TVSquad

She's been Glinda, the Good Witch (Wicked) and Olive Snook, the itty-bitty, lovable waitress (Pushing Daisies), comic strip cutie Sally Brown (You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown), a PR pro on The West Wing, and now she's going to be Skippy Pylon. Skippy the lawyer, and she's heading to the courtroom.

Kristin Chenoweth will star in Legally Mad, a new drama series for creator David E. Kelly for NBC. This is by far the smartest, best news out of NBC in months. (Could Jeff Zucker be reading TV Squad? Have we gotten under his skin?)

You can't see me but I'm doing the dance of joy and happiness about this casting. I have been in the dumps over Pushing Daisies not being picked up by ABC. The network hasn't even said whether it will air the last episodes, and Kristin Chenoweth has been the one star out there who's really expressed her disappointment that the show has come to an end. Therefore, I'm extremely glad for her that ABC's loss will be NBC's gain.

And this isn't just any pilot project. David E. Kelley is coming off of Boston Legal. His resume includes Doogie Howser, M.D., Chicago Hope, L.A. Law, Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, and The Practice.

Remember that commercial, "When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen"? Well, when David E. Kelley writes a TV show -- and Kelley mentioned this one recently -- people watch it! NBC simply has to find the right time slot -- which is not going to be 10 o'clock -- and give Chenoweth and Kelley a chance to shine.

Legally Mad -- which brings to mind Legally Blonde, but I doubt that's a coincidence -- is the story of Skippy Pylon, a brilliant but psychologically damaged lawyer who joins her father's law firm. She apparently is somewhat manic and has flashes of psychosis that makes her act and come off as a teenager. While all that sounds incredible, let's not forget what Kelley's done with the crazies on Boston Legal. Bizarre characters are his specialty. Maybe William Shatner will play Daddy?

Kelley said he's been wanted to work with Kristin for a long time. "I could only picture Kristin playing this role. ...[I] can't wait to reveal her as someone who's completely mad."

There is no doubt in my mind that Kristin Chenoweth will be amazing in this role. She has never disappointed me and she needs a star showcase. Kelley's going to give it to her, and NBC need only make sure to get this show on the air.

The way I see it, Legally Mad is tailored made for her, which reminds me of an appearance she made on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson and sang this song:





Let's hope Skippy is prone to bursting out in song on this show. Imagine the possibilities!