Boston Legal Season 2 Discussion Thread

[Steve]

Well, them whacky lawyers are back tonight!

Spader, Shatner, Bergin, and the rest of the gang.

Remember now, they pulled the remaining four episodes last season and added them to this season. The reason was because Grey's Anatomy performed better ratings in that 10 pm Sunday timeslot so ABC decided to move the show to a new night. It's going up against Law & Order: SVU and Nip/Tuck. Tough spot there.

Heather Locklear will guest star in the first two episodes of the season opener.

Make sure ya tune in!

Denny Crane!

[Deathstroke]

Heather Locklear has a great line for William Shatner, it's in all the promos, but I still chuckle each time I see it.

[Nate Grey]

Well, them whacky lawyers are back tonight!

Spader, Shatner, Bergin, and the rest of the gang.

Remember now, they pulled the remaining four episodes last season and added them to this season. The reason was because Grey's Anatomy performed better ratings in that 10 pm Sunday timeslot so ABC decided to move the show to a new night. It's going up against Law & Order: SVU and Nip/Tuck. Tough spot there.

Heather Locklear will guest star in the first two episodes of the season opener.

Make sure ya tune in!

Denny Crane!

Good ep. Since its the last four from the previous season, we're gonna see how they write Tara out. Kinda cliche how they're doing it (old boyfriend cause her to breakup with Alan), but it works, I suppose. I hope that short murderer doesn't kill Betty White's character, but I got a funny feeling that's how its gonna go. Its kinda funny they had Principal Harper from Fox's Boston Public on there, in character, from last season, but the guy who played his assistant principal is now repressing his old The Practice character. I wonder how they would have explained it if HE resided over Harper's case? :D

[mattbib]

Great episode, and I wish it had been shown last season. I'm hoping the shift to the newly-filmed episodes doesn't end up feeling awkward.

[Rabid Trekkie]

I didn't like last night's episode as much as I normally enjoy them. Probably cause yesterday sucked for me. I hope that's it, I'd really miss thsi show if something happened to it.

[Nate Grey]

Oh yeah, now I remember why I said this ep was good and not great. I don't like the two new characters. Not the Kerri Washington stand in, she's fine from what I can see, but that new woman and her male assistant, its just rings of cliches to me. I hated it and felt they could have left that side story completely out. Maybe things will be better once she interacts with Alan, who knows.

[Tony Bang]

I loved the espisode. Spader and Shatner are one of the best duoes in recent memory.


Only promblem was, after seeing all the Star Trek shows, I find it hard to believe any woman could resist the Shatner charms.

[StoneGold]

Wait, did they just cut out Monica Potter's scenes and replace them with Jack's wife from Lost? Is she supposed to be the same character? I'm slightly confused. Other than that though, bang-up stuff.

[Mister Mets]

Wait, did they just cut out Monica Potter's scenes and replace them with Jack's wife from Lost? Is she supposed to be the same character? I'm slightly confused. Other than that though, bang-up stuff.

I believe she's a new character.

I thought it was an episode with a lot of cliches but a lot of fun (the cellist's testimony, "I am not an FBI agent")

[Nate Grey]

Wait, did they just cut out Monica Potter's scenes and replace them with Jack's wife from Lost? Is she supposed to be the same character? I'm slightly confused. Other than that though, bang-up stuff.

I was wondering if Kerry Washington's character got recast myself. The two actresses look sooo much alike that at first I thought it WAS her.

[Ontir]

Monica Potter was Lori Colson, while Julie Bowen is Denise Bauer. She was quite good, and all the new cast members worked well last night, but I hate it when characters are dropped between seasons. At least explain where Lori went, and where Denise came from. Garret was a hoot, and I think to Rene Auberjonois' chagrin, he'll fit in quite well with Alan and Denny!

[Steve]

Just caught the first two episodes on tape and really enjoyed them.

The mention of mad cow disease by Denny and then the cam focusing on the judge's face was hilarious.

That was Rupert Everett as Tara's ex? Man, I didn't recognize the man at first till I looked up the credits. Wow.

[Toonimator]

I missed several eps last year, and this show's not on my "must-see" list, but boy do I enjoy the hell outta it when I catch it! It's a perfect fit for Spader & Shatner, and everyone else does a great job, too. And now it's got Julie Bowen (rowr!)

Not sure I like moving Anthony Heald's "The Practice" Los Angeles judge to "Massa-CHU-setts" since he held so much disdain for it in those Practice episodes, but I love the character and Kelley must love Heald. One of the few characters on Boston Public I really liked. Good in-court foil for Shore.

And Catherine Piper took out Bernard! With a frying pan!! That was great! "As God as my witness... my only witness!"

[Sean Whitmore]

Am I nuts (1)...or do all of the scenes with Julie Bowen and her team feel like they were shot after the first season of BL wrapped, and just edited in afterwards? Maybe replacing Monica Potter B-plots?

Am I nuts (2)...or was Potter in the staff meeting near the beginning?


SEAN

[StoneGold]

Am I nuts (1)...or do all of the scenes with Julie Bowen and her team feel like they were shot after the first season of BL wrapped, and just edited in afterwards? Maybe replacing Monica Potter B-plots?

Am I nuts (2)...or was Potter in the staff meeting near the beginning?


SEAN
I don't know, but was that the first Star Trek reference on BL?


Clingons?

[Iron Maiden]

Am I nuts (1)...or do all of the scenes with Julie Bowen and her team feel like they were shot after the first season of BL wrapped, and just edited in afterwards? Maybe replacing Monica Potter B-plots?

Am I nuts (2)...or was Potter in the staff meeting near the beginning?


SEAN

You are correct. Last year Boston Legal followed Desperate Housewives and then they moved in Grey's Anatomy for a brief hiatus. The ratings went up for that time slot and they shelved the remaining Boston Legal episodes that had been shot but not aired. This year we are getting 29 episodes because they reshot some scenes for the 4 or 5 episodes they didn't air last season with the new cast additions. Rhona Mitra (Tara) shifted over to Nip/Tuck in the off season.

Last night's show was brilliant, BTW and it appears that they are definitely structuring the show as an all-out comedy. Wonder which category they will get nominated in for next year's Emmies? This show is certainly a lot funnier that Desperate Housewives has been this season but DH is the critic's darling right now.

[Jared]

Monica Potter was definatly in the staff meeting. I wonder if she'll actually get written out in some way, or if she'll just dissapear the way that Rebecca DeMornay and some other guy from the final episodes of The Practice did.

Anyone else catch the Picket Fences nod in this episode, with the body in the freezer, being next to the peas?

"Did you say clingons?!" Priceless.

[StoneGold]

Monica Potter was definatly in the staff meeting. I wonder if she'll actually get written out in some way, or if she'll just dissapear the way that Rebecca DeMornay and some other guy from the final episodes of The Practice did.

Anyone else catch the Picket Fences nod in this episode, with the body in the freezer, being next to the peas?
Nah, but I didn't watch that show too much. And I was mostly just giddy over the whole Klingon riff.



I swear, they need to get Nimoy to guest as Denny's old nemesis. Ooo, or even better, Sulu.

[Jared]

Nah, but I didn't watch that show too much. And I was mostly just giddy over the whole Klingon riff.



I swear, they need to get Nimoy to guest as Denny's old nemesis. Ooo, or even better, Sulu.

How about Patrick Stewart as a big-time lawyer trying to replace him as senior partner.

The wigs in the courtroom seen was damn funny to.

The new kids, with their very Alan Shore-esque tactics are alright, but I don't get why still more people are being added when Mark Valley was underused all last season.

[StoneGold]

How about Patrick Stewart as a big-time lawyer trying to replace him as senior partner.

The wigs in the courtroom seen was damn funny to.

The new kids, with their very Alan Shore-esque tactics are alright, but I get why still more people are being added when Mark Valley was underused all last season.
And what's up with all the makeup the new black chick is wearing? God only knows how it looks on HDTV, but Christ, it was like she had a goddamn pancake on her face!

As for underusing Valley, the problem is, I think he's seen more as a character purely to interact with Alan. Problem is, Alan is in demand. So if Valley is used, it's in the A-plot, but he isn't always used. The useless, dead weight lawyers are all B-plot.


Seriously, did anyone really care that much if Monica Potter or Rona Mitra left? It's not hard to replace them with other hot pieces of ass. And that's all they really provided. Any time they're on screen, all I can think is get back to the A-plot material!

[Steve]

What happened to that other black chick last season? I prefer her over this one. Why was she let go?

I thought this episode was pretty low-key in the laughs department. The wig scene was probably the funniest.

And yes, I'll be the second to confirm that that WAS Potter in the staff meeting.

[Deathstroke]

Michael J. Fox will appear on 3 episodes of Boston Legal as a wealthy businessman Daniel Post who suffers from lung cancer.

[Ontir]

It'd be interesting to see a case in which Denny and Alan have to go toe to toe with a lawyer Denny forced out years earlier, played by Nimoy, and his practice partner, played by Ricardo Montalban! ;)

[Iron Maiden]

What happened to that other black chick last season? I prefer her over this one. Why was she let go?

I thought this episode was pretty low-key in the laughs department. The wig scene was probably the funniest.

And yes, I'll be the second to confirm that that WAS Potter in the staff meeting.

The other "black chick" was Kerry Washington, and she probably has more film offers since she was in "Ray" last year. She also had a small part in the FF movie as Alicia, Ben's blind girlfriend.

[Steve]

The other "black chick" was Kerry Washington, and she probably has more film offers since she was in "Ray" last year. She also had a small part in the FF movie as Alicia, Ben's blind girlfriend.
Well, then that sucks for us, cause I really liked her character. Never saw Ray or Fantastic Four. Bright future for her I guess.

[Deathstroke]

Joanna Cassidy will appear in a 3 episode role as Beverly Bridge, a woman looking for a second husband among the men of the law firm.

[Sean Whitmore]

So, would last night's episode be considered the last of the unaired first season episodes, or the second season premiere? Or do you think they were so edited together that there's no longer a clear demarcation point?

It seemed like a much better introduction to Julie Bowen's character and her assistants. Denise's opening statement was one of the best I've ever heard (even if the bit where she stole the defense's statements was already done on "The Practice" years ago).

Denny's scenes were great as usual. When did Monica Potter become chubby? Is that part of the reason she's left the show (bun in the oven)?


SEAN

[Rabid Trekkie]

What is it with so many of the episodes trying to make christians the bad guys? I mean once in a while is okay, the reverend/priest/pastor guy was even funny, but I mean the season just started and already we've had the "Christian America" thing and the pervert pastor and now we're going to have a christian vs. witch ep.

Maybe I'm just being too thin skinned about it but it seems to me like someone has an axe to grind.

[Sean Whitmore]

What is it with so many of the episodes trying to make christians the bad guys? I mean once in a while is okay, the reverend/priest/pastor guy was even funny, but I mean the season just started and already we've had the "Christian America" thing and the pervert pastor and now we're going to have a christian vs. witch ep.


Well, maybe the witch will be the bad guy. ;)

I mean, I don't even know what the episode's about, and I'm already on the Christian guy's side.


SEAN

[Elias Bogan]

I agree with however said having Leonard Nimoy and/or Patrick Stewart on as guest stars. Why not also throw in Johnothan Frakes and have them be the senior partners of a rival firm that goes head to head with C,P&S during a huge; multi-episode trial???

[Steve]

Yes, last night's episode was supposed to be the premiere of the second season.

The last two episodes have been so so. I haven't found myself laughing as much.

And I don't really care for the two junior lawyers' side stories either. Booorrring.

More of Brad Chase and Paul please. Speaking of Odo, when are we going to get to see him in action? The dude's like just sitting around the offices most of the time.

Monica Potter left due to pregnancy. The producers have no plans to write her pregnancy into the show.

[Brian Cronin]

There are still episodes from last season left.

The last four-five episodes of Season 1 were to deal with Lori's sexual harrassment suit. With her departure, they took those scenes out and are slowly reworking them into later episodes.

I think we may even see Kerry Washington again.

-Brian

[Steve]

I guess I spoke too soon.

But yes, more Washington would be nice.

[Sean Whitmore]

Ah, so everything's been taken apart and interweaved. I kinda figured it would turn out that way.


SEAN

[Rabid Trekkie]

I agree with however said having Leonard Nimoy and/or Patrick Stewart on as guest stars. Why not also throw in Johnothan Frakes and have them be the senior partners of a rival firm that goes head to head with C,P&S during a huge; multi-episode trial???

That would be so cool.

[Nate Grey]

Or have Kurt Russell star as an old rival of Alan's. ;)

[Elias Bogan]

Yes apparantly Tuesday Nights episode was nearly 100% "new" and in subsequent weeks, we will see more stuff from season one leftovers. With 27 new episodes to air this year and some specials slated on tuesdays that would normally air on sundays, we are hardly going to see any repeats this season at all.

Also, BL beat SVU this week!!! Take that MANriska Hargitay...

[Deathstroke]

Tom Selleck will guest star on the February 21st episode of the show.

He'll play Ivan Tiggs, the ex-husband of Candice Bergen's character Shirley Schmidt.

[Nate Grey]

So what did everyone think of last night's ep?

Shirley agreed to drop the suit if Hands got the help he needed for Aspergers (sp?), and if Alan agreed to help him get that help. Yet the ending gave no indication of that. Hands just up and left with no word on if he was going to get the medication or not.

I love seen Kirk and Odo do battle. :D And I'm glad they resolved it peacefully for a change.

Not sure I liked that Brad's a partner now...I wish Alan had got it, but then again he didn't want it and gave a pretty good reason why he didn't want it. Brad may even think he has power over Alan now. Wonder if any stories will deal with that?

[Steve]

I like Michael J. Fox's character.

And the dance between Alan and Denny was funny.

[StoneGold]

I was trying to think though, Fox has no direct connection to any of the BL regulars, does he? When they had Heather Locklear on, it was a cute little TJ Hooker reunion. Spader didn't like play one of Mallory's boyfriends, did he?



EDIT: Hmmm, closest connection I can find is both him and Shatner are Canadian. That's not very interesting though.

[Deathstroke]

Robert Wagner will guest star on the May 16th 2 hour season finale as Ashley Goldman, the senior partner in the Los Angeles office of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

[OhMyGato]

cool-thanks for the info. wish it was on last night.

[Deathstroke]

Jeri Ryan will guest star on the May 16th season finale. She'll play a reality show producer charged with shooting a member of the paparazzi.

[Elias Bogan]

ABC is *expected* to announce their early renewls on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week (this has been pushed back twice already) and "Boston Legal" is expected to be among the shows named. Given that 8-10pm might see as many as four new comedies, BL is likely to keep its timeslot.

[Nate Grey]

Kerri Washington is returning this Tuesday. Besides Rhona Mitra's character, Washington's character had great chemistry with Alan. I wish they'd make her a regular, but I'm guessing Washington's movie career is gaining steam.

[OhMyGato]

which girl is that, the blond (Alan's secretary) or that ugly brunette they brought in last week who kept saying vagina.

[Elias Bogan]

I do not think we will ever see seeing vagina girl again because Jayne Brooke is returning in May as Lewistons daughter Rachel who went to rehab and Brad will be interested in persueing a relationship with it. Also, although it has not been officially announced "Boston Legal" is 100% returning to its time slot next season, capping off a night with at least three new comedies.

[Sean Whitmore]

The metatextual references on this show are raging beyond all control.

I love it. :D


SEAN

[Brian Cronin]

DEK wrote it, so I liked it.

What the heck is that guy doing that he can't write more episodes of Boston Legal?

-Brian

[Patman]

Michelle Pfeiffer?

[Sean Whitmore]

Michelle Pfeiffer?


God knows I'd never get outta bed.


SEAN

[StoneGold]

The metatextual references on this show are raging beyond all control.

I love it. :D


SEAN
The weird thing is, usually they save all the metatextual stuff for scenes that Denny is in. This time, the whole Sunday/Tuesday thing, no Denny.

[Elias Bogan]

Ok apparantly ABC is finally going to announce all of their returning series tomorrow and Boston Legal is 100% among the list with a 22-episode order. Given that this season we had 27 eps, they might use the slot for a midseason replacement in the spring depending on how the comedies do.