Boston Legal (2004–2008)

This Spinoff of The Practice will focus on Civil Law.

Creator:

David E. Kelley

Stars:

James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 12 wins & 53 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
James Spader	...	Alan Shore (101 episodes, 2004-2008)
William Shatner	...	Denny Crane (101 episodes, 2004-2008)
Candice Bergen	...	Shirley Schmidt (91 episodes, 2005-2008)
Rene Auberjonois	...	Paul Lewiston (71 episodes, 2004-2008)
Mark Valley	...	Brad Chase (70 episodes, 2004-2007)
Julie Bowen	...	Denise Bauer (52 episodes, 2005-2008)
Christian Clemenson	...	Jerry Espenson (50 episodes, 2005-2008)

Storyline

Ethically-challenged attorney Alan Shore, formerly of Young, Frutt & Berluti, settles in at a wealthy and powerful firm focusing on civil cases. With some help from his friend and mentor, veteran attorney Denny Crane, Shore quickly makes his mark winning cases no one would take, often using less than honest methods. In doing so, he develops a rival in his colleague Brad Chase, who has been assigned to the office partly to keep an eye on the increasingly eccentric (and possibly senile) Denny Crane. Though his questionable conduct might make him a few enemies along the way, Alan's not one to be underestimated, nor will he let trivial things like honesty or integrity get in the way of winning a case.

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Plot Keywords:

civil law | eccentric | city name in title | female lawyer | defense attorney | 

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Taglines:

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the courtroom.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Official Sites:

ABC

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 October 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fleet Street

Filming Locations:

Raleigh Manhattan Beach Studios - 1600 Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television, Dick Clark Productions, David E. Kelley Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Regular cast members William Shatner Rene Auberjonois, and John Larroquette have all appeared in the Star Trek franchise. A number of other former Star Trek cast members have guest-starred in the show: Armin Shimerman, Jeri Ryan,Ethan Phillips, Michelle Forbes, Scott Bakula, and Lee Duncan. Lesser 'speaking' roles were held by Ellen Bry, David Clennon, Michael Wiseman, Ron Ostrow and Lawrence Pressman.

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Goofs

Throughout the series, Alan Shore and Denny Crane sit on the balcony overlooking the city of Boston. However, during the cold winter months, you never see the breath of either character, thus demonstrating that the "balcony" is part of a set, and not an actual location.

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Quotes

Brad Chase: I outrank you.
Alan Shore: And I'm such a slut for authority.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #19.118 (2011)

User Reviews

cleverly written first episode

If the first episode is any indication, Boston Legal will continue what it started as "The Practice" last year and remain on the air. Given the splash made by James Spader on the waning Practice, this spin off was developed. And last night's episode was clever and funny, with a black woman charging racial discrimination for her daughter who was not cast as Annie. Every time anyone looked at this kid, she sang "Tomorrow." The episode sported a cameo appearance and a hilarious bit by the Reverend Al Sharpton. There were other subplots, but for me, Annie stole the show! Rebecca de Mornay seems missing from the cast, but there is the neat addition of Mark Valley, from the ill-fated, also excellent "Keen Eddie." I look forward to future episodes to see what Spader, Shatner and the able cast will be up to.