Watching the spectacle are Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois), Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer), and Brad Chase (Mark Valley). Paul, in the understatement of the year, notes the mediation went well. Brad asks Claire if Clarence hops in a joyful embrace with her like he does with Jerry. It's payback for Claire's wondering aloud if Brad is indeed the father of Denise's baby. Paul murmurs his displeasure, but nothing further.
For a season finale, this wasn't quite up to usual standards. Alan and Denny's case reminded me of Jeffery Coho's first ("New Kids on the Block"). It even added Gracie Jane in a voiceover declaring it the trial of the century! Here's the difference - Jeffrey's client was truly not guilty ("The Verdict"). Hearing who really did it blew me away since the possibility was barely mentioned. Who could have committed murder other than the brothers in this case? Nobody from the way things were presented. I also got the impression Alan and Denny completely ignored the rule on perjury.
Boston Legal has gone through some cast changes over three seasons. This time around, Jeffrey Coho resigned, although Craig Bierko is supposed to have a show for fall. Mark Valley supposedly also has a show of his own, although the jury is still out on its future. So who does that leave? Let's see, Alan, Denny, Paul, Shirley. Denise may be on maternity leave, so perhaps a few episodes in the first month or so without Julie Bowen. Claire, Clarence, Jerry and Bethany to round things out. Same old, same old.
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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.