The Practice (1997–2004)

This weekly television series is similar to other lawyer shows, but with a twist. Here, we follow the exploits and cases of defense attorneys of a Boston law firm. Bobby Donnell stars as ... See full summary »

Creator:

David E. Kelley

Stars:

Steve Harris, Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams

Won 3 Golden Globes. Another 38 wins & 79 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Steve Harris	...	Eugene Young (167 episodes, 1997-2004)
Camryn Manheim	...	Ellenor Frutt (167 episodes, 1997-2004)
Michael Badalucco	...	Jimmy Berluti (166 episodes, 1997-2004)
Dylan McDermott	...	Bobby Donnell (147 episodes, 1997-2004)
LisaGay Hamilton	...	Rebecca Washington (145 episodes, 1997-2003)
Kelli Williams	...	Lindsay Dole (145 episodes, 1997-2003)
Lara Flynn Boyle	...	Helen Gamble (132 episodes, 1997-2003)
Marla Sokoloff	...	Lucy Hatcher (113 episodes, 1998-2004)

Storyline

This weekly television series is similar to other lawyer shows, but with a twist. Here, we follow the exploits and cases of defense attorneys of a Boston law firm. Bobby Donnell stars as the senior defense attorney and founder of the firm.

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Plot Keywords:

law | law firm | criminal defense | ethics | fenway park | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 March 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los practicantes

Filming Locations:

City Hall Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

David E. Kelley Productions, Daydreamers Entertainment Inc., Decode Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (168 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sharon Stone's guest 3-episode arc in the beginning of the eighth season boosted the ratings for the show, after which she considered returning to the show full-time.

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Quotes

Richard Bay: What Mr. Donnell is saying is he doesn't trust juries. Well, that's the system of this country. And if it displeases him, perhaps he should move to Cuba.

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Crazy Credits

Starting with the 2003 season, the order in which Steve Harris, Michael Badalucco and Camryn Manheim appear in the opening credits changes from week to week.

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Connections

Featured in The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1999)

User Reviews

The best television series of all time.

"The Practice" is the best television series of all time, hands down! It has brilliant writing, excellent directing, fantastic filming, and most of all: the best acting ensemble ever in a television series. Let's start by reviewing the actors one by one:

First and foremost, Dylan McDermott is Bobby Donnell, a young, ambitious, complex lawyer and senior partner in the firm Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt. McDermott portrays this part with pure excellence, and nothing can contradict this.

Steve Harris portrays Eugene Young, the ruthless, yet sensitive lawyer in the firm. He puts his clients before his believes of right and wrong. He has an 11'year old son, Kendil and an ex-wife Sharon (Aunjanue Ellis). Harris is absolutely incredible in his role and is the best performance ever by an actor in a television series.

Lindsey Dole is portrayed by the beautiful Kelli Williams, who gives everything she can to insure that only the best comes from her acting skills. Lindsey is a fighter, an expert at constitutional law. She isn't easily distracted by anything other than the love of her life, Bobby.

Camryn Manheim is brilliant. And not only that, she also makes an excellent statement for bigger women. Her performance deserved an Emmy, without a doubt. Her character, Ellenor, is a sensitive, yet strong person who will help her clients no matter what.

Lisa Gay Hamilton portrays Rebecca Washington, and does it very good indeed. "Beck" is a simple person, who fails to begin a social life because she is too caught up with her work. Rebecca enjoys her work, but pests wacko judges. She is a valuble addition to Donnell, Young, Dole And Frutt, and is the kind of lawyer you would like to have on your side if the need arose.

D.A. Helen Gamble is played beautifully by the excellent actress Lara Flynn Boyle. She is a lawyer who believes in doing what's right. Because of this she despises greatly of defense attorneys and the people they sometimes have to defend. Boyle perfectly portrays the heartless, and somewhat hate-filled person Helen is.

Michael Baddalucco is fantastic as Jimmy Berluti, the sweet, father-like lawyer of the firm. Berluti has no special knowledge of the law system, but his strength lies in the fact that he can come through to juries as a normal, regular guy. Baddalucco won an well deserved Emmy in his respect for his portrayal.

And last but not least, Marla Sokoloff plays Lucy Hatcher. She is the secretary of the firm, and is a quirky, fun person who can't keep her opinion to herself. This has created the firm some problems in the past, and will quite possibly continue to do so in the forseeable future. Sokoloff, although not yet a Hollywood veteran, handles the part as if she's played it for a long time.

The Practices' creator, David E. Kelley has once again created a masterpiece, and shows that he will make a success of whatever he does. None of his former productions can live up to this series. "Ally McBeal" is totally overshadowed by this exquisite television triumph. Guest appearances are top class, especially John Larroquette's excellent portrayal of Joey Heric. You will never, ever, in your entire life find another show like this one.