(S04E15) "Life's a cabaret, man." - Denny Crane
Christopher Rich is one of my favorite of Alan's adversaries not only because he's a "hoot" himself but because he is one of the few lawyers who give back to Alan exactly what he dishes out. As much as I adore Alan Shore, it pleases me to no end to see him get frustrated almost to the point of anger. Who knows, one day, he may even lose to someone like Melvin Palmer but I won't hold my breath.
When Alan lost his temper with Melvin, it was great. I can't remember ever seeing Alan look so embarrassed. I guess we shouldn't be shocked that a guy who has no ability to suffer fools also has a deep seated fear of clowns.
I wouldn't be doing my job as a reviewer, a historian or even as a TV fan if I didn't comment on the great closing by Alan. I have always said that television is the best mix of entertainment and education that is available. It's free, it's available to everyone and it's so easy to use even a child can benefit from it. It was TV that showed us the moon landing and other historic events. Alan's point about television helping to end the Vietnam war is one I often make. The best part, however, was the list of brilliant people he named; Kovacs, Serling and Murrow. Three men who worked in distinctly different areas, yet would never have achieved their level of greatness, if not for television. I also appreciated the tip of the hat to The Defenders. For all of David E. Kelley's faults, he still remains one of the best things about modern television.
It was great seeing Stephen Root again, I just wish his character had been a little more Jimmy James than Bill Dauterive. As for his case, I was interested when I heard the part about him shooting and eating seals and less so after I heard the mention of George Bush.
I must admit, with Boston Legal on hiatus for so long, my tolerance for blatant politicizing has gone way down. Anyone who knows me, will tell you I am no fan of our outgoing President but this show makes a good case for the existence of the oft-mentioned liberal media. I suppose the truth is that I just got spoiled watching Jericho make a stronger statement with much less noise.
I found Ethan's objections to Shirley's defense really quite ludicrous. If he isn't mentally unbalanced then why did he repeatedly break the law and shoot the seals? He says it was because he needed to eat. In that case, why doesn't he get a job and earn some money for food? The answer to that, of course, is because he is too mentally unbalanced to secure or keep any kind of employment. This is what happens when you try and make one character represent thousands of people, the analogy just doesn't hold up.
I don't know what I liked more, the unabashed reasoning Denny gave for walking around with no pants or the Fred Sanford-esque gait he assumed while walking down the hall.
Denny certainly topped himself in this episode with the artificial tears. I busted out laughing when he tried them out on Carl and I couldn't help thinking that the apparatus would have come in very handy in the early days of Shatner's career. It certainly couldn't have made him look any worse. The execution of the device at dinner was hilarious and pitiful at the same time. I actually felt bad for laughing at Denny. The moment at the end between Denny and Carl was brilliant.
In closing, I highly endorse Denny's "cigars and scotch" relationship.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-09-2008 @ 7:48AM
Gazzoo said...
Regarding William Shatner's "Fred Sanford-esque gait"....the actor underwent hip-replacement surgery during the hiatus.
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4-09-2008 @ 9:51AM
Chip Douglas said...
I have always been a fan of David E Kelley and I do apreciate the mix of politics and public awareness he brings to most issues. That part of the show is great. But as far as charachers go and story lines, the show is definitely taking a turn for the worse. Yes, Alan's closing was the best part of the show. But the interaction between the other main charachters is so one dimensional and boring. I want to like this show again. But right now, it is boring me.
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4-09-2008 @ 10:34AM
Oreo said...
Yes, the show has seemed to have lost it's way, and it's truly sad.
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4-09-2008 @ 12:06PM
Frances said...
The other characters were just weak window dressing in this episode. Jerry just sat and made noises. Aside from the closing argument I thought Alan was losing it. A little bit of a shock after the long hiatus.
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4-09-2008 @ 2:09PM
MERVE-THE-PERVE said...
They need to bring back Rona Mitra. She was so damn hot. It's definitely time to get some new characters. This batch is getting old. They could also use some more 3 episode trials like with that peeper they had. And Alans closing was awesome! He was reading my mind. I'm mad as hell, and I wont be watching any new shows anymore. When the ones I'm watching now are cancelled, no more tv for me!
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4-09-2008 @ 2:16PM
d said...
massively confused. maybe i'm like the seal guy,... just crazy. i thought it was the best one of the season. it was funny, sweet, great speech by alan, insight into denny. you can't squeeze something for eight characters to do in 40 minutes. previous episode had the supporting cast quite busy. this show is alan and denny and to a lesser extent shirley. aside from that i don't know what you people want. it's gonna break my heart when it's canceled this year. i understand it's not crackling with energy like the first 2 years with the comedy but it's still really good. i would prefer the producers didn't decide to go more dramatic. as for the seal guy... i had the impression he did have a job but couldn't make ends meet. and it's understandable his pride interfered with his desire to not go to jail.
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4-09-2008 @ 7:55PM
JasonM said...
As a conservative, I try to watch this show because it is usually clever and funny, but I am so sick of having liberal talking points forced on me. I could respect it if some of the arguments were unique, but its usually just a rehash of the latest liberal cause-celebre, and comes out less like an argument, and more like the writing of frustrated and angry liberals.
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4-09-2008 @ 5:57PM
lockescythe said...
eh.
I was fine with the episode. But I see no way for Alan to have won. I thought it would've been a good time to knock him down a peg.
They don't need to win EVERY case.
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4-09-2008 @ 5:29PM
Al said...
Ditto to d. I thought this was one of the best this season. It told the truth and made me laugh. As for the supporting actors on the show:Christian Clemonson's character is so worn out..2 seasons ago. I see him in the opening credits but where is Gary Anthony Williams. And Taraji Henson is also in the opening credits, but has had all of maybe 20 lines since she came on the show.
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4-09-2008 @ 11:18PM
R said...
Loved the episode. You can't always have ALL the characters on. Having the 3 main characters interact was great for a change. I would be very sad if this show was not renewed, it always make you think. Look, we're having a dialogue now... Christian Clemenson and Tara Summers should stay and they should have guest stars every week. It would make everything so much more interesting and new.
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4-10-2008 @ 9:21AM
LC said...
This was not my favorite. The humor between Alan and Denny is what keeps me interested.
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4-11-2008 @ 2:49PM
David said...
The Denny Crane crying scene was outstanding.
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4-16-2008 @ 1:56PM
Brooke said...
You know what? I'm sick to death of this show. It's so bad that had it been like this in the begining I'm sure it would have been cancelled right away. It's not fun at all and not interesting one bit. After trying it more than it deserved I've moved on to better shows.
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