"Boston Legal" Season Two Talkback (Spoilers)

[The Penguin]

Denny Crane. I've been getting a fair amount of love for my Bill Shatner avatar this summer so I figured I'd better keep it until the season premiere of Boston Legal which is tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. After losing its spot to Grey's Anatomy, BL is back with an extended season featuring some episode produced for season one.


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"The Black Widow"
Air Date: 09/27/2005

In the season premiere episode - “The Black Widow” - Alan Shore and Brad Chase represent Kelly Nolan (Heather Locklear), a cold-as-ice- beauty dubbed “The Black Widow” by the media, on trial for poisoning her wealthy and much older husband. Denny Crane lusts after Mrs. Nolan and begs Shore to let him lend a hand in any way possible. Denise Bauer enlists junior associates Garrett Wells and Sara Holt to assist her on a case involving a Jewish man who feels his civil rights were violated when his Christian co-workers held Bible readings in the workplace. To complicate matters, Denise’s husband serves her with divorce papers in front of them. Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt and Tara Wilson (Rhona Mitra) defend a respected surgeon accused of sexually assaulting a mute woman, who ultimately testifies by very unconventional means. Shore is taken aback when he finds out that opposing counsel on the case is Tara’s former lover, Malcolm Holmes (Rupert Everett).

Comments?

[Condiment King]

I really liked the episode, which was better than the last half of season 1, surprisingly. I don't know if I like the dangling plotline of Alan's secretary and the compulsive killer, which was the main annoyance.

Heather Locklear actually didn't take away from the plot like I was expecting. Boston Legal certainly has become a beehive for stars of previous successes; however, it manages to fit as well. Alan Shore and Denny Crain were their usual great selves. Nothing really stood out to me particularly about this episode.

I really liked the new characters, which surprised me. I like the potential budding romance there, as well as the humor of the video constantly with Bill Clinton popping up. Its awkward but BL was always good for that. I'll miss the ones that are leaving (or have already left), particularly Lori, I always thought that they were going to do something with her but never came around to doing it. Brad liked her too, which I always wanted to see played out.

Speaking of Brad, I'm glad that he finally freaking got a speaking part later on in the episode. It seems like he's just in the background to be there or be fluffed up by Alan. I'll always contend that Shirley Schmidt is not an interesting enough character to be in the limelight when there is so much potential in Brad Chase. Hope it goes somewhere this season.

Finally, I'll miss Tara. She's been connected to Alan Shore and ABC legal shows since The Practice, which is also a good show. Tara is just so witty and charming without even saying anything. Its a pity that she has been lost to nip/tuck. Her current plotline with her ex-boyfriend (assumedly originally drawn up for the end of season 1 as her exit) is really interesting though. In the previews for next week, Alan mentioned that he's losing Tara when he sees her laughing with her ex. I can't wait for the confrontation.

Good stuff as usual.

[The Penguin]

Well CK, despite all the love my avatar got (changing it tomorrow), it looks like we'll be making this a thread for the season starting next week. :shrug:

Good to see Anthony Heald (Boston Public's Scott Guber) back on a Kelley show as Judge Harvey Cooper. I hope we'll see him beyond the end of Alan's current case. It made me think though of something kind of funny though, Steven Harper was introduced in this universe last season and now Guber is a judge. Of course, he was a different judge on The Practice and Rene Auberjonois was Emmy-nominated for his guest spot as Practice Judge Mantz. Still interesting though.

The whole mute with the cello thing was about what I would expect from something with Kelley's name on it, but it was kind of funny. If I was on the jury I think it would be tough to side with someone who plays the Wicked Witch of the West theme as the defense lawyer goes back to her seat. Glad to see Schmidt win that one. He's not noted for much, but I like seeing Richard Portnow as Judge Harding.

Catherine should really stay away from Bernie, it looks like she will figure that out next week.

Overall I liked the new characters too. Julie Bowen was great on Ed and it looks like she will do great here too. I think I'll give the others another week before saying much about them, but intitial impressions are good.

What happened to Lori Colson (played by Monica Potter)? I know she was going to file harassment charges against Denny and the firm, but I didn't see all of last season so I don't know for sure. Did Schmidt fire her?


Finally, I'll miss Tara. She's been connected to Alan Shore and ABC legal shows since The Practice, which is also a good show. Tara is just so witty and charming without even saying anything. Its a pity that she has been lost to nip/tuck.I'm going to miss her too. :sad: I don't have the history appreciation that you do (never watched The Practice), but I agree with everything you said. She's nice to look at too. I've almost thought about trying to watch nip/tuck, which I have never done.

[The Penguin]

Did Kelly Nolan killer her rich husband? Can Alan and Denny win the case? Tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.


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"Schadenfreude"
Air Date: 10/04/2005

In the midst of a media circus, the murder trial of Kelly Nolan (Heather Locklear), AKA 'The Black Widow,' gets underway with defense team Alan Shore, Brad Chase and Denny Crane. Can they pull off an acquittal in this seemingly un-winnable case, with the media playing judge and jury and a defendant who is unapologetically cold as ice? Meanwhile Denise Bauer, intent on avoiding alimony payment to her soon-to-be-ex-husband, enlists the help of junior associates Garrett Wells and Sara Holt to challenge the constitutionality of no-fault divorce; Holmes (Rupert Everett) convinces Tara (Rhona Mitra), who's desperately trying to avoid his charming advances, to help represent his client, Johnny Damon (Russell Andrews) -- Damon, singer Edwin Starr's nephew, wants to be allowed to sing his late uncle's trademark song, "War," at a club where the owner has deemed the song un-American -- and a frightened Catherine (Betty White) goes to the police when Bernard (Leslie Jordan) calmly tells her that he fantasizes about committing another murder.

[Condiment King]

What happened to Lori Colson (played by Monica Potter)? I know she was going to file harassment charges against Denny and the firm, but I didn't see all of last season so I don't know for sure. Did Schmidt fire her?My memory of season 1 is a little fuzzy, but yes, I remember that storyline, but I'm not sure if Schmidt technically fired her or not. I seem to remember she might have informally just asked her to leave at one point. A friend of mine (Jaguar) said that in the credits for the first episode it had, "special appearance by Monica Potter" but it didn't show her. That would infer that it might have been just unresolved, especially since he didn't see her leaving coming or that she wouldn't be in the first episode despite the credits.


I'm going to miss her too. :sad: I don't have the history appreciation that you do (never watched The Practice), but I agree with everything you said. She's nice to look at too. I've almost thought about trying to watch nip/tuck, which I have never done.I haven't seen alot of The Practice, but what I've caught from ABC's late night Saturday syndication is really quite good (I'm not sure if this is true for every ABC affiliate). The last season of The Practice is basically a prologue to Boston Legal season 1, in fact.

As for this week's episode, Alan Shore presents another compelling case which is found in favor of by the court. I know they've done the whole did-you-REALLY-do-it schtick before, but it really never gets old. Its nice to see that Alan really cares about whether the judicial system is really working or not.

I like Tara's romance, even though its the vehicle to her departure from the show. Its so cute and its just a pot ready to boil over eventually.

I'm really concerned that the show jumped the shark with the ending, which was way over-the-top, even for this show. I mean, c'mon. To think that any character would be that hateful to kill someone (a character that some fans might have even formed a connection with, not me though) merely because they were annoying is just awful. Not to mention the fact that the ENTIRE PLOT of the next episode centers around this. I have grave reservations about this. Also, could this catastrophe have been the real season 1 finale? If so, that's almost laughable.

[The Penguin]

Denny kept making him expand, but Alan did a great job with the closing arguments at Kelly's trial. He made some really strong points and the whole thing about schadenfreude was very interesting. So is Judge Cooper really for four months (or was it weeks)? Next week could really be interesting if Alan isn't there to help Catherine.

I think Catherine was starting to get really freaked out by Bernie and all his talk about killing people. Alan was always in her ear saying that he wasn't done killing. I think he was right, but Catherine wasn't listening to him right away. When Bernie was talking about how much power it gave him and how he needed Catherine in his life I was concerned the he was going to kill her.

Denise is sure taking her divorce hard. Good thing she has Sara and Garrett there to help her from going too far overboard.

While I liked the overall story, I hated seeing Tara falling back in love with her ex. Apparently he smells better than Alan. :sad:


I'm really concerned that the show jumped the shark with the ending, which was way over-the-top, even for this show. I mean, c'mon. To think that any character would be that hateful to kill someone (a character that some fans might have even formed a connection with, not me though) merely because they were annoying is just awful. Not to mention the fact that the ENTIRE PLOT of the next episode centers around this. I have grave reservations about this. Also, could this catastrophe have been the real season 1 finale? If so, that's almost laughable.I never watched The Practice, but when I think about Boston Public and what I heard about Ally McBeal, Kelley don't jump the shark—they do dances around it which may included some hopping or skipping. Catherine bashing Bernie in the head with a skillet was shocking to be sure, but after four seasons of Boston Public, not much really surprises me anymore.

As far as this being the actual season finale, I think Heather Locklear would have been used for January sweeps. 'BL' had aired 17 episodes before it didn't come back from its break. Typical seasons have 22-24 episodes. I would expect that once Monica Potter stops being credited and Tara departs that we are in official season two. I bet she is still being credited now because she was part of the season one cast and its still "season one" in a manner of speaking.

[Master Moron]

My memory of season 1 is a little fuzzy, but yes, I remember that storyline, but I'm not sure if Schmidt technically fired her or not. I seem to remember she might have informally just asked her to leave at one point. A friend of mine (Jaguar) said that in the credits for the first episode it had, "special appearance by Monica Potter" but it didn't show her. That would infer that it might have been just unresolved, especially since he didn't see her leaving coming or that she wouldn't be in the first episode despite the credits.


She was in the episode, ABC is butchering the episodes to get rid of the old characters. I just read this from Matt Roush's column on tvguide.com:

Question: I'm a little confused about some of the things going on with Boston Legal. I know that the first few episodes from this season were actually filmed last year, but it looks like they skipped an episode (titled "Race Ipsa") that dealt with some of the story lines from last year's finale. Will that episode ever air? Also, I know they've re-edited some of the old episodes to include the new characters. Do you know how this was done? Have they eliminated some of the previously shot footage, or will it all eventually be aired? Frankly, I think it would have been less jarring to have left the episodes alone and dealt with all the character exits and introductions in Episode 6 than it was to have the new characters appear in the season premiere with no introduction. Also, as a fan of the show, I know I'd much rather have seen the episodes as they were originally intended than in some sort of hacked-up and pieced-together fashion. — Walter

Matt Roush: I'm not sure what's going on with the missing episode as the first part of this transitional season gets under way. It's possible it got swallowed into the mess created by rejiggering previously filmed episodes to insert (quite awkwardly, as you noted) the subplots involving the new characters while clearly omitting scenes involving the likes of Monica Potter. I agree with you that an orderly transition, introducing the newbies in their own time, would have been preferable to the hodgepodge of new and old in the first few weeks. I'd probably be more irked about it if I thought the original episodes had any real integrity. But, as the show continues down the slippery slide into self-parody, I simply don't.

Man, I'm not a fan of Boston Legal, but even a non fan can clearly see that this is just retarded.

[The Penguin]

Alan and Denny attempt male bonding at 10 p.m. ET on ABC...


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"Finding Nimmo"
Air Date: 10/11/2005

Reeling over his break-up with Tara, Alan Shore heads to Nimmo Bay in British Columbia with Denny Crane for some fly fishing and male bonding in an effort to cure his pain. When they learn that the salmon population is being threatened by sea lice produced by fish farms, Shore and Crane feel compelled to act. Meanwhile Catherine Piper drops a bombshell on Shirley Schmidt when she confesses to killing Bernard Ferrion (Leslie Jordan) by whacking him over the head with a skillet, and the firm scrambles to find the best way to deal with this shocking turn of events. And Sara Holt and Garrett Wells go to extremes to convince Reverend Diddum (Kurt Fuller), the divorce attorney for Denise Bauer's husband, to decrease the alimony settlement she is required to pay him.

[The Penguin]

Anyone? I plan to comment on both last week's and this week's at the same time.

Tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, Republican Denny helps Schmidt defend a Democrat, a distracted Alan defends Catherine and Sara and Garret try to avoid getting in trouble.


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"A Whiff and a Prayer"
Tuesday, October 18th at 10/9c

Forced by a client to put Denny Crane on the case, Shirley Schmidt reluctantly enlists his help to defend a Democratic Congressman being sued for not keeping a campaign promise to pass a ban on assault weapons. The right-wing Crane is an unlikely defender from the start, but Schmidt really wonders if she made the right decision when he goes missing the day of his closing. Meanwhile, Alan Shore, still reeling from Tara's exit, focuses on defending Catherine Piper (Betty White), accused of murdering his client, Bernard Ferrion. And Reverend Diddum (Kurt Fuller), Denise Bauer's ex-husband's lawyer, threatens to report Sara Holt and Garret Wells to their superiors for their ruse to get him to drastically reduce his client's alimony -- but he'll forget the whole matter if Sara gives in to a sexually perverse request.

[Temple Fugate]

I'll drop in here for a sec just to say that this was the first episode of Boston Legal I've seen all the way through, and was very impressed. Obviously those Emmys weren't just tossed at them, but I didn't expect the show to be so...well, delightfully weird. Willaim Shatner's character stole the show (Does he do that a lot?) with that closing statement, and James Spader's character was just as quirky as when I saw him on The Practice way back when. I did a double-take when I saw Rene Auberjonois. How much screen time does he usually get? I think I'll stick with this show for a while.

[The Penguin]

"Finding Nimmo"
This episode was great and I was disappointed no one else had anything to say. :sad: Denny and Alan fishing was just hilarious. Alan was catching them left and right and then Denny just shoots one! :p His comment to the environmental lawyer was great, "I came out here to enjoy nature..." not worry about the environment. Their stint as lawyers in Canada was a good time.

The misadventures of Brad, Shirley and Lori at Catherine's house was rather interesting. Based on what Master Moron told us last week, I bet David E. Kelley was mad he couldn't cut Laurie out of this one. And I'm mad he cut her out in the first place. :mad:


"A Whiff and a Prayer"
And last week was Rhona Mitra's last episode. Dang I am going to miss BL's hot British beauty. :crying: Alan will miss Tara too I'm sure. Although he never has been one to express his emotions.

Thankfully it didn't affect his defense of Catherine. She didn't deserve to go to prison for what she did to Bernie and after the defense made her hit his head off, Alan did a great job defending him.

Sara and Garret are a lot of fun and I enjoyed their story with Rev. Diddum (I love Kurt Fuller). It's amazing that after all they went through he such a deviant that slapping him a couple of times did the trick.

Denny's love of guns served him wel... okay maybe it didn't really serve him well, but it was fun to watch and seeing William Russ the dad from Boy Meets World as the plantiff's lawyer was cool to see. I'm guessing we won't see the actual results of this case.

And what can really be said about sewer fishing? :p



I'll drop in here for a sec just to say that this was the first episode of Boston Legal I've seen all the way through, and was very impressed. Obviously those Emmys weren't just tossed at them, but I didn't expect the show to be so...well, delightfully weird. Willaim Shatner's character stole the show (Does he do that a lot?) with that closing statement, and James Spader's character was just as quirky as when I saw him on The Practice way back when.I know. I was drawn in last year (although I didn't officially watch until this summer) by the "delightfully weird" humor in the openings before the great theme song. Denny Crane does indeed steal the show more often than not. He's in the early stages of Alzheimer's (the "mad cow" thing came from an explaination of why a mayor banned red meat in his town in a first season episode and was odd within itself) and is just kind of crazy and forgetful.


I did a double-take when I saw Rene Auberjonois. How much screen time does he usually get? I think I'll stick with this show for a while.Paul Lewiston is only on to marvel at the craziness at this point and hasn't had a story of his own as of yet. He usally goes to Brad or Lori (Monica Potter who was dumped after one season) because they are the more sane ones around there. Kelley has said that Paul is around to "remind people this is a real law firm" so he hasn't played a huge role. I love the character though. He had a great part last week.

[Condiment King]

I'm getting to be bewildered by Boston Legal and stick to my earlier comments of feeling its "jumped the shark" this season. Outside of Alan Shore and Denny Crane's greatness, everything seems really over-the-top whereas before, there was an air of seriousness in the backdrop of all the humor. The entire panties storyline from tonight was entirely creepy as well as the line that she had a fetish for clergy last week. I don't know, it just seems really off-the-wall, even for this show.

A moment that I did really like was when Brad asked Alan at the beginning of this episode if he could handle the case with Tara gone. I'll miss Tara, and I still think that Brad is really underused and will probably remain so with the new characters here. I'm not sure if the show has lost me. After all, I loved the initial 13 or so episodes and was less than impressed with the end of last year's batch. With this year's first couple of episodes, it seems to have continued the trend in retrospect. I just hope that BL regains some of the charm and seriousness that I loved.

[The Penguin]

Lori Colson is back and officially files her complaint against Denny, tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.


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"Men to Boys"
Tuesday, October 25th at 10/9c

When an old case she neglected comes up for trial, Denise Bauer frantically prepares for her defense against an auto manufacturer whose defective pick-up truck caused a fire that killed a terminally ill woman. Garrett Wells' research trip to the file room of the opposing law firm turns steamy when he meets Cassie (Tamara Feldman), an audaciously outspoken paralegal. Meanwhile Alan Shore, still trying to get over Tara Wilson, takes Sara Holt to dinner and embarrasses her by giving his own public service announcement to a crowded restaurant. And when Lori Colson (Monica Potter) files an internal complaint against Denny Crane for sexual harassment, Shirley Schmidt insists that he apologize, leading Denny from the frying pan into the fire.

[Temple Fugate]

"I didn't know what he meant until I met you, Denny." "I'm not having sex with you." Crazy show.

The opening statement, while lengthy, was very clever and hard-hitting. And probably the only true serious thing in the episode aside from the brother in Iraq. So, does she want to sue terrorists?

[The Penguin]

I hope you watched this week, CK, there was not really any "shark jumping" in this episode. There was some "BL-type" humor, but overall this was a very emotionally-centered episode.

After apparently being cut out of the last several episodes, this was probably Lori Colson's last hurrah at Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Denny kept digging the hole, but at the end we saw that his comments have had a real affect on Lori and she really opened up to him as he apologized for real.

Denise went for strong emotional impact in her case while at the same time cutting down the defense's opening. After being put on the back-burner, it clearly meant a lot to Jose that Denise fought so hard for him.

Alan is always kind of over the top as he was with Sara, but it was nice when he was talking to Denny about how much he values their friendship. It was kind of touching.

Garrett has the most off-the-wall story with his storage room antics with Cassie, but in the end there was a stronger part of the story with her brother having recently died in Iraq. I like the two of them together too. It should make an interesting story for next week with Alan and Denny pitted against each other.

[The Penguin]

The Crane, Poole & Schmidt Halloween party tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.


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"Witches of Mass Destruction"
Tuesday, November 1st at 10/9c

Shirley Schmidt and Denise Bauer represent two groups of parents, one Christian and the other Wiccan -- a pagan religion -- who are suing to get rid of a school's Halloween pageant for its wicked witch. The Christians feel their faith is being marginalized by a satanic symbol, and the Wiccans claim that Halloween images stereotype them - especially after the school's principal gives a riveting demonstration of her cackling, green witch. Meanwhile, Garrett Wells takes Cassie (Tamara Feldman), the paralegal with whom he's involved, to see Alan Shore and ask him to represent her in suing the U.S. government, to vindicate the death of her brother, killed in the Iraq war. Shore takes on the unconventional case, but his friendship with Denny Crane is threatened since Crane strongly feels that one shouldn't criticize the military while the country is at war. The strained friendship threatens the annual office Halloween party, where they both were to dress up as giant flamingoes.

[Temple Fugate]

The teaser was great. I like it when shows start off with a lot of humor, then transition quietly towards serious. And it's always important to end with more funny. They hit two hard issues at once tonight. You can say that the show's staff is making a political statement, but it wasn't as in-your-face as it could have been and didn't feel too much like a "current issues" stunt. I still liked the Wiccan v Halloween v Christian plotline better, especially the verdict where the judge told both parties to "lighten up." Plus, this entire episode was worth sitting through to see Rene Auberjonois as Prince Charles.

"I still won't have sex with you." Running gag?

[DR.MID-NITE]

While, I am getting tired of the politics in the show. I was a little annoyed that the judge in the military case didn't bring up one point in his dismissal. That when someone joins the military they can be put in harms way. Instead after saying the war is a mess...his only reason to throwing out the case is the law that you can't sue the gov or military.

On a side note. I just love Shatner on this show...He plays Denny perfect.


Denny Crane!

[The Penguin]

Pretty good episode again this week. It seems that the show is getting back on track after going very outlandish in the epsiodes that finished out the season one stories.

The Wiccan/Christian vs. Halloween was a lot of fun. Shirley and Denise almost seemed at a loss in the early stages, but they actually managed to build a case that could be argued. The principal doing her witch cackle was a bit much, but otherwise I liked it. The right decision was reached too.

I like Garrett and Cassie as a couple and would like to see her become a recurring character at least for a while. Alan defended her case expertly despite Denny's objections (and Brad's veiled threats) and I thought he might have had a shot. It was political in many respects, but I didn't feel it was done just to make the war look bad.

"Say what you will about Republicans, but we stick to our convictions, even when we’re dead wrong."
"Some would say especially then."
I have to admit I thought that exchange was hilarious. No matter which side you fall on, I hope you laughed. ;) It's good to have a sense of humor.



"I still won't have sex with you." Running gag?Seems that way, feels like Denny has said it just about every episode this season. Just to put it out there, Denny's not gay and I'm pretty sure Alan doesn't want to sleep with him anyway.

[Temple Fugate]

"Say what you will about Republicans, but we stick to our convictions, even when we’re dead wrong."
"Some would say especially then."
I have to admit I thought that exchange was hilarious. No matter which side you fall on, I hope you laughed. ;) It's good to have a sense of humor.Yes, it was funny to hear Denny say that about his own party.

Seems that way, feels like Denny has said it just about every episode this season. Just to put it out there, Denny's not gay and I'm pretty sure Alan doesn't want to sleep with him anyway.Oh, I never thought that for a minute. But both times the line just came out of nowhere and I laughed my butt off.

[The Penguin]

Plus, this entire episode was worth sitting through to see Rene Auberjonois as Prince Charles.I was rather tired when I was doing my comments and I completely forgot about the costume party at the end. Seeing everyone in their costumes was great. Paul and Shirely were great and I liked Denny and Alan too. :D

[The Penguin]

On ABC tonight at 10 p.m. ET, Denny is forced to defend someone he would rather not "have a right to an attorney."


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"Truly, Madly, Deeply"
Tuesday, November 8th at 10/9c

Denny Crane is appalled that he should have to do pro bono work for a non-repentant man who raped and killed a 13-year-old girl, so he goes to extremes to get off the case - an effort that lands him in jail. Meanwhile, Alan Shore and Brad Chase defend a TV station that has fired Zozo the Clown (Joel McKinnon Miller) for talking to his young viewers about environmental issues. During the trial, Brad is surprised to learn that Alan's childhood fear of clowns prevents him from addressing Zozo in court. And, when a long-time client comes to Shirley Schmidt to stop his wife's action to annul their 23-year marriage, Schmidt is taken aback when she learns how the man cheated on his wife.

[The Penguin]

No one for last week? I'll have to do a double check-in. Well this one sure has an interesting title...


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"The Ass Fat Jungle"
Tuesday, November 15th at 10/9c

When Alan Shore experiences the return of his night terrors - where he sleepwalks and could physically hurt himself - he asks his new, attractive secretary, Melissa, if she would moonlight and sleep with him to keep him from hurting himself. Meanwhile, if Alan agrees to get an MRI for his night terrors, then Denny Crane will agree to undergo one to determine whether he has Alzheimer's or Mad Cow disease. Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt is reluctant to take a case in which the teenaged son of a rich client is accused of vehicular manslaughter, and she becomes even more reluctant when she has to interview the only eye witness, an elderly woman with Alzheimer's. And Denise Bauer is asked to represent two women who claim that Boston's most famous plastic surgeon injected his own butt fat into their lips, when they believed the fat was coming from their bodies.

[The Penguin]

Ummmm, am I all alone in here now? Many were happy to see a thread when it premiered. :shrug: I like the show, but it's a waste to talk to myself.


"Truly, Madly, Deeply"
Denny's story about not wanting to defend the rapist was funny despite its seriousness. Judge Cooper seems to delight in tormenting Denny and Alan as evidenced by this. "He came at me, I feared for my life." He did a great job on Larry King despite Paul and Shirley's fear he would out himself.

So Alan Shore is afraid of clowns. That seems about right. I liked Brad making him confront his fear. Alan did a good job with the closing and his forced meeting.

I don't know what to say about Shirley and the cow thing so I'll just skip it. :shrug:

"The Ass Fat Jungle"
Richard Riehle is one of my favorite character actors so it was great seeing him as Dr. Barry Glouberman. He engaged in some questionable activities to be sure and he clearly needs some help. Denise was not happy with him, but it seems to have worked out.

Alan has night terrors to? He just keeps getting more and more odd all the time (which equals more Emmys). Melissa seems unwilling to put up with any advances from Alan, but the money of helping him with his problem was no doubt good. She handled the pressure well despite not wanting to continue.

Shirley sure has personal issues with Alzheimer's. It was hard for her to make that woman look bad in front of everyone and she is becoming much more than just the hard ass who fires minor characters.

Paul has become more involved the past couple of weeks and I am certainly not opposed to that. :cool:

Denny and Alan had some great moments again from the MRI agreement to the sleeping arrangement. Their relationship is really what keeps the show going and working.

[Temple Fugate]

Sorry, I didn't catch it this week. I didn't have a lot of time and decided to watch the RAW I had recorded the day before instead. Can you blame me?

I did see up to the part where he tried to ask the girl out. The way he went in a roundabout manner making it sound like a drawn-out proposal was hilarious.

[The Penguin]

Sorry, I didn't catch it this week. I didn't have a lot of time and decided to watch the RAW I had recorded the day before instead. Can you blame me?In that case I suppose not. You'll have a bit of time now. Alan, Denny and company take a break for Thanksgiving and will be back December 6.

[The Penguin]

BL returns tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC!


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"Gone"
Tuesday, December 6th at 10/9c

While Denise Bauer shops with her housekeeper and the woman's four-year-old son, the unthinkable happens when the boy is kidnapped by a known pedophile. An FBI special agent tells them that technicalities prevent the Bureau from getting involved, but he strongly suggests that, as private citizens, Denise and Brad Chase conduct their own investigation. Their frantic search eventually takes them to Father Ryan (Richard Fancy), a priest who refuses to help since he can't break his confessional seal. Meanwhile, a homeless man throws a rock at Denny Crane for not acknowledging his request for money and Denny shoots him - with a paintball gun. When the man shows up at Crane, Poole & Schmidt for compensation, Denny adamantly refuses to consider his request, but Alan Shore takes the man's case, pitting the friends against each other.

[The Penguin]

Am I all alone now? :shrug: I won't talk to myself about this show. With all the love my Denny Crane avatar got this summer I expect some folks were watching this. If no one joins me next week I may have to let this thread die.

I was in complete and utter shock when Brad swung that axe and three of the priest fingers were on the floor!!! :eek: It moved BL up on my list of shows to consider "cancelling" off my own personal TV schedule. That went too far over the top. No such moves yet, but I'm thinking about it.

It was cool seeing The West Wing's Steve Ryan (Secretary of Defense Miles Hutchinson) in another government role as Brad's FBI friend Special Agent Kevin Drummond. All of his "now if you were to take this, I would have no idea how you go it" comments to help Brad and Denise and thusly his own investigation were hilarious.

Denny shooting the homeless guy with the paintball gun was funny in wrong sort of way. That man has no inhibitions whatsoever. It got even better when he used basically the entire firm to intimidate Randall's first lawyer, Warren Peters (Ham Porter from The Sandlot!).

If I were Denny I would have been hurt by Alan agreeing to defend Randall. Maybe he did need to do it on principle, but I don't blame Denny at all for being hurt. But as always, a cigar and a drink on the balcony and everything is good again.

[Stewie]

Am I all alone now? :shrug:

I was in complete and utter shock when Brad swung that axe and three of the priest fingers were on the floor!!! :eek: It moved BL up on my list of shows to consider "cancelling" off my own personal TV schedule. That went too far over the top. No such moves yet, but I'm thinking about it.I've been watching, but I'm just about done. Between the axe incident and Denny's practice of shooting anyone that gets within ten feet of him, the show has used up all it's leeway. Up 'til now it was delightfully over-the-top. Now it's ridiculous. Denny isn't funny anymore. He's a jerk.

He used to be the guy that no one but himself took seriously. He was funny when he was harmless. His diatribes didn't make sense, and it was okay because no one believed him and he was kept in the corner. Now everyone is letting him slide. I could laugh at his antics because Murphy Brown would slap his wrist and Alan Shore would coax him back into his usual stupor with a cigar and a drink. The world would be safe once again. Now I find myself hoping that someone will shoot back at him.

[The Penguin]

Tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, Brad gets the spotlight, but it's unwanted attention.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_valley.jpg
"Legal Deficits"
Tuesday, December 13th at 10/9c

Brad Chase pushes for an immediate trial after he is arrested for impersonating an FBI officer and assaulting a priest during the rescue of a kidnapped child. Shirley Schmidt is worried about how this case may reflect on the firm and is reluctant to consent to Brad's request for the erratically-behaving Denny Crane to be the lead attorney. Meanwhile, Alan Shore tries to bail out his secretary, Melissa (Marisa Coughlan), who is in serious credit card debt, and seeks the assistance of the firm's quirky but brilliant bank and finance genius.

[Stewie]

I'm only half through and it's not half bad.

Alan Shore takes on a credit card company? Very very good.
Socrates Pool is helping him? Great.
And Miller Redfield is a Texan? Cherry on top.

What I'm afraid will happen (and will bother me if it does) is Brad gets off. He saved a kid. Good yes, but Denny was wrong when he said "It's that simple." It's not that simple. And Brad is so confident that the ends justify any means. Hey, the guy just used that phrase. I'm psychic (or it's obvious).
Aww man, don't give me that "rights of the victim" crap.
Go back to Alan Shore.

Ooh, here we go. This is good.
Go Socrates! Freak out!

EDIT: Heck, this show just got a lot more interesting. That last look by Alan at the very end was...interesting. I've always appreciated their relationship. They clearly agree on little aside from cigars. But they get along anyway. It was nice. But Denny's gotten out of hand lately. Before, he may have asked when defense attorney's would be able to shoot their clients. But he wouldn't have laughed. It's time for Alan to register his disagreemtn. And not in passing, as he has so far.

[The Penguin]

Fans have been wanting to see Brad get more attention every since they brought Schmidt onto the show to do the same thing with Denny that Paul acted like Brad was supposed to do (why he wasn't sent back to the Washington firm).

I was glad to see him get off personally. It wasn't alright, but being sent to prison for not killing anyone and saving a child from almost certain death and abuse shouldn't be punished. I think it was that simple. Perhaps he shouldn't be completely hailed as a hero, but not sent to the big house. Schmidt did a great job with the witnesses and I liked how she said she wouldn't be adding Father Ryan to the great priests and clergy she knows.

Alan defending Melissa against her credit card company was pretty good too. The contrast between and the smarmy Melvin Palmer was great and made the whole thing more entertaining. Christian Clemenson (who also played Rollie Vale, the "Metallo" builder, on Lois & Clark) was great as Jerry Espenson. He's a little too quirky to be featured on any sort of a regular basis, but he was good in this small dose.

After the ridiculousness of last week, this episode was overal a nice breath of fresh air.

[DR.MID-NITE]

Denny Crane! :p

[The Penguin]

Michael J. Fox guest stars as we return to the law offices of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_bowen.jpg"The Cancer Man Can"
Tuesday, January 10th at 10/9c

The law firm represents Daniel Post (Michael J. Fox), a CEO battling terminal lung cancer who used his status with a pharmaceutical company to ensure that he receive the non-placebo in a promising anti-cancer drug test. Now, another participant in the test study is suing him. During one of Post's visits to Crane, Poole & Schmidt, the charismatic man meets and becomes romantically involved with the firm's Denise Bauer. Meanwhile, Denny Crane is attracted to Beverly Bridge (Joanna Cassidy), a fifty-year-old attractive predator trolling for a husband amongst her high-net-worth peers. And Alan Shore advocates on behalf of "Hands" (Christian Clemenson), a fellow quirky employee in his quest for partnership at Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

[Stewie]

I'm disappointed with the way the "Hands" story is going. I was hoping for it to turn out that Shirley had been campaigning for him for years. Though he was able to finally show everyone how good a lawyer he is. And now I get to see Alan defend him. It's beautiful to watch when that guy really believes in a cause. And turning away from Shirley like that? Nice.
Go Socrates!

[The Penguin]

Pretty good episode overall, I liked learning a little bit more about Paul via the cancer case. It seems that his wife (I suppose it could be his mother, a sister or a daughter, but I think wife is most likely) Olivia died of cancer. Paul is not a main character and never will be, but I'm a big fan of Rene Auberjonois so I takes what I can get.

And seeing Paul interact with Denise this week it became totally clear to me that she is Lori Colson II. She's got a different backstory, but Paul always seemed to go to Lori when he needed something and now he and Denise have the same relationship. She not the same character of course, but the main element and her place on the show is the same. I like Julie Bowen, but I now feel more sorry for Monica Potter.

Speaking of Lori, I liked how Alan brought up her and the others that Schmidt/David E. Kelley has fired since Alan came to the firm. It was a nice nod to the past. Jerry is clearly brilliant, but after he threatened Shirley with a knife I find it hard not to agree with her. Interesting that Brad still managed to make partner after chopping off the priest's fingers. He seems like a good lawyer though.

Michael J. Fox was pretty good here and I look forward to seeing him again next week. With Daniel Post being "on the clock" as far as his life is concerned, it makes me think he may try to get Denise to move a little too fast.

With the summer repeats I've only seen six complete episodes from the official season one and Denny Crane still seems more arrogant and less harmlessly funny than he was last season. I was drawn to this show because of the quirky humor I saw in the opening after Desperate Housewives, but I wonder about this one sometimes.

[The Penguin]

Tonight, Alan defends Jerry and Schmidt finds out information about the true intentions of the future Mrs. Denny Crane.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_auberjonois.jpg"Helping Hands"
Tuesday, January 17th at 10/9c

Daniel Post (Michael J. Fox) convinces his new love, Denise Bauer, that he should second-chair in her case against overbearing parents who harass their teenaged daughter's teacher. Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt makes life difficult for Alan Shore as he prepares his defense of Jerry "Hands" Espenson (Christian Clemenson), the firm's brilliant but quirky attorney who held a cake knife to Shirley's throat. And the partners at Crane, Poole and Schmidt worry about Denny Crane's impending nuptials and the kind of influence his future wife, Beverly Bridge (Joanna Cassidy), could have over the firm.

[Temple Fugate]

It's good to see Michael J. Fox again. He was great tonight. I missed the last episode but I got the gist of what was going on. As always this show brings quirky characters together with good messages and a fair amount of drama.

Denny and Alan dancing while talking shop. Awesome.


Love the avatar btw.Thanks. :)

[The Penguin]

I laughed quite a bit during this episode. It seems like the quirky humor that drew me to the show is hit and miss this season, but this was definately a hit.

Alan defending Jerry was well-done and he is on when he is passionate about what/who he is defending. You can tell he really cares about Jerry and wanted to help him despite all the trouble Shirley caused him. I loved when she told him that no one would talk to or interact with him and then Alan said, "And won't that make for a refreshing change?" :D His dancing with Denny later was hilarious.

Daniel really did a pretty good job arguing the case with Denise. It didn't get a real build-up in the law offices, but it played out nicely in the courtroom. I love watching him get approval from Denny. I laughed.

I'm not sure what to make of Beverly, but the partners were clearly in paniac mode. I love the beginning when they caught then signing. :D Shirley's threat was a good one.

I picked a good week to make Paul the staff photo. :cool: His fight with Denny was well-done and you could tell his feelings were mixed with both concern for Crane, Poole & Schmidt and just Crane. Before Shirley go there he definately "steered the ship" and that certainly continues right now. I liked when Denny gave him the Celtics tickets and his pretending to forget the fight showed how much he cared.

[The Penguin]

Catherine is back and is trouble again. Brad gets his feet wet in the deep end of the partner pool trying to keep Denny in line.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_alan.jpg"Too Much Information"
Tuesday, January 24th at 10/9c

Alan Shore bails out Catherine Piper (Betty White) after she goes on a spree of convenience store holdups. Meanwhile, Denise Bauer sues an HMO for inadequate internet security that led to a brutal murder -- all the while trying to get through to her hospitalized boyfriend, Daniel Post (Michael J. Fox), who won't take her phone calls. And, as the partners begin to see Beverly Bridge's influence on Denny Crane, Brad Chase makes her a proposition and tries to convince her to leave Denny.

[Temple Fugate]

Ah crap, I saw Betty White in the previews and thought this was a rerun of her last storyline. :sad: Better luck next week.

[The Penguin]

Sorry to hear that Temple. Better luck next time I guess. :shrug:

I couldn't figure out what Catherine was doing at first. She clearly a little bit nuts. By the time she robbed the store again and waved politely to the camera, things seemed a little more obvious. I didn't see but a few episodes of last season so I don't know the origins of Catherine, I just saw her fired after she killed Bernie and then managed to get off. It was cool seeing Regan Burns as Stan the sandwich guy, but it looks like Betty White is set to be a regular again (at least for a while) when the show returns not this coming week, but the week after.

Alan is indeed a good man. Irma had a right to be impressed. Denise was ready to throw in the towel and then Alan won the case! His passion is just awesome to watch. And it was neat to see the familiar John Aylward (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0043891/) as Tom Orchard the HMO exec.

With this whole Denny thing, Paul is really becoming a lot more involved which as I said last week makes me happy. Brad's efforts with Bev were in vain, but it was fun to watch. Denny's track record is terrible, but if the best the three of them have so far is "she hesitated" maybe she is the real thing (somehow).

[Jaguar]

Michael J. Fox is a shoe-in for an Emmy nom for this.

At least I hope so.

[The Penguin]

Daniel throws a funeral for himself and Catherine latches on to someone else.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_mentell.jpg"Breast in Show"
Tuesday, February 7 at 10/9c

The terminally ill Daniel Post (Michael J. Fox) hosts his own funeral, an event that Denise Bauer would rather not attend. Meanwhile, Alan Shore takes an interest in a woman who causes a political uproar when she leads a protest with hundreds of bare-breasted women. And Catherine Piper (Betty White), who is now the office building's new sandwich lady, decides that the office of junior associate Garrett Wells is the perfect spot for her to do her accounting work.

[The Penguin]

Anyone for Boston Legal this week?

Fine episode overall, I don't know if Alan and Irma have a real chance, but I found their story interesting. The whole political intrigue was something new. I wonder if that will continue. The D.A. could have more going on that we know. It was just for Alan, but Brad looked like he was really thinking about that District Attorney poster. I wonder...

Denny was just an ass in this one. His interaction with Daniel was funny, but in the courtroom he was an unfunny jerk.

I felt bad for Denise as she said good-bye to Daniel. He seemed to be shooting for a "clean" break rather than letting her watch him fade away. I expect that is the last we'll see of Michael J. Fox on BL.

I felt so sorry for Garrett getting picked on by Catherine. She has no right to do that and she was mean about it. Paul made Garrett feel stupid too, though. He couldn't really go and ask one of the senior partners (and probably the biggest one without his name on the letterhead) to take care of an old woman for him once he was told to "handle it."

[The Penguin]

I hope someone is with me this week. Come on, guys.

The future Mrs. Denny Crane wants Brad to save her sickly cat on an all-new Boston Legal.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_shirley.jpg"Smile"
Tuesday, February 14 at 10/9c

Alan Shore files a discrimination suit against a private school that refuses to admit a gifted nine-year-old girl with nerve damage that makes it impossible for her to smile. Since Brad Chase's attempt to bribe Denny Crane's fiancée, Beverly Bridge (Joanna Cassidy), failed miserably, she threatens to tell Denny what happened unless Brad can find a legal loophole to save her sickly cat from her ex-husband, who wants to take it off of life support. Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt and Julie Bauer defend a teenaged girl who was brutally raped and is now pregnant. The girl wants to sue the Catholic hospital where she was treated because they refused to provide her with emergency contraception.

[DR.MID-NITE]

I really enjoy the show. Spader & Shatner are great. I am just sick of the weekly rant or comment against Republicans or the like. I don't mind an occasional story or comment. But, it seems lately it is becoming as common as Alan and Denny's smoking on the terrace at the end of an episode. I don't want to start a political debate. The show is written well enough were it doesn't need it. Its enough that we see Hollywood actors, writers,etc rail against Republicans in real life. And thats fine. But, why must they try to alienate a portion of the country that disagrees. And I know Denny is conservative. But, he is made to be bufoonish (yes, I know I am setting myself up with that one. :) ).
Like I said before. I don't want to a political debate. If the show was the same with a Republican stance. I would feel the same way.

Anyway, another enjoyable episode. Love Alan's way of being friendly and diplomatic...until its time to become a bastard.

Barry Manilow :D

[The Penguin]

Good to see you DR.MID-NITE. I'm with you on getting beat over the head by the political issues. I enjoy the show, but I feel like it goes from arguing a case to trying to make a point. It just feels so blatant.

The episode itself was pretty good. There was a definate contrast between the serious and the goofy this week. Almost disturbingly so. The best was the case in the middle with Alan helping the girl who couldn't smile. She was very mature for her age and provided a lot of great insight you wouldn't expect from a nine-year-old.

"...And if it matters to Bev, then I, Denny Crane, have to pretend that it matters to me." :p

Barry Manilow the cat's custody battle with Brad trying to defend it was funny (Denny's line was the best). He actually managed to work up a pretty good closing argument for the arbitrator. After all that, the cat could breath on his own!

The rape case was on the extreme and had plenty of political messages in it. I will simple say that both sides were argued well (despite the slant) and I felt sorry for the girl.

[DR.MID-NITE]

The rape case was on the extreme and had plenty of political messages in it. I will simple say that both sides were argued well (despite the slant) and I felt sorry for the girl.

You know. I don't even mind the political debate like that. Its the constant subtle jabs...ie The DeLay comment with the little girl. I mean I don't like the guy. But, enough already.

[The Penguin]

The one and only Tom Selleck guest stars tonight at 10 p.m. ET.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_auberjonois.jpg"Live Big"
Tuesday, February 21 at 10/9c

While trying to woo her back, Shirley Schmidt's ex-husband, Ivan Tiggs (Tom Selleck), wants her to be his 'best man' at his upcoming wedding with an annoyingly perky woman. Meanwhile, Paul Lewiston's estranged daughter, Rachel, who he claims blindly stole from him to feed her drug and alcohol habits, comes back into his life after seven years. And Alan Shore defends a man who said he was only complying with his wife's wishes when he assisted in ending her life.

[Temple Fugate]

Hey, guess who's back to the thread. The last few weeks my roommate's been watching American Idol, and by the time it's over I'm so frustrated with trying to ignore the damn TV I just wanted it OFF for the rest of the night.

This ep was pretty decent. The wedding plotline got a bit confusing for me, but I managed to get the gist of what was happening. When she bride-to-be started singing during the rehearsal, Shirley got a look on her face and I couldn't tell if she was just taken aback by the absurdity of the bride and groom singing, or if there was a deeper meaning, such as that song being "their song" from his wedding to Shirley. The singing during the actual wedding was SO outrageous I was laughing out loud. I hope I don't wind up at a wedding like that, I'd probably laugh myself out of the church! Sometimes adding dramatic flair to real-life events is just a bad idea.

The twist with the husband and his dead wife's nurse was great. It put a good cap on that storyline and really made it worthwhile, if the allusions to Denny's own illness didn't do that already.

I've wanted to see Paul in an actual story of his own since I started watching earlier this season, and this was great. I'm not used to him showing real emotion without a ton of makeup blocking out his face so this was a real treat. The story was emotional and deep, but not too much that I wasn't able to understand either side's points of view. Both of them failed at their respective roles of father and daughter, and it was just a matter of them realizing it and trying to fix that.

Okay, maybe I'll be watching regularly again. Maybe. Stupid Idol. The scary thing is I'm actually starting to get myself wrapped up in it despite efforts to the contrary. >_<

[The Penguin]

Sorry to leave you hangin' last week, Temple. I'll be doing a double check-in sometime soon.

Tonight at 10 p.m. ET, Denny doesn't waste any time wrecking his marriage. Corbin Bersen guest stars as Bev tries to take 'Denny Crane' to the cleaners.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_denny.jpg"...There's Fire!"
Tuesday, February 28 at 10/9c

Within three hours of getting married, Denny Crane is caught with another woman and Bev Bridge (Joanna Cassidy) demands an annulment plus 50% of her brand new husband's worth. While the attorneys from Crane, Poole & Schmidt frantically rally around their colleague to rescue him, Bev hires the slick, handsome divorce lawyer Eli Granger (Corbin Bernsen) to represent her. Meanwhile, Alan Shore defends Joan Zeder (Nicole Sullivan), who was fired from her job after being unable to adhere to the company's strict no-smoking policy.

[The Penguin]

Aye, if I don’t catch up now it may never happen. These last two episodes I really enjoyed…

"Live Big"
Great to see Paul Lewiston get fleshed out with a story of his own! Rene Auberjonois really brought it. If he can get out of William Shatner’s shadow this is ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series’ type stuff here. Jayne Brook was strong as daughter Rachel too. Her appearance also solidifies that Olivia (mentioned in “The Cancer Man Can” – aired Jan. 10) was Paul’s wife and she died of cancer. It seems that Rachel is their only child. From the minute Paul was crying to that song in the bar, I knew this episode would be strong.

Tom Selleck was great in his role as Shirley’s ex-husband Ivan Tiggs. Methinks they had a very interesting relationship. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again. No doubt to handle his divorce from the overly peppy girl.

Alan’s defense of the man who assisted in his wife’s suicide and apparent nurse revelation at the end was a powerful sidestory. Really made you wonder what actually happened there.


"...There's Fire!"
And junior partners Garrett Wells (Justin Mentell) and Sara Holt (Ryan Michelle Bathe) are familiar victims of David E. Kelley’s fickel casting. No explanation will be given of course. Sara meant nothing to me, but I really liked Garrett. He had a minor focus in a few episodes and I always felt he added to them.

Bev vs. Denny was quite the saga wasn’t it? The part were Denny become reflective about what Bev meant to him when he was talking with Shirley was strong stuff. Their resolution was kind of nice to see.

Another strong performance from Rene Auberjonois as Paul talks about leaving the firm and taking Denise with him. The way they interacted this past week further confirms my feelings that she is pretty much Lori Colson II.

Alan Shore can’t win all the time and while not really fair, Joan didn’t have too much of a leg to stand on. I don’t expect to see everything that happens in the world of Boston Legal, but despite Alan’ familiarity with Joan, Nicole Sullivan has not been on either BL or The Practice before.


I’ll be back in a while with this week’s episode preview.

[The Penguin]

All-new Boston Legal tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_valley.jpg"Shock and Oww!"
Tuesday, Mar. 7 at 10/9c

Denny Crane finds just the right thing to cure his depression after his one-day-old marriage falls apart: The case of a man arrested for electrocuting and paralyzing a burglar. Meanwhile Shirley Schmidt seeks Alan Shore's help when nude photos of her taken by a famous photographer are put up for auction. And a suspicious Paul Lewiston asks Brad Chase to befriend his daughter to find out if she's still using drugs.

[The Penguin]

Anyone? This thread goes in such spurts, I'm never sure what to do with it. :shrug: Short check-in...

Denny Crane

I loved the trial where Denny pulled out the "American Homeowner" thing. Listening to the entirely corrupted jury pool was fantastic. It was great seeing him just go after something as only Denny Crane can.

Alan and Shirley are rather fun when they interact together. The picture thing came to a rather expected resolution. :D

:eek: Wow, so Rachel really is back on drugs?! I was sure Paul was taking a big risk that was going to hurt him, but then he actually found something. The story will continue in 35 minutes.

Preview coming soon...

[The Penguin]

Tonight, Alan helps his assistant, again and Paul tries to help Rachel.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_bowen.jpg"Stick It"
Tuesday, Mar. 14 at 10/9c

When Alan Shore's secretary, Melissa (Marisa Coughlan), is arrested for tax evasion, he takes on the case of this outspoken girl who says her late, patriotic grandfather would be proud of her for challenging the government. Meanwhile, after a blind date with Shirley Schmidt's nephew goes badly, Denise Bauer hopes her love life will improve when she meets a cute policeman. And Paul Lewiston decides to stage an intervention for his crystal-meth-using daughter, insisting that a reluctant Brad Chase help him.

[DR.MID-NITE]

Were 10 minutes in and we had a couple of attacks already against the war, Bush and Fox News. I wouldn't mind it...Except it seems like every other episode is republican bash fest. The show is good enough without the constant political story-plots and zingers. :sad:

[DR.MID-NITE]

Was Boston Legal on tonight?...I put it on and it was a 1hr Democratic campaign commercial. :rolleyes:

[The Penguin]

“I do not tolerate jibber jabber!” Man, the judge in Melissa’s case was a trip! I can’t remember his name now, but I hope we see the senile judge again. He’s no Judge Clark Brown (the one Denny messes with), but he’s a good one.

I feel ya, DR. MID-NITE, the tax case itself laided it on much thicker than I felt was appropriate. That’s all I really care to say on the matter. Ignoring that, I think Melissa was right to be found guilty. She’s just lucky she didn’t go to jail. Alan doesn’t seem to be that interested in her so we’ll see what happens if anything. Mr. Shore appears to have plans on not anything.

My word Denise is having some men issues! The whole guy impersonating a police officer was a bit much. He should have just become an actual police officer! What he wanted to do was admirable, but it was a rather silly way of doing it.

Rachel wasn’t happy, but once she was in rehab, she seemed to be pretty accepting of. I guess that’s the first step. She and Paul might make it yet. Speaking of relationship making it, it seems Bradley has a bit of a crush the boss’s daughter. ;)

[DR.MID-NITE]

Penguin,

Thats what irks me the most. The show, writing, acting is all very good. And all this preaching does is turn off a portion of the audience. Like I said before. I don't mind an occasional comment or rant. But, its becoming almost common place and last night was almost the whole episode.

[The Penguin]

Ivan is back for a divorce, but surprisingly, it's not his.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_shirley.jpg"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
Tuesday, Mar. 21 at 10/9c

While Shirley Schmidt and former husband Ivan Tiggs (Tom Selleck) work together on a divorce case involving a couple arguing over their Victorian erotica collection, the recently remarried Ivan tries once again to woo Shirley back into his life. Meanwhile, now that Paul Lewiston is single-handedly taking care of his three-year-old granddaughter, his presence at the firm is sporadic and his absence is sorely felt. And, after Catherine Piper (Betty White) helps her 83-year-old friend, Adele (Norma Michaels), escape from the hospital where her court assigned conservator had placed her, Alan Shore steps in to help Adele regain control of her life.

[The Penguin]

Great to see Ed Begley, Jr. on the show as the professor. He certainly had an interesting obsession/hobby though. That whole case was a bit… different. They didn’t say it in so many words, but I think the wife wanted to keep that machine for her own ‘personal’ use.

Ivan Tiggs is in the running for biggest flirt ever. He just would not let Shirley go! He might have her now. Denny is probably going to have to look out for her.

Catherine Piper is just all kinds of trouble. I didn’t see much of the first season, but Alan Shore would regret he ever met her if he didn’t have such a tolerance and kind heart. That guy was a real slimeball and it was great seeing him get his. Icing on the cake was Alan mocking him as only he can.

Crane, Poole, Schmidt & Lewiston? Apparently not yet anyway. The firm really did figure out how much Paul does this week. I hope his granddaughter doesn’t take him out too much. I still think Rene could be looking at an Emmy nod if Paul continues to get a focus.

[The Penguin]

Alan can't talk and Brad defends a video game maker, tonight at 10 p.m. ET on Boston Legal.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_alan.jpg"World Salad Days"
Tuesday, Mar. 28 at 10/9c

It's a rough day in court for Alan Shore when he experiences an inexplicable case of "word salad" - a horrifying condition that causes him to speak unintelligible gibberish. To ease Shore's anxiety, Denny Crane recommends that they enjoy a day at the spa. Meanwhile, Denise Bauer defends a polygamist whose wives believe their husband has done nothing wrong and are willing to fight for their beliefs. And Brad Chase defends his college buddy's video game company, which is being sued by the mother of a boy who died after playing one of their games for two days straight.

[DR.MID-NITE]

Alan suffering from the same thing that happened in the 1980's Twilight Zone episode "Wordplay" starring...Robert Klein.


Salesman Bill Lowery wakes up one morning and discovers, to his horror, that people around him are slowly degenerating their talk into gibberish that he cannot understand. His ability to communicate is needed more than ever when his son becomes sick. Lowery manages to get his son the treatment he needs and discovers he must relearn everything from scratch.

But, in the episode its not him. But, the world around him.

With regards to the video game case. While I feel that the company might be doing some shady things. As with a lot of things. Its up to the parents to be responsible for their kids actions, especially in the home. I understand she works hard. But, thats part of the responsibilities of parenthood. I have 3 kids. And I am always trying to keep and eye on what they do, what they watch and what they do on the internet. Its not easy.

Lastly, thank goodness we at least got one Republican knock in today. :rolleyes:

[The Penguin]

Well, looks like BL will be taking at least a couple weeks off after this week. Looking ahead on TVGuide.com, next week is a repeat ("Gone" (http://forums.toonzone.net/showpost.php?p=1996163&postcount=27) - my comments (http://forums.toonzone.net/showpost.php?p=1999024&postcount=28)) and the week after is part 2 of ABC's new Ten Commandments.

I enjoyed this week's episode, it's ones like this that make me remember why I watch the show.

The trip to the spa was a way to take the focus off of Alan and at the same time give us something different in regards to him. We also really got to explore Alan and Denny's relationship. They seemed almost like a couple in parts which was rather funny. This whole "word salad" thing was different. I'd never heard of it.

Never thought I'd see a polygamist and his family almost as heroes. We didn't hear much from the guy, but his two wives seemed like overall good people. Nice to see that things are going to work out. I wonder if things will work out between Denise and the D.A.

Brad did a good job defending his 'friend' the video game developer. I felt bad for the mom much like he did, but the right decision was made. The way Brad related (or rather didn't relate) video games to meth was a strong case. Paul seems concerned that without meaning to Brad could knock Rachel off her road to recovery. I hope he listens.

[The Penguin]

Boston Legal returns tonight with an all-new episode at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_denny.jpg"Ivan the Incorrigible"
Tuesday, Apr. 18 at 10/9c

Shirley Schmidt begins an affair with her ex-husband, Ivan Tiggs (Tom Selleck), believing that he has left his new wife, Missy (Meredith Patterson). Then Missy -- who is still with Ivan -- suspects her husband is cheating on her and asks for Schmidt's help. Meanwhile, Alan Shore agrees to be co-counsel on an attempted murder case with Jerry Espenson (Christian Clemenson), who has been in therapy since holding a cake knife to Schmidt's throat.

[DR.MID-NITE]

While I understand Alan telling that father to leave the country. I think he could have gotten a mistrial because of the mental problems of the other attorney.

[The Penguin]

Ivan definately is incorrigible! Shirley had to fight pretty hard to break up with him and get him to admit what was really going on. Missy really does seem to love and they are oddly well-matched or Ivan is putting on a show.

I've thought Brad and Denise were going to get together after he helped her get back her housekeeper's son and now Mr. Chase is seeking relationship advice from her. Audrey was "fighting the system" in a very small way, but I think it would freak me out too.

Jerry seems to be doing a lot better, but he is not well-suited for trial law. He really screwed things up for his client there. Alan's choice may not have been good, but he was more or less right to throw that "info" out there...


While I understand Alan telling that father to leave the country. I think he could have gotten a mistrial because of the mental problems of the other attorney.I thought of that, but he would have been locked away first and who knows how long that would have taken. A new trial may not have served him that much better.

[Stewie]

Ivan definately is incorrigible! Shirley had to fight pretty hard to break up with him and get him to admit what was really going on. Missy really does seem to love and they are oddly well-matched or Ivan is putting on a show.Ivan doesn't seem to have any redeeming qualities. Except being extremely charming. And having dreamy eyes.
Oh Tom...sigh.


I've thought Brad and Denise were going to get together after he helped her get back her housekeeper's son and now Mr. Chase is seeking relationship advice from her. Audrey was "fighting the system" in a very small way, but I think it would freak me out too.What was odd to me about her, was that she was so forward about "it" and using "it". The first time he asks her out and she brings up sex? In a comfortable/flirty situation with someone you already know, that could be cool. When you're asking someone you don't know out for the first time, it's weird. If they hadn't played it as just being uncomfortable with saying the word, I'd be on Brad's side.
Plus, it wasn't just using that word. It was the cold clinical nature with which she referred to it. It's not a toe.


Jerry seems to be doing a lot better, but he is not well-suited for trial law. He really screwed things up for his client there. Alan's choice may not have been good, but he was more or less right to throw that "info" out there...Poor Socrates.

[The Penguin]

Chelina Hall returns to once again seek Alan's help in a case.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_valley.jpg"Race Ipsa"
Tuesday, Apr. 24 at 10/9c

During Denny Crane's therapy session with Dr. Sydney Fields (Peter MacNicol), a verbal showdown between the two results in Denny's shooting the doctor. While Alan Shore defends Denny in court, the law partners discuss whether the time has come to oust Crane from the firm. Meanwhile, Alan runs into Chelina Hall (Kerry Washington) and their old chemistry returns when he enlists her help in a racially charged case. And Brad Chase learns that he can't keep a girl because he's a lousy kisser, so he asks Denise Bauer to give him lessons.

[DR.MID-NITE]

You knew Brad & Denise were going to get together eventually.

Love Denny Crane!!!!

[The Penguin]

Great to see Judge “Jibber Jabber” back again. Alan was not excited to him. :p Denny seemed to play him pretty well when Alan was late to court. I suppose Denny’s unabashed arrogance was bound to upset someone “lesser” than himself. Odd that it was his shrink. Very “Boston Legal-like” though.

I don’t know if Chelina showed up before what turned out to be the first season finale, but that’s the only time I’ve seen her before now. This filled our “political statement quota” for the episode and it wasn’t a bad story. I loved all the TV references. :D

I said last week that I’ve been waiting for Brad and Denise to get together and it looks like they are going down that road. I guess they got it on right there in her office. :ack:

[Stewie]

Alan should listen to what his hot former secretary was saying. She's wonderful.

[The Penguin]

After his metal breakdown in the first episode, Edwin Poole returns to Crane, Poole & Schmidt.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_alan.jpg"The Deep End of the Poole"
Tuesday, May 2 at 10/9c

Edwin Poole (Larry Miller), a partner in the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt, returns to work after a stint at a mental institution. But Shirley Schmidt wonders if he should have been released when he decides to help an obese computer technician sue a junk food manufacturer for causing his diabetes. Denny Crane represents Alan Shore, after Shore is arrested for advising a client accused of attempted murder to flee the county. Meanwhile, after their unexpected rendezvous, Brad Chase wants to explore the possibility of a relationship with Denise Bauer.

[The Penguin]

No one for last week? :shrug:

Great seeing Larry Miller back as Edwin Poole. I wonder if he and Denny were always two peas in a pod like that or if it’s just on account of the fact that now he’s crazy. :p Suing “Little Debbie” seemed like such a crazy scheme at first, but thanks to Shirley they seem to have a leg to stand on now. I don’t expect they’ll win, but it looks like Poole won’t be second chair any more. I don’t know if it would work, but I’d love to see more of him. Speaking of liking to see more of people, Paul has taken a real backseat these past few episodes. My hopes for a Rene Auberjonois Emmy nod are starting to go down. :sad:

Adam Arkin is great so I liked seeing him back as A.D.A. Douglas Kupfer. It probably would have been a better move if he had not done the case himself, but it didn’t seem to affect his case too much. Alan was in a real pickle there and it’s a wonder he was able to get off. I guess it comes down to two words: “Denny Crane.”

So Brad and Denise are going to friends… with benefits? Not quite what Mr. Chase was shooting for when the episode started, but he seemed reasonably happy with the idea. I can’t imagine it’s going to end well.

[The Penguin]

Donny Crane returns to torment his father and Parker Posey (who will be Lex Luthor's girlfriend this summer in Superman Returns) guest stars on an all-new Boston Legal.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_auberjonois.jpg"Squid Pro Quo"
Tuesday, May 9 at 10/9c

The ambitious but back-stabbing Marlene Stanger (Parker Posey), also known as "The Squid" - the only animal believed to be able to kill a shark - joins the firm, and Denise Bauer wonders if there's enough room for the both of them. Meanwhile, when Denny Crane is pitted in court against his son, attorney Donny Crane (Freddie Prinze, Jr.), their politically different viewpoints come to the surface as they seek justice in a case about a woman who lost her baby at an inadequately supplied clinic in Nepal. And, after Paul Lewiston's daughter, Rachel, returns from rehab, Brad Chase hopes they can pursue a relationship.

[Stewie]

Well, I didn't get invested in Denny's case with the woman or his son. I didn't see the earlier episodes concerning Donnie, so maybe after I see the DVDs of Season One it'll mean more.
The Squid didn't intrigue, just annoyed. But Alan was good when he propositioned her. Alan's always good.
I just don't like Parker Posey.


And, after Paul Lewiston's daughter, Rachel, returns from rehab, Brad Chase hopes they can pursue a relationship.I don't remember this part. Did it happen?

[The Penguin]

"I make sense all the time, you just listen intermittedly."

Good episode last week, if a politcally-charged one. I liked Donny Crane. Does anyone know more about him? ABC only reran a few episodes last summer and the ones with him weren't among them.

"The Squid" is on again this next week, so I'll reserve judgment till then. I did like her story with Denise.

"I can't wait till next week." And that time is coming very soon, Denny. I can't wait either.


I don't remember this part. Did it happen?Not that I could see. Paul was in his supporting, not doing much of anything role last week. This was the part I was most looking forward to. Maybe this week? Back at the firm while the others are in L.A.?

[The Penguin]

The two-hour second season finale is tonight at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. Robert Wagner guest stars as Barry Goal, the Denny Crane from the L.A. office of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. The 120-minutes also features Jeri Ryan and the return of Ed Begley, Jr.


http://a.abc.com/primetime/bostonlegal/images/bio_denny.jpg"Spring Fever"
Tuesday, May 16 at 9/8c

Denny Crane and Alan Shore travel to the Los Angeles office of Crane, Poole & Schmidt for business and wind up unexpectedly taking on a case with a decidedly Hollywood flavor. Once there, they spend time with senior partner Barry Goal (Robert Wagner), a powerful and cagey attorney who, like Crane, is no stranger to the spotlight. Back in Boston, Shirley Schmidt must once again defend Professor Clifford Cabot (Ed Begley, Jr.), this time on charges of soliciting a prostitute -- an act he claims was purely for the purposes of academic research. Denise Bauer and Marlene Stanger (Parker Posey), who are both vying for partnership at the firm, compete to assist Schmidt in the case. Meanwhile, Brad Chase's teenaged niece is accused of giving pharmaceutical drugs to a boy at a party and is charged with his murder.

"BL: Los Angeles"
Tuesday, May 16 at 10/9c
Alan Shore takes on the attempted murder trial of the beautiful and sexy Courtney Rae (Jeri Ryan), a Hollywood celebrity who shot a paparazzo she felt was a threat to her life. Meanwhile both Denny Crane and the LA firm's senior partner, Barry Goal, are captivated with Ms. Rae. Denise Bauer thinks the sly new associate, Marlene Stanger (Parker Posey), will ruin her chances of making partner, so she employs some back-stabbing techniques of her own. And, after Brad Chase's sister fires him from defending his teenaged niece at her murder trial, the girl takes it upon herself to re-hire her uncle.

[Sharklady]

Best line of this ep, and of the series so far:

"It's the sweeps episode, Shirley!"

Denny'll even break the fouth wall to get a kiss...

[mikestorm]

Best line of this ep, and of the series so far:

"It's the sweeps episode, Shirley!"

Denny'll even break the fouth wall to get a kiss...
It is in his contract or something to break the fourth wall every...single...episode.? Once in a great while is funny, but once an episode (twice in this episode - they talked about their time slot right before the show ended) is distracting.

[Sharklady]

> It is in his contract or something to break the fourth wall every...single...episode.? <

I've noticed plenty of in-jokes in his dialogue ('Star Trek' refs galore!), but can't recall any other time he so directly acknowledged being in a TV series.

I thought the "same night?" exchange at the end was funny, too.

[The Penguin]

Barry Goal.

As I suspected based on the separate titles and episode credits (writing, directing) I figured this was originally designed as a two-parter, but still ending the season. That Stephen King movie “Desperation” airs across BL’s spot next week. We were spoiled this season with 27 episodes after the ‘Grey’s Anatomy incident.’ Season three we’ll be back to 22.

The way we saw Rachel Lewiston come in this week, it feels like we should have seen her last week. One thought that goes through my mind is she was cut from the episode, but that kind of thing doesn’t happen after the official preview is released.

Brad trying to defend his niece was our nice “grounded” story this time out. Great seeing Robert Foxworth make an appearance as the judge in the episode. Sounds like things will work out for his niece. They made me wonder if something is going to go on with Brad and Holly the ADA.

The catfighting between Denise and Marlene was hilarious. I loved the big chase scenes! The best was when Denise pulled out that drawer and the Squid smacked right into it! :D I felt bad for Denise when she found out she was never going to be making partner this time around. Though things may be looking up with Daniel Post in her office. :)

Denny and Alan’s California adventure was great fun. I liked how Denny ‘wanted people to see the same building’ ;) when they come to Crane, Poole & Schmidt: Los Angeles. Barry Goal was a lot of fun and I’d like to see an excuse to have Robert Wagner on the show again. Seemed like another Denny Crane. Jeri Ryan was great in her role, but Alan seemed ‘anxious’ to get back. Well okay, it was just he didn’t want her, but this added an innuendo. :p

“To next season.”
“Same night?”
“God, I hope.”