I had never watched The Practice before last year when James Spader joined the cast as the amoral Alan Shore. Unfortunately, Spader's (and frequent guest star William Shatner) were not enough to save the show. But that's what spin-offs are for.
But Boston Legal is not the Practice with a new name. Gone are the multi-episode trials and Marco Beltrami's subtle score. They're replaced by episodic stories and funky transitional music. If the Practice was a serious drama focused on the court system, then Boston Legal would be its comedic cousin. As Spader and Shatner both struggle to be the firm's most eccentric lawyer, only Mark Valley and usual guest star Rene Auberjonois act like they belong to a serious law firm, while Monica Potter is stuck in the middle, usually employing her Deer in the Headlights look.
In yesterday's episode, "Schmidt Happens," Candice Bergen joined the cast and immediately clashes with Shore and while dealing her old relationship with Denny Crane. I'm hoping that Bergen will breathe some new life into the series and its characters, showing that not all of the female lawyers in Boston Legal are there just as eye candy or to flirt with Shore.
I also enoyed the Spader sub-plot, which seemed to be one of his better cases of the season. He is called to a timid man's house, under the impression that the man had murdered his mother, only to find out that she's still alive. Next week, apparently Shore must once again deal with this character who "accidentally" killed someone else...
So, in closing, while the show needs some improvement in the writing department, it still boasts a great cast (yes, even Shatner) and has a great potential to becoming a hit. Two words: Denny Crane.
The series so far: C+ "Schmidt Happens" B
1 comment:
Yes, The Practice did have a more subtle and dramatic plot. You have to admit that the lawyers and the controversial cases made you want to watch each week. However, with Allen Shore's addition, not only was there comedy, but some creative and unethical conclusions to cases. He was the added "comedic" relief. While I miss the old, dramatic cases, I must admit that the goofy and eccentric new show with wilder cases seems to be just as entertaining. Maybe that's because there is more Shore and Krane. I agree that Candice Burgen's role should add some new fun. I do wish that Mark Valley and Monica Potter had more to do in the show. There seems to be potential in character development- which they've started to do with Potter, but still need to work on with Valley.
I think BL is one of the few shows that I enjoy watching each week- for its random comedy and fun!
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