I really enjoy Boston Legal. Last night, their season finale (and, just like with HIMYM, the show hadn't been renewed for next year when the episode was filmed) was just one of those episodes that shows you just how good the show is.
Denny went head to head with Alan in court over the request of Concord, Massachusetts to secede from the Union. It was an emotional idea for Denny, and something that could have nearly ruined the two men's wonderful friendship
Sure, the notion of the case was a little silly, so many of Boston Legal's cases are, but the Denny-Alan relationship is the show's heart and soul. The possibility of its loss, however unlikely, was distressing for both men.
Of course, Concord didn't secede from the Union and Denny and Alan remained the best of friends, but the show's balancing act between foolish cases and people and very serious matters of life was handled perfectly. The writers of the show seem more often than not to hit on the exact right mix of somberness and levity. Plus, the final scene last night, with Alan and Denny going fishing and the offices at Crane, Poole, & Schmidt dark and empty was the perfect note to end the season or series on. They'll be back next fall for 13 final episodes, but had they gone out forever with those final shots it would have been very appropriate.
The other show (that I watch) that ended its season last night also did it in fine fashion. Jack McCoy is slowly getting drawn into the politics of his new position and it's happening so slowly, it's creeping into his character in such a wonderful way that it makes the show fantastic to watch.
Jack McCoy is one of those great television characters. Law & Order, a show which doesn't focus on its characters as much as its stories, has managed to, over a very large number of years (he's been on the show since 1994) give us huge insight into who Jack McCoy is, both in private and public.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - bliffle
Interesting. I haven't watched Boston Legal the last couple years since I thought it has become silly, what with Captain Kirks inescapable mugging and posturing.
Law and Order seems to be chugging along pretty well, and I ascribe a lot of the success to it's neat division into two halves: police and prosecution. And McCoy anchors it well. Also, they make very good use of the characters involved in the crime itself: victims, perps, suspects and peripheral people. IMO that's the sustaining quality.
It seems as though you've given these programs a good deal of attention and thought. That's nice. One might wish that you did the same for the programs you review on PBS, but you seem content to review then carelessly and with undisguised scorn.
2 - Kate
For whatever reason, my DVR did not record Boston Legal Season Finale. Does anyone know where online I might be able to see it? Thanks for any help
3 - bliffle
If I told you, then I'd have to kill you.