Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) and Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) get their client released from jail. While the murder trial for the judge he supposedly killed has yet to occur (and I can think of three others more likely to have done the deed), at least he gets to relax for a while.
Back at the firm, Bethany (Meredith Eaton-Gillen), sues an HMO for malpractice on behalf of a client after his wife died from heart surgery in India. She is terrified, but says it is only 'opening day jitters'. Denny Crane (William Shatner) points out she may not want to smoke if she's anxious.
In the hallway, Denise and Claire Sims (Constance Zimmer) decide who approaches the therapist responsible for turning over a confidential patient session to the A.D.A. How? With rock, paper, scissors, of course! Since the session was with their client, subterfuge is necessary. As Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) walks up, Denise suggests he might want to chat with the client's husband since they are acquainted.
Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) goes to Alan Shore (James Spader) and asks him to second chair a case of cannibalism. Shirley knows Alan, adept at handling grisly cases, is the best chance for a win.
Denise and Jeffrey inspect pictures from the crime scene. Denise realizes someone brought fresh cut flowers from a private garden to the dead judge's home. Aloud, she wonders if maybe the man recently convicted of being a Peeping Tom stopped over once their client left.
In court, Bethany assures Brad Chase (Mark Valley) she is okay to handle things. Denny tells her to remember who she is — The Badger, tenacious in spite of perceived odds.
Back in a jailhouse visitation room, Alan and Shirley see their client. The man says his victim was his best friend, and they made a pact. Because the dead guy was homeless, his fate would have left him on a slab at the morgue. To prevent this from happening, a cremation of sorts was performed. The man, homeless and starving for two weeks, got ravenously hungry, so he took a bite out of his friend's leg. The lawyers agree to talk to the D.A. (Currie Graham), who says he is not dropping charges. Shirley brings up the man's re-election bid, so any case which could bring him notice is one he will take. When questioned as to the defense strategy, Alan says he will not use cannibalism.
Article comments
1 - Joan Hunt
Congratulations! This article has been selected for placement on Advance.net
2 - Neil
Great summary...anyone know who writes Spader's courtroom rants? They are sarchastice, smart and beautiful. Mix of Dennis Miller and Bob & Tom.
3 - NancyGail
A team of writers is the standard operating procedure for television. Although, I also remmember hearing someplace that David E Kelley writes the scripts himself. He used to be a lawyer, so he would understand the technicalities.
4 - NancyGail
Constance Zimmer may have been promoted to series regular, but she has yet to be in opening credits. Craig Bierko, on the other hand, has always been. Could this be a prelude to the exit of Denise?