As this episode opens, Denny Crane (William Shatner) is among a group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. When the camera moves, one can see Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) and Brad Chase (Mark Valley). After a minute, one realizes the group is everyone who works in the firm. Denny says he has a case in which he is the "greatest lawyer in the world representing the greatest country in the world".
At the staff meeting, Shirley brings up the case which Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) is handling. It seems a website, DateMistake.com, lets people post their bad dating experiences. A client is claiming libel. When Denise updates the partners on the current state of events, she has to move Marlene Stanger (Parker Posey) out of the way. Denise apologizes, saying, "Oh, I'm sorry. You were in my space". Brad does not say a word during their exchange, but he noticed what Denise said.
This is not the first time the firm has seen power plays. Brad got chosen over Jerry Espenson when becoming partner in "The Cancer Man Can." When Alan tried to get A.D.A. Holly Raines a job at the firm in "Breast in Show" after Catherine Piper was arrested in "Too Much Information," it was in exchange for getting charges dropped against Catherine. Brad was the one who interviewed Holly and it did not go well. He told Alan later he was not interested in seeing his conquests at work.
Alan Shore (James Spader) enters, and notices Marlene. He introduces himself, at which point Shirley says Marlene has just come from another firm, and she should make a solid addition. Alan eagerly looks forward to getting to know Marlene better.
On the way to court, Alan and Denny discuss Denny's upcoming trial. Alan is reluctant to have anything to do with trying the case for personal reasons. When Denny inquires further, Alan brings up the Global Gag Rule. Denny is unclear as to what the term implies.
No problem, Donny Crane (Freddie Prinze Jr.) is happy to inform him and the press. He calmly pontificates, stating the rule means if other countries want aid from the United States, they have to follow our mandates or else the U.S. will impose sanctions. Donny is working with Lawyers Without Borders to give everyone an equal chance to obtain legal services.
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1 - Joan Hunt
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