Introduction to Boston Legal’s Characters in The Practice
The best way to start watching the legal drama/comedy Boston Legal is to watch the 8th (=last) season of the legal drama The Practice. Both shows were created by David E. Kelley. The Practice’s main character Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott) left the show after the end of season 7, though he did guest-star in the final two episodes. Along with Bobby, several other main characters left and the show was introduced to a kind of lawyer we haven’t quite seen the like of. This new lawyer was Alan Shore (James Spader), an old friend of Eleanor’s. Alan was very creative, “ethically challenged”, fun-loving and most of all a kick-ass lawyer. The fact that he was ethically challenged worked very well for his clients who were being screwed over by giant corporations, or the government. He was in nature a very decent man, and he didn’t really let his legal obligations get in the way of helping his clients. But this nature wasn’t welcomed by Eugene (Steve Harris) or Jimmy (Michael Badalucco) and finally they fired Alan. But they didn’t fire Alan before accepting the millions of dollars he brought to the firm. So Alan went to the law firm Crane, Poole and Schmidt (the very firm Boston Legal takes place at) and hired two attorneys from the firm, one of them being the legendary yet aging Denny Crane (William Shatner).
While Denny strikes Alan odd at first, he slowly gets used to his theatrics and Alan wins the trial after giving Eugene’s firm hell, in his very own fun way. Denny loves Alan and decides to hire him, preparing us for Boston Legal’s first season.
Boston Legal Characters, Plot and Attitude
Our highly interesting, entertaining, sexual and intrinsically decent Alan Shore starts working for Crane, Poole and Schmidt. While much of his behavior is frowned upon, some of his more “creative” approaches are welcome. The firm also welcomes his friendship with Denny. After all despite all his quirks, Alan seems more normal next to the aging Denny who claims that he has mad cow (as opposed to accepting he is becoming senile or developing Alzheimer’s), hits on every woman (despite being in his 70s), goes around saying his full name – “Denny Crane”- every two minutes and tries to take important cases, to the horror of the other partner/Denny’s ex-girlfriend Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen).
Then there is the younger attorney Brad (Mark Valley)– who, in theory, should be getting along with Denny. After all they are both pro-war, pro-government and they are both ex-soldiers. But Brad is, according to Alan, is more like a Ken doll, and the partners want him to keep an eye on Denny. And Brad is jealous of Alan, because despite being younger and fitter than him, women seem to be more interested in Alan.
Enter the British Tara (Rhona Mitra), who had joined The Practice for the last season and when the firm fired her because she helped Alan. Alan helped her get a job at Crane, Poole and Schmidt. The sexual tension and attraction between them keeps growing. Things get further complicated when the young associate Sally (Lake Bell) also becomes interested in Alan. Oh, and she used to sleep with Brad…
The show focuses on the quirks of each character, as well as their interaction with each other. Alan and Denny become best friends very quickly and almost each episode ends with them sitting on the balcony, sharing a drink, smoking a cigar and discussing the events of the day.
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How Entertaining Is It?
Boston Legal is a very fun show. On many levels, its oddball attitude is a lot closer to Ally McBeal (which was also created by David E. Kelly). However it is often funnier than Ally McBeal and a lot lighter than The Practice. The funny thing is that many actors enter and quit the show after staying for one season or less. Of course James Spader, Candice Bergen and William Shatner are regulars. The show also welcomes many familiar guest stars (including Freddie Prinze Jr., Michael J. Fox and more.)
The trials aren’t always funny. Some episodes are emotional, intense and controversial – but the comedy is never ignored. Boston Legal is a wonderful gift to James Spader fans. After all, he gets tons of screen time while playing a very original character. But to be honest, my favorite season starring Alan Shore is the last season of The Practice. It just worked better when Alan was the quirkiest chap around. A much as Denny Crane is usually funny, he sometimes gets too annoying.
Still, I watch the reruns. It is entertaining, and the only piece of work where you got to watch James in a starring role for 5 years in a row.
Fun notes:
- Modern Family’s Julie Bowen had a starring role in the series for 2 seasons.
- Fringe’s Mark Valley had a starring role for 3 seasons.
- Ally McBeal’s Biscuit John (Peter MacNicol) guest-appeared on the show, playing a totally different character.
- Boston Legal is actor Christian Slater’s one of favorite shows.
Some Favorite lines: (quotes via imdb.com)
Guantanamo Marine General: (mutters under breath about Alan) Snide-ass.
Alan Shore: Your Honor, I move to strike. He’s never seen my ass.
Denny Crane: Now, Alan, if all else fails and you think you’ve lost… pretend you’ve won! Works for our president.
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Alan Shore: Let me tell me two things about myself. I too am a lawyer, I can be painfully vindictive, and I do not play fair.
Lester Tremont: That’s three things.
Alan Shore: See? Not playing fair already. And I’m just getting started.
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Denny Crane: You’re one of those environmental lawyers?
Peter Barrett: Is there something wrong with that?
Denny Crane: They’re evildoers. Yesterday it’s a tree, today it’s a salmon, tomorrow it’s, “Let’s not dig up Alaska for oil because it’s too pretty.” Let me tell you something, I came out here to enjoy nature, don’t talk to me about the environment.
Alan Shore: All reality, none of it scripted.
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Alan Shore: What’s your specialty?
Dr. Konigsberg: Couples’ counseling. I first saw the client and his wife together. Since the divorce I’ve been working with him alone.
Alan Shore: So they came to you to improve their relationship, and now one wants to kill the other. Not your best work, was it, doctor?
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Alan Shore: You know I’m not about to go to Texas and not ride the mechanical bull, Chelina. That would be like going to Los Angeles and not sleeping with Paris Hilton.
Denny Crane: You left me, Shirley. Women don’t leave Denny Crane. And for a secretary!
Shirley Schmidt: It was the Secretary of Defense.
Alan Shore: Objection, your Honor. You can’t preface your second point with “first of all.”
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