(S03E20) Wow, what a great episode. So many standout performances, not to mention one of the most brilliant scripts I have seen in a long time.
Let's begin with the guest cast. I loved seeing Christian Clemenson again. Ever since he played Socrates Poole he has struck me as a hard working actor and I am always amazed at his ability to portray characters that are hilarious and pitiful at the same time.
The other guest who I must mention is Gail O'Grady. Whether she's Donna Abondando or Helen Pryor (a hot Mom who I should have included on my list) she is the epitome of a strong and sexy woman.
As a father of a tween, I could really identify with the problem caused by the "Tartys" dolls. When my daughters ask for Bratz dolls, I have to wonder if they think it's OK to be a brat. In the end, I do what I wish more parents would do. I give them the dolls but I watch how they play and try to curtail any negative ideas they might get from the dolls. It was right for Alan to lose because, ultimately, it is the parents responsibility, no one else.
When Jerry began the trial in his bombastic persona, I wondered to myself why Alan was so offended. Why is it acceptable for Alan Shore to be offensive and insulting but not Jerry Espenson? As the episode went on, I realized that was the entire point. This episode was all about self-reflection. It was clear that while Alan was saddened to see Jerry's rude behavior, he was clearly concerned with the metaphorical mirror he was forced to look into.At the end of the trial, when Jerry returned to his old self, I was speechless.
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Bill Shatner and I never thought that I would see him in a scene with Jaleel White. I hated Family Matters, but I loved these scenes. You've come a long way, Urkel. I wasn't sure how far the show would go with the "sounding black" thing, but when Denny came out and said it, I thought it was great. It reminded me of something that happened when I was a kid.
One day I answered the phone and the woman on the other end asked to speak to my mother. I handed the phone to my mom and told her, "It's for you, it sounds like a black lady." After the call, my mom explained to me that I shouldn't have said that and she explained why. I can't say that I understood completely but as I grew older, I came to realize that right or wrong, it's an insensitive thing to say and that's a good enough reason to make the effort. Now, was I, at the tender age of eight, a racist? I prefer to think the answer is no, but just like the aging, confused, stubborn Denny Crane, I was saying out loud something that many people often think. That doesn't mean it's acceptable to say things that hurt people as long as you believe they're true, but by the same token, everybody says stupid things, not just kids and old people. Shirley and Denny were both right when they urged us to judge each other by our actions and not our words.
If the
re was anything about this episode that bothered me it would have to be the nagging question of whether or not Shatner took of his own wig or wore Denny's disguise over it.
I have to give this episode our highest rating.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-25-2007 @ 9:54AM
Walt said...
And you didn't even mention the two minutes on the balcony at the end of the show! That alone was worth the price of admission! Could someone please, pretty please grab those last couple of minutes from that episode and share that segment somewhere?
I've hung on to this show simply for the William Shatner bits, and yes, this episode was certainly a classic for him and the anti-Urkel part was fine, but his comments about Obama and Hillary made me laugh so hard, I just about woke the neighbors.
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4-25-2007 @ 10:09AM
KC said...
This episode sums up why I love this show. The Denny/Urkle interaction was great but what was amazing was how the show continued to push the issue right up to the final moments. I agree with Walt, the last few minutes on the balcony were must-see tv and I would love to see those moments again. I don't know of any other show that would have handled the issue this way. Very very well done.
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4-25-2007 @ 10:57AM
jam said...
Wow, I am so happy to see all positive posts about last nights episode. I was so afraid that ABC would be pulling the plug on Boston Legal for saying something politically incorrect. Freedom of Speech isn't really something to mess with these past couple of weeks. I too loved the episode but in general Boston Legal NEVER disappoints me. Keep up the great witty writing and storylines. Boston Legal is my absolute favorite!
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4-25-2007 @ 11:04AM
Jimmy said...
Sometimes I really hate my local ABC affiliate. I missed almost all of the final two minutes of the show when the signal went out. I need to find it somewhere! I think the star of this episode was Christian Clemenson's Jerry Espenson. There are times when I really hate this character, and I think they rely on him too much to the detrement of other regular cast member, but when he transformed back ino Asperberger's Jerry it was eerie. I think in the end Alan realized that Jerry was only giving him a taste of his own medicine, and it worked.
Thank Jeebus ABC renewed this show. If they would give it a little more attention it just might become a bigger hit for them.
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4-25-2007 @ 11:37AM
David said...
The episode was great, the sexual part of the trial "I find it easier to keep track of the women he hasn't slept with". The fact they lost the trial was great because sex is everywhere and it's the parents job to deside what is right and wrong not some lawyer or store.
And the last few minutes alone would have given it a 10 out of 10. "Anyone but Hillary" is how I feel too and Denny Crane likes Obama! :)
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4-25-2007 @ 4:34PM
fc2grimm said...
How about the speech that Shirley made to the press - PERFECT!
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4-25-2007 @ 8:46PM
Ricardo said...
The speech for the press was brilliant, but Shirley had her moment when she said, without any further explanation:
The nays have it...
That was like whoa.
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4-26-2007 @ 2:09AM
Chris said...
This episode blew me away. Incredible script. Awesome performance by all cast members.
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4-26-2007 @ 2:13AM
LA said...
I loved Alan's closing speech when he called out the Hollywood set and their salicious behavior. This show delivers week after week. Love it.
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4-26-2007 @ 3:24PM
Rob Walley said...
As I've posted here before, this really is consistently the best show on TV right now and kudos to ABC for giving it an early renewal. I will put in my agreement that the balcony scene was a pure delight and that no part of of this episode left the viewer wanting for anything.
But instead of rejoicing at the thought of season four now coming, I am now thinking how critical that this show still be around for a fifth season so that we can see Denny and Alan play out the comedy politics straight through to the November 2008 elections.
Election night coverage on ABC (remember, the election is on a Tuesday) could feature Charles Gibson periodically switching to pretaped segments of Alan and Denny following the incoming returns from the balcony, complete with a big plasma set hauled out on the ledge. The thought of this is priceless!!!
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