After two brothers are arrested for murder, Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner) meet with them to discuss the case. Alan says they really need to consider a plea bargain. However, both want a trial.
The boys' mother, Dorothy Scanlon (Lisa Waltz, Yours, Mine and Ours) thinks there is a road to acquittal. She is willing to plead guilty. When Alan points out Dorothy told the police about a dentist appointment, she blurts out she was lying. Alan does not believe her.
The Honorable Phyllis Tamber (Amy Aquino, ER) wants Denny replaced with a new lawyer so the defendants have a better chance. When she and Alan are alone, he promises he and Denny will defend with all they have. The judge firmly replies Alan needs to keep his word.
After a couple of long shot defenses fail; Alan and Denny get a new plan. They allow their clients to testify. Each promptly accuses the other of acting alone. The jury is in disbelief, but it is hard to prove they acted together to commit murder.
Between the closing arguments of Alan, Denny, and ADA Taryn Campbell (Aisha Tyler, Ghost Whisperer), the jury could rule either way. Denny tells Alan he wants to remain undefeated. What would ultimately stick in Denny's craw, however, is losing while Alan wins. The firm's rainmaker assures him it won't happen. When the verdict returns, both defendants are declared not guilty.
At the firm, Jerry Espenson (Christian Clemenson) takes on the case of a woman who lost $80,000 by gambling. She says she has an addiction, and so should get her money back. Jerry asks Clarence Hall (Gary Anthony Williams), Alan's assistant, for help. When asked, Alan gives Clarence the number of a woman who worked in the gaming industry. He should have mentioned she only speaks Russian.
Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) is none too happy about the case, and says to take any offer given. She sits in the conference room while they try working out a deal. Jerry resorts to his devil-may-care persona and gives opposing counsel proof of their dirty tricks to make people lose money. When the offer comes back, it is non-negotiable. All three defenders are amazed to find it is for $225,000. Afterwards, Jerry and Clarence are ecstatic at the outcome. In his glee, Jerry manages to pry his right hand off his thigh in order to shake hands with Clarence.
Article comments
1 - Baritone
I am pretty much a fan of Boston Legal. Shatner has never been better for playing what some have said is, essentially, himself, and it's good to Candice Bergman still at it. Unfortunately, the focus is rarely on her - perhaps she wants it that way.
A small thing they do in this show that is always a hoot is to occasionally remind you that it is, in fact a TV show. Near the end of this season closing episode Spader and Shatner muse over what will be happening to all of them in the upcoming season. Earlier, I believe I caught Shatner exclaiming to news hounds as they were walking out of the court room say something to the effect that their current case was a breeze, after all, he once captained a starship. There have been a handfull of other such instances over the tenure of the show. Many of them are easily missed in the quick paced banter, but if you catch them, they are usually good.
I also love seeing Shelley Berman as the oft bemused and confused judge. I was a fan of Berman's back when he was doing stand up and making records of his routines in the 1960s.
Baritone
2 - NancyGail
I liked it too, during Season One. Season Two fell rather flat more than once, and the lack of award nominations proves my point. This time around (Season Three) went so far away from the business of practicing law I liked it even less.