Boston Legal

More because of schedule than desire, in this year's new television season, I haven't watched a single episode of a single show -- drama or comedy -- save one. "Boston Legal" blipped on my radar last year, and I'm continually delighted by it's boiled admixture of outrageous characterization, bold story lines, and philosophical examination of the nature of 'The Law'.

Who would have thought that William Shatner would be good? In anything? At all? I mean.....he's such an......affected!.....actor. His style has....always.............. been annoying.

But damn, he's in control and funny in this show. "I'm Denny Crane" he barks, both mantra and plea for recognition.

His combination of over-the-top blowhard and (occasionally) introspective self-aware realist is always fascinating, and more than occasionally brilliant. His relationship with the tortured, amoral, win-at-all-costs (while putting himself and his career on the line for those clients in whom he believes) Alan Shore (as played in layered depth by James Spader) sizzles.

These two men understand each other. These two men like each other. These two men are fundamentally alike while being spectacularly different. Denny Crane views justice as a nice thing to happen, but peripheral to the act of practicing law. Alan Shore hoists himself on his own petard weekly to save his clients, but remains soulfully troubled by the fact that he commonly frees guilty clients. Justice (and the lack of same) drives him; his own success both fuels him and torments him.

Is "Boston Legal" a perfect show? Oh, no -- but no no no. When Spader and Shatner are not on screen, it's time to freshen up your popcorn, paint the ceiling, write your novel. I find that I don't care -- in the slightest! - about any of the other characters.

To their credit, the producers (pretty much) realize that, and focus most of their attention on Denny Crane and Alan Shore, separately and together. There are few shows that I go out of my way to catch. This is one of them.