As this episode opens, Denny Crane (William Shatner) is talking to his therapist, Sidney (Peter McNichol, in a guest starring role). He is unclear about what he wants to do at this point in his life. In a one of those tie-ins to real life, Denny says he is bottled up like a kidney stone. For viewers who may not understand, Shatner raised money for Habitat for Humanity by selling his kidney stone to the highest bidder.
Sidney pulls no punches when he says Denny is using money to bolster a self image. He taunts Denny until he pulls out a gun and aims it at Sidney. Sidney also pulls out a gun and tells Denny to go ahead, as it would save Sidney from killing himself. A life insurance policy would kick in, so Sidney's son could continue at an Ivy League School. Denny ends up shooting Sidney in the shoulder.
Alan Shore (James Spader) is in court, watching a public defender claim overwork as the reason he cannot take a case of racial profiling. Alan takes over as defense counsel.
As Alan leaves the courtroom, a former colleague, Chelina Hall (Kerry Washington, Ray) calls out his name. The last time the two of them worked together, it was a death penalty trial. To Alan, this is perfect! He thinks she would make a good choice for co-counsel. There is the additional matter of chemistry bubbling just below the surface.
Alan's cell phone rings, and he picks it up with a sly, "It's my lover." It's Denny, calling for help. When Alan walks into the jail cell, Denny tells his friend it was self defense. Alan says this is serious, especially since Denny has a history of firing guns at people. He saved Alan's life from an upset ex-husband in "Hired Guns," shot a child rapist and murderer in "Truly, Madly, Deeply", and a homeless man in "Gone."
Back at the firm, Brad Chase (Mark Valley) says to Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) that Denny does this all the time. In the break room, Denise asks how Brad's date with Sandy went. So much for Audrey, the paralegal who loves her vagina. Brad says nothing. Denise points out Brad does not exactly have friends with whom he spends time. Brad disagrees. Denise says to name three, Brad can't. Finally, Denise draws out Brad enough to find out he is having problems keeping girlfriends due to his kissing abilities, or lack thereof. Brad wonders why this is really important.
Brad runs into Alan in the hallway and asks if he can join him and Denny on the balcony sometime. Alan says more than two people can be problematic, but is there something specific on Brad's mind? Brad blurts out, "Are you a good kisser?" Alan does not dignify the question with a response. Aww...that would have been a sight to behold!
Article comments
1 - charles stanford
I did particularly enjoy that episode. Also, not much has been mentioned about Shelley Berman's excellent work as judge anti-jibber jabber.
One of the best parts was seeing Alan Shore practicing.
2 - NancyGail
I assume you meant practicing law. Only two more weeks until the season finale (two hours, but really two shows backs to back). Keep in mind the Alan/Jerry storyline is not finished yet, so it will be interesting to see how it turns out..
3 - Joanie
Congrats! This article has been placed on Advance.net
4 - Addisu
Wow! That makeout scene between denise and brad,
10 out of 10 baby!
5 - NancyGail
MV was on Days of Our Lives for 5 years as romantic lead Jack Devereaux (the Matthew Ashford role). He clearly learned a few tricks of the trade.