Best Ever Boston Legal Ep?

Cafe Society
1

A mate of mine is a lawyer. Smart guy, great sense of humour, loves good writing.
But he doesn’t watch much in the way of TV and doesn’t believe that there is some good stuff out there, particularly in the field of legal dramas.

I want to sit him down in front of one episode of Boston Legal, to show him just how good it can be. The question is: which one?

Over to you!

Thanks

M

2

I suggest Death Be Not Proud, from the first season.

3

Do not show a lawyer who is suspicious of legal dramas any episode of Boston Legal, ever.

What are you thinking, man?

-FrL-

4

Wow, love that Boston Legal website link, pinkfreud!! Will definitely have to delve into that later!

BACI, if you want to show your friend an example of a quality TV show that has drama, humor, good writing and great acting then BL is a good choice.

As for lawyerliness…not so much!! :dubious:

5

This season there was an episode which incorporated footage of Shatner’s turn on the Defenders 40 years ago. This was the best episode I have seen of Boston Legal. It was great writing and some good humor.

Here is the thread on that episode: http://208.100.26.199/sdmb/showthread.php?t=415164

As others have said, I would promote the show for its writing, not its legal goodness.

Jim

6

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

And, just to clarify, I’m keen for him to see BL for the amazing writing and interplay between characters - not the legal content! (Although the legal arguments are often compelling.)

Great feedback, thanks again.

M

7

“Death Be Not Proud” works a lot better if one is already familiar with the characters. The appearance and disappearance of Chelina would confuse new viewers and the continuity gap between the end of season 1 and the beginning of season 2 would be a tough one to get past. The episode is excellent but it’s not a good way to get into the show.

“Son of the Defender” is an excellent episode but Denny’s apology means a lot more if you know he never apologizes to anyone for anything.

I would go with “Hired Guns” from Season 1. It’s funny, there’s good lawyering (by Brad and Lori Coulson of all people), romance, intrigue… everything you could want in an hour long legal drama. Plus you get to hear William Shatner declare that his balls hurt.

8

Slight sidetrack, but from the episodes I’ve seen, I have the impression that the order of the day on that show is to eschew what is legally compelling in favor of what is rhetorically persuasive.

As I do not watch regularly, I may have the wrong impression.

Do I have the wrong impression?

-FrL-

9

Not at all, they’ve even referenced it on the show. In one episode Alan says “Did you ever notice how the other side always has such short closings?” and in another episode he says “We win all the time… Do you think we’re losing suspense?”