Boston Legal -

Premise: “Boston Legal” is a legal dramedy that revolves around the personal and professional lives of attorneys working at the upscale law firm, Crane, Poole & Schmidt in Boston, Massachusetts. The series uniquely blends serious courtroom drama with eccentric humor, offering viewers a mix of thought-provoking cases and quirky character dynamics.

Main Central Characters:

Alan Shore (James Spader): A brilliant yet morally ambiguous lawyer known for his unconventional courtroom tactics and unabashedly liberal beliefs.
Denny Crane (William Shatner): The larger-than-life, often pompous founding partner of the firm, who proudly proclaims “Denny Crane” in most conversations. Despite his eccentricities, he’s a top-notch litigator.
Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen): A sharp, sensible senior partner who often plays mediator between Alan and Denny’s antics.
Brad Chase (Mark Valley): A by-the-book attorney and former Marine who frequently clashes with Alan’s unconventional methods.

Themes: “Boston Legal” addresses a myriad of social and ethical issues ranging from civil rights to the moral dilemmas attorneys face. The show comments on the U.S. legal system’s flaws, corporate greed, and individual rights, all while maintaining a comedic undertone. Relationships, especially the deep friendship between Alan and Denny, are also central to the series.

Critical Consensus and Rating: Rating: 4.5/5 “Boston Legal” was widely praised for its sharp wit, compelling characters, and relevant legal battles. James Spader and William Shatner received particular acclaim for their portrayals. Critics lauded the show’s ability to handle weighty issues with humor. Some critiques focused on occasional over-the-top courtroom antics and the show’s sometimes preachy tone.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-14 for some language, sexual content, and thematic elements, reflecting the mature nature of some cases and the interpersonal dynamics of the characters.

Original Broadcast Details: Aired on: ABC Years: 2004 to 2008