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“Closing Arguments…” [Boston Legal] |
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Sunday, 14 December 2008 |
There are those shows that so eloquently spark controversy without fear of viewer reprisal. There is this show that charms, insults, amazes, and inspires its audiences with apparent ease. This show can even serve solely as a soapbox at times for its extremely left-winged writers and creator, and can still cause you to admire it, if not for its accuracy then for its open brazenness. “Boston Legal” is that show. And after several stellar seasons, the jury is finally adjourned.
This past season of “Legal” has been placed in a really unfortunate Monday timeslot, pitted against NBC’s “Heroes” and “Chuck,” FOX’s powerhouse “Prison Break,” and CBS unbeatable procedural “CSI: Miami. It’s a miracle that “Boston Legal” has survived somehow for as long as has, but I believe that the “BL’s” unflinching, repeated jabs at ABC have ultimately drained the last of ABC’s decency for the show. Perhaps that’s why “BL” has retained such a lousy timeslot, but fortunately (as was referenced during the episode) that there might be a spin-off on a network that actually cared…
During the first half of this episode, Denny asked Alan Shore to marry him. I found this a little implausible, given Denny’s remarkable homophobia over the past seasons. Then again, the infamous republican ended up voting for Obama, so perhaps anything is possible. Nevertheless, Denny would be the one to directly confront notion of two people marrying for money, friendship, and heterosexual love for each other. Eventually they got married along with Shirley and Carl next to a beautiful bay in the Canadian woods. It wasn’t until Denny started dancing with Shirley and Alan simply stood off by the water surveying the scene with an unfathomable look on his face – I then realized this show was over.
It hit me with such a profound punch, and all these memories of amazing court cases, closing statements, heartwarming balcony moments, and quirky office romances came flooding back. Then my eyes watered a little, because this was the under appreciated little show that could. And despite disdain from several critics, a dwindling amount of viewers, and a severe lack of support from the network, this show persevered and made its mark on television history. This was truly one of television’s greatest programs. I give the series a 9/10. |
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