They're back! Well sort of. After the mid-season cancellation of one of the best shows on television, Boston Legal returned last night to begin its "second season". The title itself is rather a misnomer, however. Due to circumstances, four extra episodes have been added to help fill in the gaps. Wisely, a clip show was presented before the episode itself started to help viewers understand what is happening at Crane, Poole and Schimdt.
For starters, three new attorneys were hired. Garrett is perhaps the one to watch. One of the two junior associates, he is reeking with ambition, but does not always know when his over the top antics are going too far. Gee, sound like anyone else?
Sara is the other junior associate. She's at the low end of the totem pole in regards to the office hierarchy. Denise, on the other hand, is the senior associate who not only has to deal with being new, but is now facing a divorce. Her husband handed her the papers himself.
Tara is back, although she may be gone soon. The case she and Shirley handled together settled a sexual assault lawsuit, but also had her ex-boyfriend, played convincingly by Rupert Everett, as opposing counsel. They agreed to have dinner once the case was overdefendant was favored.
As for the two leads, clever opening! Spader and Shatner walk to the office in identical dark suits with black sunglasses. Alan joins Brad to prepare the defense of the "Black Widow", Heather Locklear. Shades of Anna Nicole Smith, Heather's hubby died while they were having sex. But did he really? Keep your eyes on the housekeeper.
Of course, Denny cannot resist butting in. One of the best lines was "Wait in your office. I'll have a pair of my pants sent over, and you can try and get into them in your own time" to Denny by Kelly.
Catherine has returned, with Bernard in tow. He was good for one episode, in which he hit his mother over the head with a frying pan. Alan had to do some fast talking to get him off. Alan keeps telling Catherine that Bernard will kill again.
What happened to Paul? Come to think of it, I don't recall seeing him in the credits. Lori is supposedly gone, although I thought I saw her blond hair exiting the boardroom after everyone got a look at the website of Kelly.
Article comments
1 - Bob A. Booey
Worst show on TV. I hate it.
David E. Kelley is the Anti-Christ.
But keep up the TV reviews, Nancy :)
I thought that Mark Valle guy was pretty funny when I saw him perform with the Groundlings in LA, even though I was like the rest of America and never tuned in for his first star turn attempt in "Keen Eddie" on Fox.
That is all.
2 - Nancy
May I point out that you're watching a show you claim to hate? Btw, it's Valley. From what I've read, he will be more much more often this season.
3 - Dana
Great review and great show. Yep, Rene was in the credit sequence, but a no-show on the show. I'm sure he'll pop up. Here's his - and others - images from the credits:
link
Bob A. Booey - if you happen to revist this - can you please tell us more about Mark in The Groundlings? I really would like to hear all about it.
4 - Bob A. Booey
He just popped in for one of those evening improv free-for-all nights and he clearly wasn't the most polished comedian there but he had some really good dead-pan moments, like playing a twisted suburban husband who would just walk through the scene and peer longingly into the distance while petting a fake plastic cat with a maniacal smile on his face.
He had a few funny improv lines too.
I guess you had to be there.
The Groundlings are the best improv troupe I've seen so far, but even they're somewhat hit and miss.
That is all.
5 - Rachel
Hey Bob A. Booey,
I assume you saw Mark's performance before he was Keen Eddie?
By the way, how's Howard these days?
6 - Bob A. Booey
No, it was only a year and a half ago or so, when he wasn't working in TV after "Keen Eddie" had been cancelled.
Howard who?
That is all.
7 - Joanie
I love this show with a deep and abiding passion! I wish it was on every night. Except Thursdays. I'm already pulling my hair out over that schedule.
Spader and Shatner in the opening were freakin' hysterical!
Where The Practice lost traction, Boston Legal has an overwhelming abundance. It's still sharp, funny, and very, very strange.
8 - Nancy
So, who do you think will be the first one to go this "season"? Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Bernard go out the door.
9 - June
This is the greatest show, I love it! I was fearful when they left last year they would be allowed back. They do hit hard, in a cheerful way, at the current administration. Spader and Shatner are a fantastic duo. Loved the flamingo suits last night.