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 Alans not one to be underestimated nor will he let trivial things like honesty or integrity get in the way of winning a case.
Review
Programs like Boston Legal are competing for some very coveted viewers. Dangerous Housewives may be more the taste for those looking for "the edgey dramedy" on prime time and NipTuck and Rescue Me have also found a loyal following with some pretty important demographics.* The kind of viewers that can keep a show like Boston Legal alive for a few seasons.
Im a huge fan of the show...and was one of those people who only began to watch The Practice when Spader appeared. The moral ambiguity of the shows primary characters and the splash of David Kelly made for a wonderful show. That it found the viewers it did is a tribute to the inspired casting and originality of its story lines. I think Shatner is a wonderful comeback story and the inclusion of Mark Valley may prove to be a superb choice...introducing a fellow who is much more than a pretty face. His character will go nose to nose with Alan Shore and not in the fluttery Major Burns manner. This is a guy whos gonna a win a few...and that in itself bodes well for the show. I look forward to reading everyones comments on this terrific show.
*This year the Sopranos will return with first run episodes again and its the farewell season. The show will runs opposite Boston Legal as will NipTuck.