By Frederic Germay
It certainly seems as though "Prison Break" wasn't the only show that decided to drastically reinvent itself this season. Fortunately, "Boston Legal" really only emptied half their cast list and added some fresh faces. Although I find that these new additions are providing an altogether new and refreshing texture to the show, I still wonder if the characters they replaced may have had more attractive personalities.
Carl Sack seems to be the new take-charge lawyer in Crane, Poole, and Schmidt. In stark contrast to this episode, he played a more prominent role in the premiere. It appears as though there is an individual who can actually put Denny in his place, and I have to admit that Sack will probably receive unending viewer loathing on account of his scathing remarks toward Denny Crane, Clarence Bell, and Jerry Espenson. His approach towards conformity also put Clarence's job at risk, but Clarence put HIM in his place. Despite my distasteful feelings towards Carl Sack, I do believe that behind his cold stare is a heart not entirely void of reason.
Lorraine is another, in my opinion, distasteful addition to the cast. I certainly hope that this isn't a permanent addition, seeing as I almost had the same reaction that Alan Shore had when he discovered that she was being hired by Crane, Poole, and Schmidt. Although she may be a mildly skilled lawyer (as was proven in the premiere), she doesn't really seem to a character that audiences can delve into. Her actions can't be understood, because pretty much all we've really seen her do is...well...Alan. That annoying little half smile and that snotty attitude pretty much ruin almost all the scenes she's in.
Katie Jacobs (I believe that is what her name is) is the most refreshing and enjoyable cast addition since Clarence. Her shy, yet defiant, demeanor makes this passionate and heartfelt rookie lawyer a scene-stealer in every way. Her lack of experience could be her undoing as was witnessed several times during the case, but then again she has a sort of reckless innocence that practically exonerates her from being non-credible.
The case in this episode was the conclusion of a two-part story that started off in the premiere. A rather large and seemingly unpleasant man was accused of killing the wife of a doctor. Katie was the only one who could finally get this man to talk to her, and that resulted in him appointing her as his counsel, despite her extremely limited experience. Katie's job was to establish that the man was involved with the doctor's wife in a consensual relationship, and that the doctor framed him for her murder. Aided by Alan and Jerry, Katie did win the case, but not before subpoenaing the testimony of the doctor's wife's therapist to establish that there was, in fact, an affair. "Boston Legal" has always had a habit of opening the season with a really captivating case, and this is no exception. However, last season's opener lasted quite a few episodes, whereas this case ended in just the second episode...
The subplot consisted of Judge Plastic-Face.... I mean, Judge Gloria telling Alan that she wanted him to be the father of her child. For obvious reasons, I knew that Alan would eventually decline, but I didn't expect that he would even momentarily truly consider it as a viable option. That led to the very touching moment between him and Shirley where he discussed his doubts about how good a father he would be if given the chance.
Overall, this was a good episode, but not a great episode. I miss the strong fiery rhythm of last season, and I hope that this season will regain that melody despite replacing half the cast. I do wonder that since Denise is on maternity leave -- does that leave the door open for her return? Will Denny lose his cool over Carl Sack 'stealing' Shirley? Will Alan just get over Lorraine? Is it possible that there was some chemistry between Katie and Jerry? The best moment in this episode was Jerry reassuring Alan that he would be a great father, and the worst moment was the interaction between Carl Sack and Lorraine. I give this episode an 8/10
