I dont know if I can fully justify this gem of a show in my review as I generally write in an instantaneous fashion with limited thought applied. I started watching the show around a year and a half back or so when I saw star world putting in heavy promos to declare how the globally popular Boston Legal is airing on their channel and their channel only! As the name implies the show is about a group of lawyers who work in a firm named Crane Poole and Schmidt and an episode lasts 1hour with usually one or two high profile cases thats tried in court and the internal politics in that firm and the characters. Not mighty intersting from my summary is it ? But before u judge a show by its summary please read what I have to say below.
There are very few shows in which the characters are so well etched that you love them for them and not the person potraying it and top it with some excellent legal cases brilliantly tried, a set and surrounding that screams big money involved ( apparently they are one of the shows to have spend the most on sets and very expensive suits) and currently has the title of drawing the world’s richest viewing audience !! Now let me get to the interesting parts.... The Characters.
The show mainly has the following cast as the main permanent characters.
Alan Shore - Played by the talented James Spader, Alan is a wonderful laywer who by hook or crook wins the case. His constant ’playing dirty’ as well as always sexually objectifying women in the public work space is one if the few reasons he isnt made partner even though he is one of the most potent trial lawyers in the firm. Add to that his night terrors, occasional word salad ( where u speak different words out loud though in your mind you are speaking what you intended) and his phobia with clowns and you got a very interesting character and not to mention at the end of the day he is a man of strong principles and a challenger for the underdog trials.
Denny Crane - A legend played by William Shatner who has never lost a case in the long illustrious career. A man so popular in the law circles that he gets an erection by saying his own name !! Widely famous or infamous rather for his one up on Alan Shore in objectifying women. A man so in awe of himself that he cracked this by now famous joke - A man dies and goes up to the pearly gates where he watches a man in a stripped suit pacing around having a cigar and holding a briefcase. " who is he?" asks the man to St Peter. " oh thats just God... thinks he is denny crane " A man secretly worried about alzhiemers getting him. But none the less a star who can win a case by merely uttering his name in court! A man whose name is on the door as he typically says and the one that made the firm what it is today.
Shirley Schmidt - Played by Candice Bergen Shirley too is a senior partner with the name on the door. Every male has made a pass at her at the workplace regardless of her age and seniority. She is one of the few sensible people who keeps the company running smoothly and tries only high profile cases.
Paul Lewingston - potrayed by rene auburjonis Paul is a senior partner and is the oldest in terms on age in the group. He rarely tries cases and is more involved in the managing side of the firm. A man resposible for single handedly making all the scandels and potential lawsuits caused by Denny and Alan to go away.
Denise Bauer and Brad Chase are two associates who get more screen time than res of the other associates.
Now these are the characters as of the first season and many more do come in and there are tons of secondary characers whom I havent mentioned. The show brings up really interesting cases and its a treat to watch it play out on screen. The friendship between Alan and Denny is heart warming (well in their own wierd way I guess ) and their sexual innuendos is often hilarious rather than offending. The show though a drama series, do have light moments in every episode. James Spader has won 3 emmys for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his potrayal of alan shore in 2004, 2005 and 2007!! And the satellite award for best lead actor in 2006 !
I dont know why but I feel I have written a boring biography of a boring show but that isnt the case. The show is one of the few in the world that has always maintained its viewership at all seasons. Lastly I am one of the people who love to watch brilliant lawyers battle it out in court. I find it fascinating and the fact that the show has brilliant chracterisations and side stories is just an added bonus. My favourate chracters are Alan shore for his heart being in the right place, for taking on a case even if it means no monetary gain but he feels injustice. His closing speeches and subtle threatenings are the stuff of legends and will leave you with a big satisfied smile on your face.
My other favourate is Denny Crane for his sheer pompusness. An insecure man who lives on his past glory but still has the power to take on a case and win it if need be just to prove that he is Denny Crane !! More exciting characters come in different seasons. Star world currently airs the third season every sunday at 10:00 pm. As for me I already own all the seasons currently released on DVD. ....... ITs just that good ! So guys do catch it if you get the time or inclination... it will be worth your time.