"BOSTON LEGAL: SEASON TWO"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars) STARRING James Spader as ALAN SHORE William Shatner as DENNY CRANE Mark Valley as BRAD CHASE Rene Auberjonois as PAUL LEWISTON Candice Bergen as SHIRLEY SCHMIDT Julie Bowen as DENISE BAUER Not Rated Studio: 20th Century FOX Created by: David E. Kelley Back to DVD Review Home |  |
The man who brought us the successful legal dramas “Ally McBeal” and “The Practice” has done it again with “Boston Legal”. The second season of David E. Kelley’s “Boston Legal” has been released on DVD to the delight of millions.
One may wonder how we could possibly get a unique law show from a guy who has already given us two. Somehow, David E. Kelly has done it again. “Boston Legal” contains the seriousness of “The Practice” with the humor of “Ally McBeal” minus the dementia, well…some of the dementia.
The show is just as much about the cases as it is about the lawyers. Crane, Poole and Schmidt is the most highly-regarded law firm in Boston. Partners Denny Crane (William Shatner) and Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) along with senior associate Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) run the show while Brad (Mark Valley), Denise (Julie Bowen), and Alan Shore (James Spader) work on the cases.
Denny Crane is the showboat of the firm. He tells all of his Mad Cow Disease, which may only be Alzheimer’s, and utters his own name about fifty times an episode. During this season, his ailment keeps him from trying any cases, but he is often brought along for effect. Our second character of concern is Alan Shore. Surely the best lawyer with the firm, he is arrogant about his trial success rate and is fearless about taking on unconventional or losing plights.
During this second season, a number of hilarious and outrageous events occur. Denise deals with her divorce, dates a “dead guy”, and battles with a new associate. Brad assaults a priest, has a niece charged with murder, and impersonates an FBI agent with Denise. Shirley has her hands full with Denny and her ex-husband plus a threat on her life. Paul reconnects with his daughter and must take on the role of grandfather. Alan finally gets Denny into bed, his assistant commits a number of crimes, and he travels to L.A. for a case. Finally, Denny Crane shoots a number of people, gets married, and goes on Larry King. No doubt this was a busy year for Crane, Poole, and Schmidt.
All actors give great performances; although, I would hesitate to call any Emmy-worthy. William Shatner (“Over the Hedge”) is really only tolerable in the role of the larger-than-life Denny Crane. This character was designed perfectly to change the public’s opinion of The Shat. Candice Bergen (“View from the Top”) fits well into the role of big-time lawyer, and James Spader (“The Practice”) gives an amusing and unique performance.
The way “Boston Legal” is filmed and edited likely adds to the shows success. Rapid-cut and montage editing maintain a fast pace and high energy level which draws and maintains audience attention. We are given a lot of hallway tracking shots reminiscent of “The West Wing.” This walk-and-talk technique adds to the show’s feeling of urgency.
The seven DVD set includes all 27 episodes and two bonus features. Exhibit A: The Look of Boston Legal covers lighting, cinematography, and wardrobe. Legal Pad: The Words of Boston Legal focuses on the show’s writing.
“Boston Legal” is a great show with a good balance between drama and comedy. The show is sexy, modern, and high-class, and Season 2 exemplifies these qualities. This show is really able to be well-liked by all. Even if you can’t stand Shatner, you may enjoy Denny Crane.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1). English, Spanish, and French Subtitles. English Language Track.
