TV Review: Boston Legal - "The Nutcrackers"

Part of: Boston Legal

Alan Shore (James Spader) is assigned a case by Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen). Since she is a founding partner, he can hardly refuse. However, they make a deal: should he win, she has to appear at the firm's Christmas party in a Playboy bunny costume. Alan will appear as the bunny should he lose. The case involves white supremacy. More on that later.

In the hallway, a client can be heard loudly arguing with the receptionist. When Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) tries to intervene, he discovers the woman wants to sue God after her husband died from being hit by lightning. Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) suggests she and the woman talk. Paul sends Brad Chase (Mark Valley) with her to make sure she does not take the case, figuring her chances of winning are not great.

In Denise's office, the woman says she cannot just sit by and grieve while everyone else seems to be ignoring her situation. It's clear Denise empathizes with her because of the death of her fiance not long ago. Brad tries to stop her, but Denise takes the case anyway. Paul is furious, assuming Denise cannot get past summary judgment. Overhearing, Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) smothers a laugh, although not fast enough. Upon being questioned, he states anyone can get past that point. Paul assigns him to the case. Unfortunately, Jeffrey and Brad now have to work together. Uh-oh. Talk about ego clash - neither man can stand the other. In fact, the conflict between them has already gotten physical ("Lincoln").

Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) has a new job of her own, hiring an assistant. After handing out applications, she is startled to see Clarice, a former client, applying for the job. Claire takes Clarice into her office and demands the wig be removed. The 'woman' is really a man named Clarence, who cross-dresses as a way to be more comfortable around others. He tells her his job is not the same since he returned following a dispute with his employer ("New Kids on the Block"). However, the real surprise is his having attended law school. Claire offers the job, but only to Clarence.

The law degree comes in handy when Clarence tells Claire he has done some research which perhaps will help Brad, Denise, and Jeffrey. Claire takes him to Brad's office so he can present it to the lawyers themselves. It's more than a little intimidating, but Clarence pulls it off. Brad politely asks to see the file, but has to snatch it back from Jeffrey, who snatched it from Clarence before Brad got hold of it.

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