(S04E06) "It doesn't matter what people are saying as long as they talk about you" - Denny Crane
Watching the opening scene of this episode made me smile. Very few shows can mine humor out of the execution style murder of an unarmed man. Boston Legal has turned it into an art form.
Mare Winningham is one of the most underrated actresses in America. It takes a true talent to appear cold and unfeeling on the outside and still let the audience see that your insides are being torn apart by every emotion imaginable.
Patrice Kelly's case is one of my favorites in a long while because it tells a great story about human drama while also giving insight into the legal system. Could this woman fool her way to a not guilty verdict? It was really fascinating to watch. Alan's cross of the corduroy-clad professor alone was worth the price of admission.
When the verdict was read and Patrice was found not guilty, I was left with only one question...what was up with that old jury foreman's voice?
I imagine that every week there are viewers who watch the antics of Denny Crane and say, "That's ridiculous." Well, tonight, I have joined their ranks. In the past, I understood that most of Denny's behavior could be blamed on the child-like way he sees the world. His ego is so huge that it's almost impossible for him to believe he's wrong about anything. However, it takes a truly stupid person to think he can get away with firing a woman because she's fat. Could Denny have finally gone off the deep end? What kind of a sane person above the age of ten accents his exit from a room by farting?
Once again, Carl Sack provides the authenticity in this episode by trying to point out what an idiotic thing Denny has done. More importantly, the victim was smart enough to realize this was her opportunity to sue for a large amount of money.
I was surprised to see Mary Gross on television again. From what I understand, she has a severe aversion to flying which makes it hard for her to appear in many projects. In any event, the decision to cast her as the female Jerry Espenson was a great one. You could just see what Jerry was thinking when Leigh showed him the picture of her "lover," the utility box. Could this woman actually be nuttier than Jerry?
I've never heard of objectophilia but I must admit that the practice really puts a strain on my libertarian views. Clearly, Leigh is an adult and her predilections aren't harmful to anyone but I would be hard pressed to carry on a normal conversation with her. Then again, I've had the same clock radio since I was in high school, so what makes me any better?
As for the ending scene on the balcony, I can't help but continue to marvel at the chemistry between Shatner and Spader. Who would have ever thought that Captain Kirk and the kid from Endless Love could be so engaging together?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-07-2007 @ 8:19AM
Chester said...
I think the reason why Denny fired her for being fat could be if he can't get into a court to fight a case, he will get into court and be the defendant..he just wants to get into a court room.
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11-07-2007 @ 8:51AM
MLO said...
Denny alluded to it being because she refused to bed him. This is really no better, but, utterly believable in the rather misogynistic world of law / business / finance / etc. It still happens.
You did notice that Alan did not for one minute believe it was because she was fat. Denny is probably also aware that Carl was brought in by Shirley to rein him in.
DH and I thought to ourselves that if Shirley had been around, she would have "taken him out to the woodshed." She would, like Alan, immediately recognize what was going on and call him on it.
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11-07-2007 @ 9:45AM
Jimmy said...
I have thoroughly enjoyed this show since episode 1, but lately I'm getting a little tired of the unrealistic verdicts, and this episode's verdict takes the case. This has to be the most stupid jury ever presented on television. There is no way in real life that a jury could, or should, find this women innocent. Yes, it's television, but as I've said before, even television needs a little realism now and again. These lawyers constantly winning their cases is just not realistic; I mean, they have near 100% success rates -- even the new guys! And Alan's defense of this woman based on revenge has to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard -- not close to being on par with the firery closings of episodes past.
I have to feel a little sad for Saffron Burrows. She really is a great actress, but she's utterly wasted on this show. She's little more than eye candy for Denny. By the way, who does this woman's makeup? They have her made up like a cross-dresser!
The one saving grace of this series is Shatner and Spade. Anymore, the best part of this series is the final balcony scene, which is also a sad commentary on how the writing has suffered this season.
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11-07-2007 @ 12:44PM
Sharon Wingo said...
Obviously, this episode pushed the envelope in realism, but it's only TV and should be viewed with that in mind. Boston Legal continues to be one of the most innovative, refreshingly new "food for thought" shows ever, thanks to it's wonderfully creative writing staff and immensely talented cast of "characters", in particular, David Spader, who so deservedly won "best male actor" at the Emmy's. Yes, he's come a loooong way from some of his 80's flicks.
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11-07-2007 @ 2:50PM
Oreo said...
I'm sick of them winning. The only person who should always win is Denny because that's his storyline.
This episode was... ehh... It felt like it was light on characters. It felt like The Practice last season where everyone was fired and it felt empty.
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11-07-2007 @ 4:48PM
Linda said...
Must see TV. Love this show. Some of the most creative writing on TV. The balcony scenes are priceless.
What was the deal with the Jewish doctor/psychiatrist?
What was ALan poking at?
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11-12-2007 @ 9:20AM
MIKE SHAMBLEY said...
KUDO'S TO THE CASTING DIRECTOR FOR AQUIRING THE SO CALLED "WEIGHTED" ASSOCIATE... THAT GIRL IS NOT ONLY EASY ON THE EYES ,BUT HAS A FRESH ACTING PERSONA THAT COMES ACROSS THE SCREEN AS POISED AND EXTREMLEY CONFIDENT IN HER ROLE.
MAYBE THIS TIME THE THE PRACTICE WILL LOSE A CASE HUH?
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11-18-2007 @ 12:10PM
Susan said...
How about adding Brit Matthew McFayden as a new cast member? He is such an interesting screen personality.
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12-04-2007 @ 5:27PM
Brownie said...
Who is the manufacturer of the two chairs Denny Crane and Allen Shore sit in at the end of the show? E-mail address of manufacturer.
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