Bye Bye Boston Legal
I guess it puts me in the ‘old people’ demographic, but I
have to say that I am still p.o.’d that Boston Legal is off the air. The series finale aired a couple of weeks ago
and has been touted as one of the best series finales ever. In the media, it has
been made to sound like only people over 50 watched this show. That is
categorically not true. I have ranted
about how fabulous William Shatner and James Spader were for years now, and quite
a few of my friends watched it.
No other show on television was so ridiculous and proud of it.
- When the network moved their time slot? The characters acknowledged it on the show by having Alan show up to a Tuesday meeting that had been moved to Wednesday.
- When Denny Crane (William Shatner) got arrested in the men’s room at the courthouse, he opened his phone to call lawyer and friend Alan (Spader) and the phone made the “communicator” noise from Star Trek. He even talked into it like it was a communicator. I was rolling on the floor laughing.
- Denny Crane’s unabashed desire to shoot anything and anyone that pissed him off was fabulous. The paintball gunfight over politics between Denny and Alan was absolutely hilarious. What better way can you think of to work out our political differences?
- Jerry Espenson – a lawyer with Asberger’s syndrome, went from the office joke “hands” to a hostage-taker wielding a knife, to a partner in the firm. And not once did I say those words “that’s just not logical.” Even though I fully should have.
- When Denny and Alan took on the Supreme Court, they not only skewered the decision making, but made it fun! A couple of quotes:
“Look at Ginsburg – does the women
not want me?” Denny Crane
“I think you should get a little
band to play people off: Like the Oscars or the Emmys.
Just a thought.”
Alan
Shore to the Supreme court about attorneys exceeding their time limit
And at the end of every episode, you could count on Denny
and Alan - two guys drinking scotch and smoking cigars on the balcony and
talking about their feelings. Ridiculous. And beautiful. I think this show made an art out of ‘jumping the
shark’ moments. It did it so much that I began to look forward to the
outlandishness trying to top itself. Check it out. I think some of you will be surprised.
There are actors that I will associate with one role for the rest of their lives. It is a role that an actor plays that defines him not only as a performer, but as a person. Lesser known James Spader, was stuck as “Stef” from Pretty in Pink – the uber bad ‘hot’ guy who wants to sleep with Andie. William Shatner was supposed to be Captain Kirk forever. And by sheer brilliance in writing and performance, those definitions are forever altered in my mind. William Shatner is Denny Crane. James Spader is Alan Shore. They were my best friends and by FAR the most adorable couple on TV. I have never actually missed a character before! I know the actors are still out there, but the thought of never seeing Alan Shore again is…well…it just sucks.
Did you watch? What cancelled shows are you angry about?
Hale on December 26, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Arrested Development.
Katie on December 27, 2008 at 08:13 AM
I'm 28, and my husband and I loved Boston Legal. It was funny, and it talked about issues that were bothering us at the time. I loved the humor in it, and the paintball fights were hilarious! I'm sorry to see it go, but I also think if they kept it on too long then it would become old and tiresome...people wouldn't watch it, and start to not like the characters. It will be missed in my home though.
paw paw on December 27, 2008 at 09:21 AM
I am glad it was cancelled and of course it was, the left wingnuts are not going to make fun of Obama...that was where they writing came from...you all are idiots if you don't get that
Ted on December 28, 2008 at 03:48 PM
One of my favorite Boston Legal moments was the Jerry opening:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3gEf10ioYs
segura on December 28, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I loved Boston Legal. Right wing people and fascists generally disliked the show. They are glad is gone.
They can't stand being criticized. I think is great and so healthy having a show like that on the air.
We still have the dvds thought. Long live to Denny and Alan.
Penelope Holt on December 29, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Bring back Boston Legal! Amazing flavor in a sea of bland. At least keep David E. Kelly's genius rolling w/ some other vehicle
Luna on December 31, 2008 at 04:12 AM
I will miss Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.