Well, it took more than a year and a half, but I finally finished it and absolutely loved every season. After Rome and Carnivale, it's only the third series I've seen in its entirety, even if I fast-forwarded through one or two case subplots in the fourth season.
As many others have said, it's true that Alan dramatically mellowed out over the years from his cutthroat "Head Cases" self, but that didn't bother me one bit, because 1) such an abrasive character was probably unsustainable to begin with, 2) we saw a gradual yet definite peaceful progression over the years, if only in response to Denny's constant shooting at stuff, and 3) there was arguably a real turning point for his character in that episode where he had the elderly-scammer tied up and burgled.
Re: the cast changes: many newbies were underused and then disposed of, but I rolled with it, even though I hated to see Jeffrey Coho go. It was a delightful surprise when Jerry finally made it to the credits, though, even if his friendship with Alan was nearly forgotten. And I would have liked to see on more appearance of Donny Crane; he was a truly unique character.
Some final thoughts:
- Nimoy did guest spots on Fringe and Priceline commercials, but not this?!
- Huh, the "Denny Crane" gag did completely vanish from the last few seasons, though I did appreciate hearing Shirley's "I'm Schmidt" catchphrase in the finale.
- I was hoping to see the series' background music crooner make an onscreen appearance, perhaps in the finale's wedding, and he definitely should have gotten a special feature. I can't imagine the show without his one-man Greek chorus.
- And, no Molly Ringwald cameo?! Come on!
- Fantastic finale. One of the best.
Finally, I loved how the show wasn't afraid to throw out references to current events, even apart from the actual issues/cases they discussed in depth. I get that on some shows, referencing contemporary events would be inappropriate (Smallville, West Wing, that sort of thing), but for shows set in the real world - and this applies just as much to movies also - it's downright maddening how rarely intelligent characters get to even mention lives and debates outside their own. Take an otherwise witty and clever show such as Scrubs, for instance - why couldn't it have been just a tad au courant? I love the thought that someday, I might show kids or even grandkids of mine some eps, and have that start discussions/tales of life and events of the '00s.
All in all, a wonderful series, with, AFAIK, the biggest time-wise role of Shatner's storied career. Anyone who says he isn't a good actor obviously never saw some of his finer moments here.
And now, if you don't mind, I'd like to share my complete BL review-guide.
(continued next post)
As many others have said, it's true that Alan dramatically mellowed out over the years from his cutthroat "Head Cases" self, but that didn't bother me one bit, because 1) such an abrasive character was probably unsustainable to begin with, 2) we saw a gradual yet definite peaceful progression over the years, if only in response to Denny's constant shooting at stuff, and 3) there was arguably a real turning point for his character in that episode where he had the elderly-scammer tied up and burgled.
Re: the cast changes: many newbies were underused and then disposed of, but I rolled with it, even though I hated to see Jeffrey Coho go. It was a delightful surprise when Jerry finally made it to the credits, though, even if his friendship with Alan was nearly forgotten. And I would have liked to see on more appearance of Donny Crane; he was a truly unique character.
Some final thoughts:
- Nimoy did guest spots on Fringe and Priceline commercials, but not this?!
- Huh, the "Denny Crane" gag did completely vanish from the last few seasons, though I did appreciate hearing Shirley's "I'm Schmidt" catchphrase in the finale.
- I was hoping to see the series' background music crooner make an onscreen appearance, perhaps in the finale's wedding, and he definitely should have gotten a special feature. I can't imagine the show without his one-man Greek chorus.
- And, no Molly Ringwald cameo?! Come on!
- Fantastic finale. One of the best.
Finally, I loved how the show wasn't afraid to throw out references to current events, even apart from the actual issues/cases they discussed in depth. I get that on some shows, referencing contemporary events would be inappropriate (Smallville, West Wing, that sort of thing), but for shows set in the real world - and this applies just as much to movies also - it's downright maddening how rarely intelligent characters get to even mention lives and debates outside their own. Take an otherwise witty and clever show such as Scrubs, for instance - why couldn't it have been just a tad au courant? I love the thought that someday, I might show kids or even grandkids of mine some eps, and have that start discussions/tales of life and events of the '00s.
All in all, a wonderful series, with, AFAIK, the biggest time-wise role of Shatner's storied career. Anyone who says he isn't a good actor obviously never saw some of his finer moments here.
And now, if you don't mind, I'd like to share my complete BL review-guide.
Boston Legal
1. Head Cases
Alan defends a black wannabe Little Orphan Annie; Denny's sleeping with a top client's wife.
A solidly entertaining start to the series, with a fun “rabbit” appearance by Al Sharpton.
2. Still Crazy After All These Years
Alan tries to help an ex-girlfriend who tried to kill him; some fear that Denny will publicly implode.
Perfectly servicable crazy, and a good starter Denny plot, but nothing terribly memorable.
3. Catch and Release
Denny's son Donny argues a case against the firm; Alan's ex argues a harrassment case against him.
Engaging, brisk, somewhat political (the series' first) and oddly moving at the end; this is a good one...
4. Change of Course
Edwin Poole returns, inspired by Perry Mason, Alan uses his gf to terrorize an opposing witness.
... And this is a great one. Razor-sharp writing, great character moments, two gripping plots. Bravo!
5. An Eye for an Eye
Alan defends a hypochondriac; Lori defends a bullied-kid-turned-killer?; Denny takes a pharma case.
Decent but not really memorable; most notable for being the first mention of Denny's Alzheimer's fear.
6. Truth Be Told
An old crush of Alan's is the wife of a mayoral candidate; Lori mediates a medical dispute.
Not at all bad, but not great either. Both stories are strong, and play out fairly well, so “good” overall.
7. Questionable Characters
Lori's client's been shot but doesn't want the bullet removed; Denny gets arested for solicitation.
Lots of Red Sox Series chatter, which is fun; so a decent ep, but nothing at all new.
8. Loose Lips
Alan defends a fired cross-dressing Santa, Lori's therapist may have a murderous client.
Again, not much new, but it is all rather compelling, and pretty funny besides. Good, then.
9. A Greater Good
Alan and Denny spar over exposing a drug trial fraud; Tara pulls an Alan, Brad takes on a bomb.
Some repetitive bits, but the disagreement between the two protagonists is brand-new. Strong results.
10. Hired Guns
Lori and Brad defend a woman who may have shot her husband; Alan is taken hostage in the office.
The crime story is interesting if not fantastically compelling, but the Alan stuff is gold. Quite good.
11. Schmidt Happens
Shirley Scmidt helps a Sudanese man sue the US; Alan defends a man who attacked his mother.
Gripping, thought-provoking, funny; Bergen makes a fantastic addition to an already great cast. Win!
12. From Whence We Came
Is intelligent design creationism? Alan's mother-killer returns, Schmidt fires Sally.
ID/creationism debates in Middlesex County; really? Alan plot is lots of fun, decent overall.
13. It Girls and Beyond
Brad is attracted to a lesbian (?) client, Denny defends a doctor who illegally presecribed test meds.
Perfectly servicable, but nothing too memorable.
14. Til We Meat Again
Alan helps instigate a barroom brawl; Denny fights a ban on red meat that invokes Mad Cow Disease.
Fresh and funny even on repeated viewings. One of the series' finest.
15. Tortured Souls
Donny Crane returns to challenge Denny; Shirley coerces Alan to defend a torturer; Bernie returns.
Strong stuff all around.
16. Let Sales Ring
Denny's old colleague wants to be frozen; Alan tries to get Fox News un-banned from a high school.
Not bad, not great. Not very funny; the Tucker Carlson parody could have been pushed much further.
17. Death Be Not Proud
Alan heads to Texas for a showdown with their Supreme Court; Denny defends a possible nympho.
Not quite the classic that I remember; while the Texas stuff is quite strong, the rest isn't as memorable.
Alan defends a black wannabe Little Orphan Annie; Denny's sleeping with a top client's wife.
A solidly entertaining start to the series, with a fun “rabbit” appearance by Al Sharpton.
2. Still Crazy After All These Years
Alan tries to help an ex-girlfriend who tried to kill him; some fear that Denny will publicly implode.
Perfectly servicable crazy, and a good starter Denny plot, but nothing terribly memorable.
3. Catch and Release
Denny's son Donny argues a case against the firm; Alan's ex argues a harrassment case against him.
Engaging, brisk, somewhat political (the series' first) and oddly moving at the end; this is a good one...
4. Change of Course
Edwin Poole returns, inspired by Perry Mason, Alan uses his gf to terrorize an opposing witness.
... And this is a great one. Razor-sharp writing, great character moments, two gripping plots. Bravo!
5. An Eye for an Eye
Alan defends a hypochondriac; Lori defends a bullied-kid-turned-killer?; Denny takes a pharma case.
Decent but not really memorable; most notable for being the first mention of Denny's Alzheimer's fear.
6. Truth Be Told
An old crush of Alan's is the wife of a mayoral candidate; Lori mediates a medical dispute.
Not at all bad, but not great either. Both stories are strong, and play out fairly well, so “good” overall.
7. Questionable Characters
Lori's client's been shot but doesn't want the bullet removed; Denny gets arested for solicitation.
Lots of Red Sox Series chatter, which is fun; so a decent ep, but nothing at all new.
8. Loose Lips
Alan defends a fired cross-dressing Santa, Lori's therapist may have a murderous client.
Again, not much new, but it is all rather compelling, and pretty funny besides. Good, then.
9. A Greater Good
Alan and Denny spar over exposing a drug trial fraud; Tara pulls an Alan, Brad takes on a bomb.
Some repetitive bits, but the disagreement between the two protagonists is brand-new. Strong results.
10. Hired Guns
Lori and Brad defend a woman who may have shot her husband; Alan is taken hostage in the office.
The crime story is interesting if not fantastically compelling, but the Alan stuff is gold. Quite good.
11. Schmidt Happens
Shirley Scmidt helps a Sudanese man sue the US; Alan defends a man who attacked his mother.
Gripping, thought-provoking, funny; Bergen makes a fantastic addition to an already great cast. Win!
12. From Whence We Came
Is intelligent design creationism? Alan's mother-killer returns, Schmidt fires Sally.
ID/creationism debates in Middlesex County; really? Alan plot is lots of fun, decent overall.
13. It Girls and Beyond
Brad is attracted to a lesbian (?) client, Denny defends a doctor who illegally presecribed test meds.
Perfectly servicable, but nothing too memorable.
14. Til We Meat Again
Alan helps instigate a barroom brawl; Denny fights a ban on red meat that invokes Mad Cow Disease.
Fresh and funny even on repeated viewings. One of the series' finest.
15. Tortured Souls
Donny Crane returns to challenge Denny; Shirley coerces Alan to defend a torturer; Bernie returns.
Strong stuff all around.
16. Let Sales Ring
Denny's old colleague wants to be frozen; Alan tries to get Fox News un-banned from a high school.
Not bad, not great. Not very funny; the Tucker Carlson parody could have been pushed much further.
17. Death Be Not Proud
Alan heads to Texas for a showdown with their Supreme Court; Denny defends a possible nympho.
Not quite the classic that I remember; while the Texas stuff is quite strong, the rest isn't as memorable.
18. The Black Widow
Alan and Denny defend an unlikable gold-digger murder suspect; Sara is served divorce papers.
Where's Paul? He's mentioned but not seen. And who are these new people? They almost seem as though they walked in from a different, lesser show. For now, a decent verdict. The cello bit was good.
19. Schadenfreude
The Black Widow trial continues; Alan declares Tara lost; Denise declares war on her ex-to-be.
A bit better, though there's still barely any contact between the old and new casts. Curious...
20. Finding Nimmo
Denny and Alan go to Canada to fish; Sara and Garrett battle a devious clergyman-lawyer.
Pretty good; the wilderness stuff is a welcome change of pace.
21. A Whiff and a Prayer
Denny defends a Representative accused of fraud; Alan defends his secretary.
Very watchable, but ultimately not so good. The clergyman character jumps the shark, and while Denny's closing is hilarious, the show's failure to show him go down in flames for it sucks.
22. Men to Boys
Denise finally tries an automotive defect death case; Garrett meets a sexy paralegal with a big hurt.
Denny's long-awaited apology to Lori is too silly to be enjoyable, as are Alan's antics at a seafood restaurant. The new cast members' stories are actually stronger, but it's only passable overall.
23. Witches of Mass Destruction
Amidst a Halloween pageant suit, Alan sues the Army, causing his first fight with Denny.
Strong stuff. While not an episode for the ages, this is the show in fine form.
24. Truly, Madly, Deeply
Denny resists defending a child rapist/murderer; Alan deals with clowns and Shirley, bestiality.
Seeing Spader wildly overact is always a treat, and some fun Denny moments. Decent stuff.
25. The Ass Fat Jungle
Denise's plastic surgeon may have used the wrong fat; Alan has night terrors.
Thoroughly entertaining.
26. Gone
Brad and Denise go rogue in order to rescue a kidnapped child; Denny shoots a homeless man.
Over the top, but engagingly so, with the decency to swing for the stands above the fences. Splendid!
27. Legal Deficits
Brad is sued for vigilantism; Alan and Hands confront the credit card industry.
Big laughs all around, as well as two very sharp arguments. Alan's battle with the Texan is epic. Bravo!
28. The Cancer Man Can
Denise defends a man who bought into a drug study; Alan stumps for Hands, Denny finds a new flame.
Michael J. Fox. Boston Legal. HELL and YES. All three stories are classic. Magnifique!
29. Helping Hands
Alan defends Hands, Denise lets her (former?) client second-chair a trial, Denny gets engaged.
Not quite as wonderful as #28, but MJF and Shatner share a scene in this one, so it's kick... arse!
30. Too Much Information
Alan takes on privacy rights, Catherine robs liquor stores and Brad tries to bribe Bev to leave Denny.
Excellent! With a welcome bit of MJF on the side.
31. Breast in Show
Alan defends Irma from a sexual predator felony charge; Denise bails on Daniel.
Pretty good, with another quick Shatner/MJF scene, but not quite as joyous as the predecessors.
32. Smile
Alan befriends a young girl who can't smile; Shirley and Denise address a rape pregnancy case.
What happened to Irma? A solid watch, but not one of the highlights.
33. Live Big
An assisted suicide case, but Shirley's ex-husband is getting married, and Paul contacts his daughter.
This ep features some of the series' darkest material yet, but there are solid laughs also. A highlight.
34. ...There's Fire!
Denny and Bev get married; it doesn't go very well. Alan defends a fired smoker.
Alan finally loses a case – after a mere 33 eps! I liked Bev, and wish she'd stuck around longer... decent stuff, but not great.
35. Shock and Owww!
Shirley asks Alan to bury old nude photos of her; Paul sends Brad undercover to check up on Rachel.
Some great gags, and it's nice to see the D.A. antagonizing again, but not as much fun as it should be.
36. Stick It
Alan defends his secretary's refusal to pay taxes, Paul stages an intervention, Denise sort of sees a cop.
Some different stuff, not all of it thrilling, but not boring either.
37. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Shirley spars with her ex Ivan once more; Alan and Catherine look out for a senior citizen.
Fun stuff; Alan's opponent is cartoonishly evil, but his comeuppance is satisfying nonetheless.
38. Word Salad Days
Alan starts lapsing into gibberish; Denise defends polygamists and Brad a video game company.
The polygamist case is fun, the rest not so much. Pass.
39. Ivan the Incorrigible
Alan helps “Hands” on an attempted-murder case, more Shirley and Ivan nonsense.
Alan was a fool for letting Jerry take the case in the first place. I just can't get beyond that part. Pass.
40. Race Ipsa
Denny shoots his therapist, Alan challenges racial profiling and Brad learns to kiss.
The Denny stuff is okay, but this disconcertingly lightning-paced ep manages to make an utter mockery of Brad, Melissa the secretary and Denise, thus making it the worst of the series thus far.
41. Deep End of the Poole
Poole returns and takes on Big Corn Syrup; Alan is charged with advising the client from #39 to flee.
An admirable recovery from the disaster that was #40, with a wonderful closing from Denny. One of the season's best.
42. Squid Pro Quo
Denny represents the US... against Donny; Denise meets a ruthless new hire known as “The Squid”.
Kinda low-key, but it's always nice to see Donny, whose absence from Denny's wedding arc (something that hadn't occurred to me) is satisfactorily explained. Not at all bad, but not riotous either.
43. Spring Fever
Denny and Alan go to LA for a few days; Brad's niece is implicated a teen “pharma” party death.
Thoroughly decent, if not much notable.
44. BL: Los Angeles
Denny and Alan defend a shooting celebrity; Denise battles Marlene; Shirley helps Brad's case.
The Shat repeatedly hits on Seven of Nine herself, and not a single Trek reference? For shame! And while the overall ep is solid, I'd hoped for wackier adventures in LA. Nice brief MJF scene, though.
Alan and Denny defend an unlikable gold-digger murder suspect; Sara is served divorce papers.
Where's Paul? He's mentioned but not seen. And who are these new people? They almost seem as though they walked in from a different, lesser show. For now, a decent verdict. The cello bit was good.
19. Schadenfreude
The Black Widow trial continues; Alan declares Tara lost; Denise declares war on her ex-to-be.
A bit better, though there's still barely any contact between the old and new casts. Curious...
20. Finding Nimmo
Denny and Alan go to Canada to fish; Sara and Garrett battle a devious clergyman-lawyer.
Pretty good; the wilderness stuff is a welcome change of pace.
21. A Whiff and a Prayer
Denny defends a Representative accused of fraud; Alan defends his secretary.
Very watchable, but ultimately not so good. The clergyman character jumps the shark, and while Denny's closing is hilarious, the show's failure to show him go down in flames for it sucks.
22. Men to Boys
Denise finally tries an automotive defect death case; Garrett meets a sexy paralegal with a big hurt.
Denny's long-awaited apology to Lori is too silly to be enjoyable, as are Alan's antics at a seafood restaurant. The new cast members' stories are actually stronger, but it's only passable overall.
23. Witches of Mass Destruction
Amidst a Halloween pageant suit, Alan sues the Army, causing his first fight with Denny.
Strong stuff. While not an episode for the ages, this is the show in fine form.
24. Truly, Madly, Deeply
Denny resists defending a child rapist/murderer; Alan deals with clowns and Shirley, bestiality.
Seeing Spader wildly overact is always a treat, and some fun Denny moments. Decent stuff.
25. The Ass Fat Jungle
Denise's plastic surgeon may have used the wrong fat; Alan has night terrors.
Thoroughly entertaining.
26. Gone
Brad and Denise go rogue in order to rescue a kidnapped child; Denny shoots a homeless man.
Over the top, but engagingly so, with the decency to swing for the stands above the fences. Splendid!
27. Legal Deficits
Brad is sued for vigilantism; Alan and Hands confront the credit card industry.
Big laughs all around, as well as two very sharp arguments. Alan's battle with the Texan is epic. Bravo!
28. The Cancer Man Can
Denise defends a man who bought into a drug study; Alan stumps for Hands, Denny finds a new flame.
Michael J. Fox. Boston Legal. HELL and YES. All three stories are classic. Magnifique!
29. Helping Hands
Alan defends Hands, Denise lets her (former?) client second-chair a trial, Denny gets engaged.
Not quite as wonderful as #28, but MJF and Shatner share a scene in this one, so it's kick... arse!
30. Too Much Information
Alan takes on privacy rights, Catherine robs liquor stores and Brad tries to bribe Bev to leave Denny.
Excellent! With a welcome bit of MJF on the side.
31. Breast in Show
Alan defends Irma from a sexual predator felony charge; Denise bails on Daniel.
Pretty good, with another quick Shatner/MJF scene, but not quite as joyous as the predecessors.
32. Smile
Alan befriends a young girl who can't smile; Shirley and Denise address a rape pregnancy case.
What happened to Irma? A solid watch, but not one of the highlights.
33. Live Big
An assisted suicide case, but Shirley's ex-husband is getting married, and Paul contacts his daughter.
This ep features some of the series' darkest material yet, but there are solid laughs also. A highlight.
34. ...There's Fire!
Denny and Bev get married; it doesn't go very well. Alan defends a fired smoker.
Alan finally loses a case – after a mere 33 eps! I liked Bev, and wish she'd stuck around longer... decent stuff, but not great.
35. Shock and Owww!
Shirley asks Alan to bury old nude photos of her; Paul sends Brad undercover to check up on Rachel.
Some great gags, and it's nice to see the D.A. antagonizing again, but not as much fun as it should be.
36. Stick It
Alan defends his secretary's refusal to pay taxes, Paul stages an intervention, Denise sort of sees a cop.
Some different stuff, not all of it thrilling, but not boring either.
37. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Shirley spars with her ex Ivan once more; Alan and Catherine look out for a senior citizen.
Fun stuff; Alan's opponent is cartoonishly evil, but his comeuppance is satisfying nonetheless.
38. Word Salad Days
Alan starts lapsing into gibberish; Denise defends polygamists and Brad a video game company.
The polygamist case is fun, the rest not so much. Pass.
39. Ivan the Incorrigible
Alan helps “Hands” on an attempted-murder case, more Shirley and Ivan nonsense.
Alan was a fool for letting Jerry take the case in the first place. I just can't get beyond that part. Pass.
40. Race Ipsa
Denny shoots his therapist, Alan challenges racial profiling and Brad learns to kiss.
The Denny stuff is okay, but this disconcertingly lightning-paced ep manages to make an utter mockery of Brad, Melissa the secretary and Denise, thus making it the worst of the series thus far.
41. Deep End of the Poole
Poole returns and takes on Big Corn Syrup; Alan is charged with advising the client from #39 to flee.
An admirable recovery from the disaster that was #40, with a wonderful closing from Denny. One of the season's best.
42. Squid Pro Quo
Denny represents the US... against Donny; Denise meets a ruthless new hire known as “The Squid”.
Kinda low-key, but it's always nice to see Donny, whose absence from Denny's wedding arc (something that hadn't occurred to me) is satisfactorily explained. Not at all bad, but not riotous either.
43. Spring Fever
Denny and Alan go to LA for a few days; Brad's niece is implicated a teen “pharma” party death.
Thoroughly decent, if not much notable.
44. BL: Los Angeles
Denny and Alan defend a shooting celebrity; Denise battles Marlene; Shirley helps Brad's case.
The Shat repeatedly hits on Seven of Nine herself, and not a single Trek reference? For shame! And while the overall ep is solid, I'd hoped for wackier adventures in LA. Nice brief MJF scene, though.
45. Can't We All Get a Lung? Denise defends her fiance against a lung-buying charge; Alan tries to get Jerry laid.
This definitely seems to be the end of the MJF arc; he'll be missed. While his story doesn't exactly end on an epic note, his last case is still very strong. Lots of out-there fun makes for a crackling and memorable premiere.
46. New Kids on the Block
Coho takes a judge-killing case, Alan and Claire deal with a transvestite, Denny's date proves... short.
An entirely servicable start to a multi-ep arc in the judge case. Newcomers Coho and Claire both show considerable promise. DS9's Quark cameos as the murdered judge's hubby.
47. Desperately Seeking Shirley
Alan tries to invalidate the post-nup Shirley wrote for Ivan; Denny decides to help his new little friend.
Pretty good, pretty good... And a very fun one-scene Neelix cameo.
48. Fine Young Cannibal
Alan and Shirley defend a homeless cannibal, Claire flirts with the psychiatrist in the ongoing case.
Not splendid, but entirely potable. The Alan/Denny wrestling match is pretty fun.
49. Whose God Is It Anyway?
Alan defends Jerry (again) after he fires a Scientologist. Sally Heep returns. The big trial begins.
Lots of fun. Alan taking the piss out of any and all religions: how can it possibly fail?
50. The Verdict
The big verdict in the Judge Hooper case; Sally's new hit-and-run style makes Alan feel insecure.
A perfectly adequate conclusion to an epic and unprecedented five-ep arc.
51. Trick or Treat
Denise searches for Mike's remains; Alan defends Jerry (again) against a perjury charge; Jeffrey Coho is sued for defamation by the weird gardener; Denny meets little person Bethany's mother.
The arc continues! Too stuffed to be truly memorable in its own right, but certainly interesting and zany.
52. Lincoln
Denny defends gardener Lincoln against a judge-killing charge; Brad and Jeff don't get along too well.
... Aaand, even more of the Alan/Jerry show. Couldn't we give Jerry even a short rest? Very weird overall. Not sure I fully approve, but the ep definitely keeps me guessing, so there's that.
53. On the Ledge
Denny becomes jealous of Jerry and Alan's friendship; Lincoln has kidnapped Shirley.
A very satisfying wrap-up of the Lincoln half of the Judge Cooper murder arc. Lots of fun all around.
54. The Nutcrackers
Alan defends white supremacist in a custody case; Denny tries to help an anorexic teen.
Despite some typically “out there” moments and elements, this is a mostly sober one. It's pretty good.
55. Angel of Death
The Dynamic Duo road-trip to New Orleans to defend a doctor; Clarence sues an all-female gym.
Some pretty heavy stuff, and not much local New Orleans flavor (did they even go?), but still good.
56. Nuts
Denny vs. the No-Fly List, Shirley and Vanessa defending a teacher whose student morted.
Denise's failed non-seduction must be a series highlight, and the rest ain't bad, either.
57. Dumping Bella
Denny defends Bella against animal-rights protestors; Brad finds out about Jeffrey and Denise.
Probably the silliest ep of the series thus far. Borderline stupid, even. I loved it! Though I'm not so sure about Clarence and Claire.
58. Selling Sickness
Alan and Denny sue Judge Brown's gay “treatment” center; a forgetting pill; Denise is pregnant.
Denise's thought processes are frustratingly vague/underwritten/dumb, but both trials are great, and the outrageous frivolity is only slightly less than #57's, so a big thumbs-up from moi!
59. Fat Burner
Alan defends Denny, fat trafficker; Clarence defends a former Haitian slave. Jeffrey leaves.
Wtf? Jeffrey's leaving? Still very silly, but with a more serious side also. Great A/D stuff. Good show.
60. The Good Lawyer
Alan defends a fired therapist who saw a UFO and a woman who stole her father's corpse.
Alan's shockingly vicious attack on temporary rival Jerry is season highlight; the rest is good-average.
61. The Bride Wore Blood
Alan defends an old girlfriend from Murder 1; Claire defends a young man who stole a cell phone.
Perhaps the series' most straightforward mystery yet... the Alan case is gripping; the rest, fine fluff.
62. Son of the Defender
While Alan sits in jail, Denny re-tries his first-ever case, with potentially explosive results.
Another hostage crisis, huh? Well, the old Shatner clips do indeed justify it all. A memorable tribute.
63. Brotherly Love
Alan defends a man who tried to help his brother beat a murder rap; Claire and Clarence have issues.
Not at all bad, though Alan's client deserved to lose; awesome Brad scene. Solid overall.
64. Guise N' Dolls
It's Alan vs. Mirror Jerry again vis-a-vis provocative dolls; Denny calls a black lawyer “articulate.”
More glorious, glorious lunacy. A wonderful ep for just about everybody except the Republican-loving Denise, and even that wasn't all bad.
65. Tea and Sympathy
Alan's judicial squeeze is charged with drug possession, an auto-cured HIV patient wants to get rich.
Nothing much to see here either way. Let's move on...
66. Guantanamo By the Bay
Alan gets another torture-related case, but this time he's on the offence. Jerry sings his way back in.
Seeing Alan defend Brad the torturer was a lot more fun; this is just too on-the-nose.
67. Duck and Cover
Brad and Denise's wedding is interrupted; Alan defends an immigrant-sheltering priest and Jerry a woman with a “therapeutic” pet duck.
One of the season's sharpest and funniest; a classic. “There it is – [BLAM]!”
68. Trial of the Century
Alan and Denny defend two brothers accused of murder; Jerry and Clarence take on a casino.
A tense, well-written and engrossing wrap-up to Season Three. Now that's a season finale.
This definitely seems to be the end of the MJF arc; he'll be missed. While his story doesn't exactly end on an epic note, his last case is still very strong. Lots of out-there fun makes for a crackling and memorable premiere.
46. New Kids on the Block
Coho takes a judge-killing case, Alan and Claire deal with a transvestite, Denny's date proves... short.
An entirely servicable start to a multi-ep arc in the judge case. Newcomers Coho and Claire both show considerable promise. DS9's Quark cameos as the murdered judge's hubby.
47. Desperately Seeking Shirley
Alan tries to invalidate the post-nup Shirley wrote for Ivan; Denny decides to help his new little friend.
Pretty good, pretty good... And a very fun one-scene Neelix cameo.
48. Fine Young Cannibal
Alan and Shirley defend a homeless cannibal, Claire flirts with the psychiatrist in the ongoing case.
Not splendid, but entirely potable. The Alan/Denny wrestling match is pretty fun.
49. Whose God Is It Anyway?
Alan defends Jerry (again) after he fires a Scientologist. Sally Heep returns. The big trial begins.
Lots of fun. Alan taking the piss out of any and all religions: how can it possibly fail?
50. The Verdict
The big verdict in the Judge Hooper case; Sally's new hit-and-run style makes Alan feel insecure.
A perfectly adequate conclusion to an epic and unprecedented five-ep arc.
51. Trick or Treat
Denise searches for Mike's remains; Alan defends Jerry (again) against a perjury charge; Jeffrey Coho is sued for defamation by the weird gardener; Denny meets little person Bethany's mother.
The arc continues! Too stuffed to be truly memorable in its own right, but certainly interesting and zany.
52. Lincoln
Denny defends gardener Lincoln against a judge-killing charge; Brad and Jeff don't get along too well.
... Aaand, even more of the Alan/Jerry show. Couldn't we give Jerry even a short rest? Very weird overall. Not sure I fully approve, but the ep definitely keeps me guessing, so there's that.
53. On the Ledge
Denny becomes jealous of Jerry and Alan's friendship; Lincoln has kidnapped Shirley.
A very satisfying wrap-up of the Lincoln half of the Judge Cooper murder arc. Lots of fun all around.
54. The Nutcrackers
Alan defends white supremacist in a custody case; Denny tries to help an anorexic teen.
Despite some typically “out there” moments and elements, this is a mostly sober one. It's pretty good.
55. Angel of Death
The Dynamic Duo road-trip to New Orleans to defend a doctor; Clarence sues an all-female gym.
Some pretty heavy stuff, and not much local New Orleans flavor (did they even go?), but still good.
56. Nuts
Denny vs. the No-Fly List, Shirley and Vanessa defending a teacher whose student morted.
Denise's failed non-seduction must be a series highlight, and the rest ain't bad, either.
57. Dumping Bella
Denny defends Bella against animal-rights protestors; Brad finds out about Jeffrey and Denise.
Probably the silliest ep of the series thus far. Borderline stupid, even. I loved it! Though I'm not so sure about Clarence and Claire.
58. Selling Sickness
Alan and Denny sue Judge Brown's gay “treatment” center; a forgetting pill; Denise is pregnant.
Denise's thought processes are frustratingly vague/underwritten/dumb, but both trials are great, and the outrageous frivolity is only slightly less than #57's, so a big thumbs-up from moi!
59. Fat Burner
Alan defends Denny, fat trafficker; Clarence defends a former Haitian slave. Jeffrey leaves.
Wtf? Jeffrey's leaving? Still very silly, but with a more serious side also. Great A/D stuff. Good show.
60. The Good Lawyer
Alan defends a fired therapist who saw a UFO and a woman who stole her father's corpse.
Alan's shockingly vicious attack on temporary rival Jerry is season highlight; the rest is good-average.
61. The Bride Wore Blood
Alan defends an old girlfriend from Murder 1; Claire defends a young man who stole a cell phone.
Perhaps the series' most straightforward mystery yet... the Alan case is gripping; the rest, fine fluff.
62. Son of the Defender
While Alan sits in jail, Denny re-tries his first-ever case, with potentially explosive results.
Another hostage crisis, huh? Well, the old Shatner clips do indeed justify it all. A memorable tribute.
63. Brotherly Love
Alan defends a man who tried to help his brother beat a murder rap; Claire and Clarence have issues.
Not at all bad, though Alan's client deserved to lose; awesome Brad scene. Solid overall.
64. Guise N' Dolls
It's Alan vs. Mirror Jerry again vis-a-vis provocative dolls; Denny calls a black lawyer “articulate.”
More glorious, glorious lunacy. A wonderful ep for just about everybody except the Republican-loving Denise, and even that wasn't all bad.
65. Tea and Sympathy
Alan's judicial squeeze is charged with drug possession, an auto-cured HIV patient wants to get rich.
Nothing much to see here either way. Let's move on...
66. Guantanamo By the Bay
Alan gets another torture-related case, but this time he's on the offence. Jerry sings his way back in.
Seeing Alan defend Brad the torturer was a lot more fun; this is just too on-the-nose.
67. Duck and Cover
Brad and Denise's wedding is interrupted; Alan defends an immigrant-sheltering priest and Jerry a woman with a “therapeutic” pet duck.
One of the season's sharpest and funniest; a classic. “There it is – [BLAM]!”
68. Trial of the Century
Alan and Denny defend two brothers accused of murder; Jerry and Clarence take on a casino.
A tense, well-written and engrossing wrap-up to Season Three. Now that's a season finale.
(continued next post)
