Clemenson is fantastic in the regrettably small role of Sam. A veteran of creator David E. Kelley's former series, Boston Legal, Clemenson brings the same level of talent he consistently showed in his Emmy-winning performance, now with a different character. There are similarities between Sam and Jerry, to be sure, but there are also differences. Sam is more toned down, and less quirky. It's wonderful to see him again in any capacity, and hopefully Clemenson will return to the show soon.
The opening of Harry's Law, when Sam almost breaks the fourth wall at the beginning of "After the Lovin'," is absolutely fantastic. The fourth wall was frequently torn down on BL, though HL has a somewhat different tone. The scene brings to mind a memorable occurrence when Jerry sang the Boston Legal theme song, though, sadly, Harry's Law does not have a full theme for him to perform. Terrific reference for Kelley fans.
So Tommy is in trouble again in "After the Lovin'." And, at first glance, it seems that it's just his womanizing ways leading him astray. The latest victim? A girl he has been seeing for months (Melinda McGraw, Men of a Certain Age, Mad Men, The Dark Knight), who learns that they aren't exclusive. She is understandably upset, and perhaps thinks of taking legal action because she has been dating a lawyer and has court on the brain. Of course, this is an overreaction, and she drops the suit. But it shows the level of pain that she is feeling.
Tommy is far from blameless, of course. He acts dishonestly and without regard for her feelings. However, as is the case in other areas of Tommy's life, his being a player is a defensive mechanism for his insecurities. Tommy is afraid of being alone, and so keeps backups. He does love this woman, but is afraid that she will abandon him. Is it too late for him to make a real go of a relationship with her if he commits to sincerity and drops the act? Let's hope not. He should be happy. She seems like a warm person who may entertain a second chance, and Tommy needs lots of those.
Tommy's actions are not exactly defended by Oliver (Mark Valley), whom Tommy asks to represent him in "After the Lovin'," but still earns Oliver disgusted glances from Chunhua (Irene Keng) anyway. What did Oliver do to her? There has got to be more to this story than has been shown on screen, and it's important for both of these characters that the viewers are let in on that.
Article comments
1 - Michelle
I loved yesterday's Harry's Law episode about American Football but most of all about how the banks got millions to help those in trouble but they just used it all to help themselves. Great Episode.
We need to see more of this type of stories to show the plight of every day folks suffering due to the economic fiasco caused by the banking industry
Regards
MG