Boston Legal (2005)

Also known as "Boston Legal Series 2"
Overall Score: 8 out of 10

"Dream case isn't it? high profile, splashy, big closing, get the not guilty, have sex with the client, it's all there. Do you think she knows I want to have sex with her?"

Starring: James Spader, Mark Valley, Rene Auberjonois, William Shatner, Candice Bergen, Julie Bowen, Monica Potter, Rhona Mitra, Lake Bell, Betty White, Craig Bierko, Constance Zimmer, Meredith Eaton, Justin Mentell, Marisa Coughlan, Christian Clemenson

Director: Oz Scott, Arlene Sanford, Mike Listo, Bill D'Elia, James R. Bagdonas, Stephen Cragg, Ron Underwood, Mel Damski, Lou Antonio, Steve Robin, Robert Yannetti, Jeff Bleckner, Adam Arkin, Ellie Kanner, Jeannot Szwarc

Running Time: 740 minutes

US MPAA rating: N/A
UK BBFC rating: 15
Comedy, Crime, Drama, Television

On DVD

On DVD

If you're going to watch this program, and I would recommend that you do watch this program, you're going to have to be prepared to pay attention. At least a little. The dialogue is fast (although not quite as fast as the cut away camera shots, which lead to a slightly vertiginous experience until you get used to the pace of change), and you could easily miss a gem or two. Boston Legal is all about not being serious about its lead actors, in a very serious kind of way, and there are an awful lot of big names wandering and one lining their way across the screen for it not to be serious about.

Series 2 kicks off with a startling recap of series 1 and then launches straight into the trial of the Black Widow, Kelly Nolan (Heather Locklear), who has born the passage of time somewhat better than Denny Crane (William Shatner) since their T J Hooker days, while another old Star Trek friend (Rene Auberjonois) seem barely to have changed. Watch out for a Golden Girl (Betty White) playing smarter than she has before and of course the token Upperclass Brits. (Rupert Everett particularly good value for money here.) Do they really think that we all talk like that? Then again, do we really think that they all behave like that? I'd like to imagine they do, I'd really like to think that smart ass lawyers sustain objections against their own wisecracks, and that (beautiful and mute) plaintiffs play the cello or sing rock songs in open court.

I doubt they do (though given real life usually being stranger than fiction, who can say?) After so many cookie cutter legal series though, it's good to have one that isn't completely serious without degenerating into chick flick tv - I'm really enjoying the lack of romantic sloppiness, even though we still have several strong female characters rather than the ubiquitous side kicks in skirts.

DVD Extras: Subtitles and stuff, and a couple of featurettes if you're still wanting more by the end of 7 discs. 2/5 for extras, but do you really want extras after 27 episodes?

This edition: UK release - Boston Legal Season 2 is released to buy on DVD (rrp £39.99) on 5^th March 2007 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Boston Legal is the Emmy® award-winning show starring William Shatner and James Spader alongside one of TV's most dazzling ensemble casts. Extras: 4 out of 10

It's Got: William Shatner and James Spader in sunglasses.

It Needs: Dr McCoy!

Alternatives: Allie McBeal, LA Law.

Summary: "Denny, we look good, right?" "we look great." Overall Score: 8 out of 10

Review Date: 25th February 2007