By Jennifer Larson

Before we delve into tonight’s premiere of BOSTON LEGAL, let’s take a little look back, shall we? Ok, so last season Alan (James Spader) and Denny (William Shatner) fought over who would get Shirley (Candice Bergen), in the biblical sense that is, Denny was torn between a little person and her mother, Brad (Mark Valley) and Denise (Julie Bowen) got married during the birth of their child and Denny managed to maintain his perfect trial record. Wow, that’s one busy law firm, and entertaining I might add. So with all that going on last year, where can these wacky characters go this year? If I know David E. Kelley, and by the way I don’t, plenty.

Tonight we saw the entrance of new character Carl Sack (John Larroquette), who was introduced as current lawyer and old nemesis of Denny Crane, and as we found out in the last scene, current paramour of Shirley. Oh the fun I’ll have watching these three interact. And that interaction starts off with a bang, as Carl is brought in to defend Denny who has been charged with soliciting a prostitute. Oh Denny, you should have worked things out with Bethany (Meredith Eaton). Meanwhile, Alan must defend Shirley, when a major university sues her for reneging on a donation. These people just can’t seem to stay out of trouble, but that’s what we all love about them … right? Well that and the fact that they all seem to be just a little bit crazy.

Maybe crazy is a little bit harsh; they’re really more eccentric than anything else. Take for example that lovable character, Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams). While he’s getting more and more comfortable in his own skin, he’s still prone to dressing up in a dress and letting his feminine side shine. Actually, he’s much more soft-spoken as a man than he is as a women, but that’s beside the point. The real problem is that new head-honcho, Carl, is none too pleased to see his underling on YouTube performing a la The Supremes in some sort of competition. So that makes two people who hate the newest addition to the law firm. Wonder how long it will take Carl to hurt and offend Jerry Espenson (Christian Clemenson?) Now there’s a guy that gives new meaning to the word frenetic, albeit in the most entertaining way.


Jerry proved himself a force to be reckoned with, last season. Of course he did need to use that ridiculous looking fake cigarette to pull it off, but there were moments of brilliance in his openings and closings. This season, he’s gone back to his old stomping ground and has vowed to show them he can get the job done sans props. And tonight he gets his first real opportunity to do just that, when he is assigned to co-chair a murder case with newbie, Katie Lloyd (Tara Summers). Maybe Jerry can take his abundance of energy and excitement and use it for a good pep talk with his bff, Alan. He’s finding it difficult to perk up – so to speak – since his girlfriend advised him she wants to bear his child. Alan doesn’t have the time for a baby; he’s too busy taking care of Denny.

Meanwhile, Jerry’s big chance may be going up in smoke, as his client refuses to speak to anybody. Well he did throw that really big tantrum, which didn’t seem to shake the new girl at all. Must be that famous British reserve. Whatever it was, it worked. After seeming to lose his mind, Jerry and Katie’s client opened up like the sky on a hot and muggy New York summer. Of course, he didn’t do it, and if anybody can prove that it’s the ever under estimated Mr. Espenson. Oh and for you political junkies, we all got one of Alan’s impassioned speeches railing against the government, during Shirley’s trial. It’s amazing how he can do that while opposing counsel is undressing him with her eyes. Then again, he has so much practice working under those conditions; I doubt it really shakes him anymore.


What does shake him, at least a little, is Jerry’s client who’s case he has been told to take over by … you guessed it, the increasingly unpopular new guy, Carl. It appears that Joseph Washington (Chris ‘Mums’ Grant) – that’s the client – has become infatuated with Katie. And let’s just say that his idea of a crush doesn’t include roses and sunshine, he is on trial for murder after all. However, Clarence – who ended up fighting for and winning his right to compete as his feminine alter ego – brightened things up for everybody, by performing in his singing competition. It’s amazing how much a good cross-dressing performance brings people together. I even saw the glimmer of a smile of Carl’s face. Now let’s see how long it take Denny to wipe it right off.