This is one of the better season 8 offerings, because it focuses on the Simons as a family unit more than most later episodes do. We learn that Cecilia has become romantic with Doug McKenna (Kevin McCarthy), a successful defense attorney in San Diego. He is invited over for dinner and bonds with Rick & A. J. But their closeness is jeopardized when a case the brothers are working on involves a crooked law student (Rob Estes) who in all likelihood has committed murder. McKenna is representing the young man in court and in order to bolster their chances with the judge, McKenna discredits Rick on the witness stand. A. J. And Cecilia are dismayed.
What really works here is how some of the Simons' past behavior comes back to haunt them in the courtroom. At one point Abigail is forced to testify against them. This story makes good use of situations from earlier seasons and provides great continuity for fans of the long-running series. It also gives Cecilia and her sons a logical conflict, because she has brought an outsider into the family and it has turned their world upside down.
What really works here is how some of the Simons' past behavior comes back to haunt them in the courtroom. At one point Abigail is forced to testify against them. This story makes good use of situations from earlier seasons and provides great continuity for fans of the long-running series. It also gives Cecilia and her sons a logical conflict, because she has brought an outsider into the family and it has turned their world upside down.