waterlilybarb

You won't be disappointed.  My Mum and I watch this show together over the phone.  We love Alan & Denny, and the wonderfully crazy relationship they have.  We LOVE the Crane-isms, and the fact that they talk to the audience, pretending to be a TV show.  

My Mum occasionally claims to have Mad Cow disease when she forgets something...like Denny, and I think of her as MY flamingo.   If you haven't seen that episode yet, you'll get the reference when you do.   

Glad to know someone else is a fan and appreciates the humour of the show.  Looking forward to season 4.

waterlilybarb

I did see that episode, and the newer ones as well.  I found the scene between Denny & Alan to be ridiculously amusing, but then that pretty much sums up their entire friendship.

I too don't know why they keep switching the secondary players.  They've had some very good actors and characters that they could have done more with.  I imagine in some cases the actors themselves choose to leave, if their role isn't challenging enough.  I doubt that that's the usual reason though.  Nobody has even mentioned that Paul (Rene Auberjonois) is gone.  Does that seem odd to anyone else, or is it just me?

waterlilybarb

I felt a bit bad for Jerry too, but I understand her point of view as well.  Maybe they'll find Jerry a more appropriate woman, one nearer his age, who could be a love interest for him.  I think that would be an interesting storyline, especially with his Asberger's Syndrome and all the quirks and ticks he has because of it.

And I'm glad to hear we'll see Paul again.  It just seemed odd that no one mentioned his absence, especially since they did mention Brad  Denise.

I'm also very happy that Clarence is still on the show.  I LOVED his duet, in drag, with his friend from the shyness group.  BTW, what happened to Claire?  I don't remember them breaking up.  Is she another casualty in the character shuffle.  She was an interesting character.  I can't imagine have nothing more to write for her.

Those writers need to get a longer attention span.

waterlilybarb

I watched tonight's episode and was not disappointed.  They have added a new cast member as an associate in the firm...she should prove entertaining.

Jerry & Katie are friends again, which is nice, and she's quite a good attorney.  I really like her.

Alan and Denny are their usual odd selves, and their time on the balcony at the end was rather touching, for a moment...then Denny spoke.  Shatner just gets better.  He's such a ham, but because he knows it, it works for him.  

I do enjoy this show!

waterlilybarb

I think the new girl will at least last the season.  She's in the opening credits.

I felt bad for Alan too.  It actually revealed a great deal about why he is the way he is.  Interestingly, my Mum and I were having a conversation about him after last week's show.  He's such a complex character: fiercely loyal friend, gifted attorney and a sense of self-loathing that keeps him from ever truly loving a woman.  His story to Denny, this week, explains some of his reason for this inability to love and commit to one woman.  Rather sad really.  Of course, Denny...in true Crane fashion...had to diminish the significance by telling Alan what a great childhood that must have been and asking him to retell the story.

It was also sad to see the look on Denny's face when he saw Shirley kissing Carl.  My sadness for him changed to being grossed out when he tried to kiss Shirley.  He really is a character.

waterlilybarb

I also like the addition of Larroquette.

Was a little bummed last night because I forgot there that it wasn't on until I went to watch it at 10pm.  I need to pay better attention to the promos, or remember to "check my local listings".

waterlilybarb

Is anyone else still watching?  I know it's a challenge, not knowing when there's going to be a new episode, but it's still one of the best shows out there.

Last night's episode was a treat.  Denny actually tried a case, a murder case...which hasn't happened in quite a while.  It was amazing.  I love how Alan is so protective of him.  Their friendship is one of the best I've seen in years.  Male friendships aren't developed or really shown in a positive light in the media.  David Kelley does a great job of shining a light on them, as he did, especially in Chicago Hope and Ally McBeal.  

Anyone else who's watching, weigh in with your ideas.  I'd love to hear what others think about the show.

waterlilybarb

There have been some really good episodes this season.  With so many shows with no new episodes, I'm sure you'll have an opportunity to catch up on this one.

waterlilybarb

I loved this week's Boston Legal.  Scott Bakula guest starred, and he sang.  That was my favourite part of the episode.  He played a college love of Shirley's, and looks to be the one she let get away.  Because of it, seeing what could be, Carl broke up with Shirley, saying they both deserved a relationship that was better...with more love and passion.  Shirley was quite broken hearted, but both Alan and Denny let her know they were there, as friends, if needed.  Of course Denny also offered what he always offers.

Jerry's girlfriend was revealed to be a complete nutter, which we kid of knew, but it's even worse than I suspected.  Thank goodness he has a friend like Katie.

Alan and Denny wound up having sex with the same woman, which was a major ICK for me, as was their talk of swinging.  I like both of these characters but sometimes they just gross me out.

waterlilybarb

Since you're new to the show, this is one you should add to your list.  Though there are often very serious cases, which shine a light on issues that get swept under the table, this show is, a heart, a comedy.  Shatner is so good in this.  I think it's the best role he's ever had, and he plays it just right.  The relationship between his character, Denny Crane, and James Spader's Alan Shore is one of my favourites on television.  It's unique in the way it portrays male friendship, but realistic in that there are men who have such close friendships.  Neither of them is any good with women - meaning long-term relationships - but they have become each other's family, which is nice amongst their madness.

This episode was a great way to get back into the season.  David Kelley always delivers, and I'm rarely, if ever, disappointed with this show.  Occasionally the sexual antics are a bit much, but thankfully they don't dominate the show.  Denny just thinks he's in love with Shirley, as he's idealized her in his infatuation.  She does love him, as a friend, and has been a good friend to him, but there's no way it's going anywhere beyond that.  The wired tear ducts were a riot.   There was no way that WASN'T going to go awry...but that's Denny.

Nice to have another voice in the conversation here.  Usually it's just me, and occasionally bala.  This is one of those shows that is fun to chat about.  My Mum & I actually call each other at the commercial breaks and have a laugh together at the craziness that is Boston Legal.  It's nice to have my Tuesday night laugh back.

waterlilybarb

Tonight's episode was quite something.  Alan's argument in the case for Shirley's father was compelling and heart wrenching at the same time.  As someone who was a caretaker of a loved with Alzheimer's, it really struck me as a realistic take on a horrific disease.

Carl's case was just ridiculous.  The idea of any community having their own nuclear weapon is preposterous.  The underlying reason for the suit made more sense, but as a Canadian, some of the logic just evaded me.  Maybe it makes more sense from an American POV, but to outsiders, it seems absolutely outrageous.

waterlilybarb

Denny's always good for a laugh.  When he thought the cows turned on him because he had Mad Cow - THAT was funny.   I also get a kick out of the way they talk to the audience about things.  In this episode it was right at the start where they were discussing what day they were being moved to.  Another time they mentioned the strike.  It makes me laugh.

Regarding the politics, they are a big topic in the states right now, with it being an election year.  The thing I like about how they address the topic is they bring out some of the gaping flaws in the process, while not being disrespectful.  Alan & Shirley's screaming match over the candidates was quite amusing.

waterlilybarb

Different strokes for different folks.

waterlilybarb

It wouldn't be as good.  The best part of the show for me is Denny & Alan's friendship.

waterlilybarb

I loved that Denny sussed it.   

That woman who wanted to be a priest is hilarious.  I wonder if they'll add her to the cast or just use her occasionally like they've been doing.  She's like some weird automaton, yet is always apologizing for getting emotional.  I fear if she ever really DID get emotional, she might injure herself.

waterlilybarb

It's an interesting argument, but one I highly doubt will ever go over in the States.  It's along the same lines as legalizing certain drugs.  By making it legal, the government worries it may come across as condoning it.  I don't think it's a good idea (morally), but am surprised that the government hasn't legalized it - mainly so they could tax it.

waterlilybarb

As I said, my objection is on moral grounds.  And even "good" prostitutes can catch STDs...no matter how careful they are.

waterlilybarb

It sure was.   Alan and Denny looked quite a spectacle in their uniforms and hip waders.

I loved how this episode showed that Denny still can be a very good lawyer.  His arguments were great - and he was able to maintain his record of never losing a case.  Alan's argument was equally compelling.  

What I like about the writing in this show is that they are able to tell both sides, usually very fairly.  It's an interesting insight into the American psyche - and I like that even the very right-wing political points of view are given a fair voice.  That's not always the case, since many in the arts lean more to the left in their political ideologies.  Getting to have a better understanding of both sides is good, not only to an onlooker, like myself, but for Americans who have their own leanings.

waterlilybarb

Yeah, Shirley...not that he hasn't tried.

This is to be the final season, and I think it started out great.  There was a great case, Denny's insane preoccupation with his bodily functions , Alan's penchant for self-loathing along with his wonderfully indescribable & intimate friendship with Denny.  Throw in a few of the nutty characters for good measure (Jerry, for instance), and you have a pretty good hour of TV.   I thoroughly enjoyed it.

waterlilybarb

There were a lot of interesting things going on in this episode.  When Denny dropped, that was quite a shocker, but I loved that they went after the pharmaceutical company.  I also really got a kick out of Shirley's granddaughter.  Great character, which I hope they use a few more times this season.  I also thought Jerry & Katie were also very good.  I was SO glad they beat the weasel in court.

Seeing that this is the final season, I hope they go out with a bang rather than a whimper.