up in your first post. We're too old to remember that far back.

Jack

DSperber,How about some pictures of the women you bring up in your first post.
Here's Rhona Metra from "Doomsday" (2008): http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTI5MzM5NDU3Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY4Mzc1MQ@@._V1._SX485_ SY323_.jpghttp://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTI5MzM5NDU3Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY4Mzc1MQ@@._V1._SX485_ SY323_.jpg

Me too. ABC will fill this hour with cheaper reality crap starting in January.
I also noticed that. With the end of this show, along with three other ABC shows being canceled, the only ABC shows I will be watching will be Life On Mars, holding my breath it won't get canceled, and the final season of Scrubs.

Sorry "pappy97" but according to the press release there are no former Practice stars on the final episode.

Just confirmed now with the airing. Goddamn David E Kelley, f*** him.

Decent finale though, but it was 100% a Boston Legal finale, NOT a Practice/Boston Legal universe finale.

And then there were zero 100% legal/courtroom dramas. So now what? We cave in and watch Law & Order, which, AT BEST, is 50% crime/50% legal/courtroom, but main of the LO spinoffs (like SVU) end up being 75% crime, 25% legal/courtroom.

For old times sake, here my first post in this thread, I believe from 2005:
I guess I am the only one bothered by the fact that BL, the only 100% legal/courtroom drama on TV, doesn't do as well it should in the ratings...it consistently gets the crap beat out of it by, L&O: SVU, which should be called O:SVU, because there is very little courtroom drama in it.

IMHO, David E Kelley can do as he pleases with expressing his views, as long as he gives us exciting courtroom drama (and perhaps gets ABC to stop screwing over the show as it has ever since it hit the airwaves!)

I think L&O's days are numbered too, especially after the Jay Leno announcement on NBC, discussed here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093809)

Chang, Poole & Schmidt....LOL

Great finale.....it will be missed...

Well the legacy survives, Denny never lost... even when he tried to.

RIP Boston Legal :(

I'm down to a single ABC show now (Life on Mars).
Zero for CBS- except for Jets games.
Rest of my TV viewing is Fox/NBC and cable channels.

Love it...hate it...or indifferent (we loved it), BL had some of the best picture quality of all the shows we watch.

(OTA-Dallas through a TiVo S3)

Other than B/L, the only other show of DEKs I ever watched was Boston Public. Both shows I Ind (found) VERY entertaining. I would say last night's episode was not as good as the recent Thanksgiving gathering they all had.

What's the deal with DEK? He's TREMENDOUSDLY political. I don't care for it.

I appreciated the ending scene. Denny dancing and not caring about his loss with the firm. Like he had enough money and his best friend in the whole world right with him at that moment...cool

( Oh yeh. One other awesome part of this show is the opening song and sound effects...Like Jerry's mouth pop. I will miss this greatly! )

Plenty of reruns on ION-TV for those that miss it already. Just finished watching one at 8, another one is at 10.

Thank you....

Love it...hate it...or indifferent (we loved it), BL had some of the best picture quality of all the shows we watch.

Indeed. Without a doubt the best looking HD on the 'Networks'. Great picture. Even my wife would point out just about every week how great this show looked.

Just discovered this thread. See the last post was 2 months ago. The local ABC station (in SF) is running 2005 episodes on Sat. and Sun. nites.

ION runs them as well - but not watching since they aren't in HD. WGN seems to be running them (but I don't think U.S. cable carries their HD feed like the Canadian sat. systems do.)

I went back and read some of the past posts over the past year. I am surprised that the 2 or 3 right-wingers here, while complaining vehemently against the "left wing rants", still enjoyed the show.
I thought Alan Shore's soliloquies were highlights of many of the episodes. Not all could be considered left wing. Anti tobacco, environment etc. I liked the one where he railed against the drug companies for promoting almost non-existent diseases like "restless leg syndrome".
Just watched an old episode where they made an issue of the U.S. ignoring the genocide in Darfur.
There were also a couple episodes where they brought in Rev. Sharpton for cameo appearances. Even tho i consider Sharpton and Jackson "race pimps" - i can appreciate a little humor, even from them.
IOW, I guess even if we don't agree w. all the political views - we can appreciate a well written show.

...mike

Once West Wing went off the air - this was the only series show we regularly recorded. The only other show we record/watch regularly is John Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Sometimes K. Olberman and R. Madow. Once a week, or so, will watch Fox News for a little fiction and distortion.

ION is supposed to go HD today, presumably they will run Boston Legal in HD. I did not know WGN had BL but they are carried by Dish in HD.

I need a new legal show like the Practice, 1/4 to 1/2 of Law and Order isn't cutting it.

ION is supposed to go HD today, presumably they will run Boston Legal in HD.
... you never know- Sci-Fi is HD now, but episodes of Star Trek Enterprise are still shown in SD. Depends if the network wants to shell out for new HD broadcast masters.

ION is supposed to go HD today

Launch pushed back to March 16 due to DTV transition delay.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15833999&postcount=30244

Will Comcast add the HD version of ION? In the Bkly/Okld area they list 50+ HD channels altho 10-15 of them have little HD. Our other home in Miami has much fewer.

...mike

... you never know- Sci-Fi is HD now, but episodes of Star Trek Enterprise are still shown in SD. Depends if the network wants to shell out for new HD broadcast masters.

Its thought HDNet has exclusive rights to the HD versions but your point is taken.

Unbelievable!

I thought Rhona Mitra had done her part on the new season of "Nip/Tuck" during hiatus from "Boston Legal". But now I learn that she's actually been cut from "Boston Legal"!

And Monica Potter is gone as well!

And Lake Bell was axed at episode 5 of season 1.

What is David Kelley thinking? I guess this is the new David Kelley... of "Girls Club" and "The Law Firm" fame (two stinkers which are long-since canceled). He's clearly lost his touch and insight.

Instead, they've apparently brought in someone (never heard of her) named Julie Bowen, from "Ed" and "Jake In Progress" (neither of which I watched), supposedly to give the show more of a comedy tilt rather than drama!!! WTF??

And Candice Bergen goes full-time.

Well, I can only say I'm very disappointed, but I still will tune in... at least for the first few episodes of the new season. Presumably the final four episodes from season 1, which got postponed to begin season 2 will still have Potter and Mitra, after which they'll disappear.

I'm hoping the writing is still A-1, but I'm not optimistic if they're now going to push "comedy".

"Retooling"... way to kill a show. Think super-smart terrific original "Boomtown" and "Karen Sisco", which only got worse and then withered away to die once the retooling jocks had at it to make the shows "more appealing to the masses".

Hey, I thought "Boston Legal" was my most favorite, most enjoyable, best written, best acted series from last season. I don't know why they had to change anything.

Anyway... at least Rhona Mitra is on "Nip/Tuck" where she can finally get some significant screen time. I think she's terrific.

Yeah, but brought in Kerry Washington, albeit for a short time (Kerry, featured in last weekend's episode of Boston Legal, "Race Ipsa") is on David Letterman Wednesday night, May 5, 2010):

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff333/JeffZX/kerry-loreal.jpg

who found Alan Shore very attractive (shared a few intimate moments).

As opposed to attorney Whitney Rome who found him "too old and too fat". Ouch!

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff333/JeffZX/0ab59d04-efd5-0767-2877-1179ed29375.jpg

But I think the show did become too much of a parody in the later seasons. The show has been given new life by its syndication on weekend nights.

I have made it a habit to watch Boston League late night every Sunday as my local affiliate shows it in HD (and in my opinion Boston Legal has better HD quality than any other syndicated show), and the station has been showing them in chronological order so you can follow the story arc. However, as of next week the show is being yanked off of not only my local officiate but also off the SF affiliate (which had showed episodes Saturday and Sunday), and off of WGN-HD. Is this just a coincidence? Is the show no longer being offered in syndication? If so, seems too much of coincidence that all stations would pull it at the same time, even if we are beginning a new TV year. To that end, I would be interested to hear if other affiliates are continuing to show Boston Legal in HD next week (and, therefore, presumably for at least the fall season). Thanks.

While searching for syndication news (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-6166671-504083.html)for the show I saw where actor Justin Mentell was killed in a vehicle accident on February 2, 2010.


http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff333/JeffZX/images.jpg

I have made it a habit to watch Boston League late night every Sunday as my local affiliate shows it in HD (and in my opinion Boston Legal has better HD quality than any other syndicated show), and the station has been showing them in chronological order so you can follow the story arc. However, as of next week the show is being yanked off of not only my local officiate but also off the SF affiliate (which had showed episodes Saturday and Sunday), and off of WGN-HD. Is this just a coincidence? Is the show no longer being offered in syndication? If so, seems too much of coincidence that all stations would pull it at the same time, even if we are beginning a new TV year. To that end, I would be interested to hear if other affiliates are continuing to show Boston Legal in HD next week (and, therefore, presumably for at least the fall season). Thanks.

After reading your post, I checked the schedule for local affiliate WEWS in Cleveland. Indeed BL has been pulled off the schedule for other shows. Something doesn't add up.

I know that BL was pulled from ION a couple of years ago, but one would assume that had to do with their bankruptcy. I know that TV Land had the rights too, but it doesn't show up on their schedule much.

I can only guess that someone else has bought exclusive rights to the show. I just hope it is a HD station.

it's on TV Land every week day at 8 AM EST

it's on TV Land every week day at 8 AM EST

But not in HD, which is a great appeal for the show since the HD really sparkles on Boston Legal.

After reading your post, I checked the schedule for local affiliate WEWS in Cleveland. Indeed BL has been pulled off the schedule for other shows. Something doesn't add up.

I know that BL was pulled from ION a couple of years ago, but one would assume that had to do with their bankruptcy. I know that TV Land had the rights too, but it doesn't show up on their schedule much.

I can only guess that someone else has bought exclusive rights to the show. I just hope it is a HD station.

Maybe it will come out on Blu-Ray? I don't understand why some lower rated shows come out on Blu-Ray while more renowned shows such as Boston Legal and Two and a Half Men (especially a big hit like Two-and-a-Half Men which would be a big seller on Blu-Ray - the only reasoanble reason for the omission would be to "protect syndication") have never made it to Blu-Ray.

But would be interesting to find out why Boston Legal is being yanked off affiliates nationwide.

Topics merged. Topic title edited.

We watched some of the Sat/Sun showings on SF ABC (KGO). Didn't know it was being yanked until I saw this posted here. Last week's are still on DVR as we haven't watched them yet.

Shat turns 80 today: http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/william-shatner-favorite-roles-19401/
Looks pretty good for his age....