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When Clarence Bell (Gary Anthony Williams) puts himself on the list of public defenders available to try a case, shockwaves echo all over Boston. For Mr. Bell, it's hearing he has a first-degree murder case on his hands. Luckily for him, Bethany Horowitz (Meredith Eaton-Gilden) agrees to be second chair if the need arises.
Alan Shore (James Spader), Clarence's immediate boss, is shocked when he discovers Clarence wants to be more than his legal secretary. For some reason, Clarence neglected to mention to the judge this case is his first. Oops! The case is a felony, so it goes to criminal trial for starters. Unfortunately, the classification of crime puts it at the top of the list for worst offenses. Complicating matters is the issue of human trafficking.
After Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) hears Clarence wants his client to plead temporary insanity, he nixes any idea of Clarence taking the case. Paul considers the ramifications too great if the firm suffers a loss. Later, he re-considers and offers help.
I have to wonder why in the world Clarence didn't ask his old boss, Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer), for her expertise. It makes the most sense as Clarence feels more comfortable with her than anyone else in the office. Of course, they also have their relationship to think of.
Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) is stunned when Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) tenders his resignation, effective immediately. Equally aghast is Claire, who came to the bureau when Jeffrey did ("New Kids on the Block"). He tells her she seems to be happy and should stay.
Brad Chase (Mark Valley) is more disappointed than angry at the news. He and Jeffrey have never gotten along, but they make excellent sparring partners. Brad apologizes for any part he may have had in the decision, but the problem lies with someone else.
Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) suspects, correctly, her having a baby with Brad doesn't help matters. In private, Jeffrey says it is the final humiliation for him, and adds he has never respected anyone who would agree to be 'friends with benefits'. It's said lightly, but the sting is clearly written on Denise's face.
Shirley thinks there is more to the story, and finds Jeffrey in his Buzz Lightyear costume. He often uses it to help him deal with low blood sugar issues, but there's a complication. When Jeffrey and Brad got into a physical altercation at the last costume party ("Dumping Bella"), something got jammed and he cannot get the costume off. Shirley can't, either. Jeffrey tells her he wanted to be the father to Denise's baby since he was not around much for his own daughter after she was born. Shirley replies he should go ahead and walk out the way he is, holding his head up.
Claire, Brad, and Denise are in the lobby when Jeffrey leaves. Shirley is there, too, sternly saying not to laugh. As Jeffrey says his final goodbyes, he mentions he will still be in Boston. Brad is gracious enough to shake hands, and Claire gets a kiss on the cheek from Jeffrey, since she is the one he will miss most of all.
I wondered if someone would leave after Denise announced the results of the paternity test. I just thought it might be Brad. I'm glad Jeffrey questioned Denise directly. She never showed Brad any paperwork, which makes me question whether she told Brad the truth.
Hopefully, the powers-that-be will see fit to bring Craig Bierko back sometime. He really is a talented actor, and seeing both Alan and Brad on edge while trying to deal with Jeffrey's verbal banter added new dimensions to this show.
Back in Alan's lair, his legal expertise is needed after Denny Crane (William Shatner) is arrested for illegally trying to ship human fat overseas. It's not a bad concept, but DA Ginsberg (Currie Graham) has always had it in for the firm. He will do everything he can to make the charges stick. Going up against Alan makes him try even harder to win.
In a rare moment of reality, Alan asks Denny if the founding partner considered the possibility of losing. Denny had, but he is not trying the case. Enough common sense prevailed for Denny to seek help. Naturally, Alan gets the not-guilty verdict.
This had to have been the jury foreman's first time in court. Why else would he nearly forget to read the verdict? It took a glance from the judge (Howard Hesseman) to get things straightened out.
Clarence gets off to a wobbly start in his own trial, but stroking Clarice's wig helps considerably. He is not stupid enough to wear it, but tucks it in his briefcase. Paul is surprised at how well the testimony goes, and suggests that Clarence handle the closing. He might have handled it himself, except Bethany points out he doesn't have 'pop'.
Leave it to Bethany! I might have been a bit more delicate, but Paul is better at management than persuasion. This gives Gary Anthony Williams a chance to shine, and he pulls it off with quiet flair.
The verdict is 'not guilty by reason of insanity'. Paul and Bethany are pleased at Clarence's success, and I have a feeling he might be in court more often. Perhaps Brad and Alan can give him a few more pointers.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Winter Warm You Ups
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After reading Chrissy's blog post on these CrockPot recipes, makes me want to start cooking. Yum!
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After reading Chrissy's blog post on these CrockPot recipes, makes me want to start cooking. Yum!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
TV Review Boston Legal "Selling Sickness"
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If the Hon. Clark Brown (Henry Gibson) requests the services of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt, the issue is important. For him, the case is a personal one. Unhappy being gay, he sought professional help. He tells Denny Crane (William Shatner), the firm's most senior founding partner, his minister encouraged him to get in touch with a certain religious group. The person in charge immediately diagnosed him with Same Sex Attraction Disorder and recommended intense Bible study and prayer to "cure" him of the problem.
Right off the bat, I have problems with this case. Although the minister in question could have his doctorate, he's hardly a licensed psychiatrist. What's worse, the label is merely a way for organized religion to try and get rid of something it finds distasteful. In addition, Judge Brown paid $40,000 to get this so-called help!
Denny calls on the help of Alan Shore (James Spader) and Bethany Horowitz (Meredith Eaton-Gilden) as the judge wants to sue for false advertising. Having Bethany aboard makes the judge uneasy, but she tells him her specialty is medical malpractice. It's a bit of a stretch, but the tactic helps. Alan gets on his 'soapbox', and closes with a lengthy argument about selling the idea of being sick for profit. The judge rules in his favor.
Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) is asked by a former client (Ed Begley Jr.) to step in when his niece is touched inappropriately by her rabbi during a counseling session. There is medication which can make people forget traumatic memories. Since the girl's father is a psychiatrist, he is eager to give her this, and she wants to take it. A major sticking point is the unwillingness of her mother to give consent.
Shirley argues successfully the drug is a form of mind control. The judge agrees with her point of a teenager perhaps not understanding the implication of her actions. Permission to medicate denied. It seems to me this case should have been a lawsuit against the rabbi.
Back at the firm, Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) is stunned to realize she is pregnant. However, she has a good idea of who the father could be - Brad Chase (Mark Valley) or Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko). For some reason, she throws out the possibility of Alan Shore, although she slept with him as well.
When she tells Brad and Jeffrey, she also hands them a swab for a paternity test. They agree to it, but Brad immediately gets concerned about what he will do next. Jeffrey reminds him there are two possibilities available.
Jeffrey discusses the situation with Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams), the legal assistant of Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer). Clarence wonders if Jeffrey is scared of what would happen if he were the father, but Jeffrey is more concerned about it NOT being his. Clarence suggests he talk to Denise, and Jeffrey appreciates the advice.
As the results come back, Denise informs Brad he's the father. Jeffrey congratulates them both upon hearing the news, but leaves Denise's office clearly disappointed. I seem to recall Mr. Coho has an offspring of his own. While it's never been explained, I wonder if the child died. This would make Jeffrey perhaps more interested in parenting again.
Brad is none too pleased to hear Denise express a lack of interest in having the baby. He points out aborted kids do not have any future. Denise threatens to get a restraining order if she has to.
Was Brad born blind and selfish? I have a feeling he was more interested in having a carbon copy of himself than anything else. He certainly has little regard for the feelings of Denise. Considering she has told him more than once they wouldn't have a future together, why is he pushing the issue? Brad should have walked away a long time ago.
This episode got back to what Boston Legal is supposed to be about, trying cases. The judges could stand a bit more decorum, since at times they are worse than the lawyers. Speaking of which, Clarence surely has a last name. It needs to be said aloud sometime.
NancyGail writes from her home in Georgia.
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If the Hon. Clark Brown (Henry Gibson) requests the services of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt, the issue is important. For him, the case is a personal one. Unhappy being gay, he sought professional help. He tells Denny Crane (William Shatner), the firm's most senior founding partner, his minister encouraged him to get in touch with a certain religious group. The person in charge immediately diagnosed him with Same Sex Attraction Disorder and recommended intense Bible study and prayer to "cure" him of the problem.
Right off the bat, I have problems with this case. Although the minister in question could have his doctorate, he's hardly a licensed psychiatrist. What's worse, the label is merely a way for organized religion to try and get rid of something it finds distasteful. In addition, Judge Brown paid $40,000 to get this so-called help!
Denny calls on the help of Alan Shore (James Spader) and Bethany Horowitz (Meredith Eaton-Gilden) as the judge wants to sue for false advertising. Having Bethany aboard makes the judge uneasy, but she tells him her specialty is medical malpractice. It's a bit of a stretch, but the tactic helps. Alan gets on his 'soapbox', and closes with a lengthy argument about selling the idea of being sick for profit. The judge rules in his favor.
Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) is asked by a former client (Ed Begley Jr.) to step in when his niece is touched inappropriately by her rabbi during a counseling session. There is medication which can make people forget traumatic memories. Since the girl's father is a psychiatrist, he is eager to give her this, and she wants to take it. A major sticking point is the unwillingness of her mother to give consent.
Shirley argues successfully the drug is a form of mind control. The judge agrees with her point of a teenager perhaps not understanding the implication of her actions. Permission to medicate denied. It seems to me this case should have been a lawsuit against the rabbi.
Back at the firm, Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) is stunned to realize she is pregnant. However, she has a good idea of who the father could be - Brad Chase (Mark Valley) or Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko). For some reason, she throws out the possibility of Alan Shore, although she slept with him as well.
When she tells Brad and Jeffrey, she also hands them a swab for a paternity test. They agree to it, but Brad immediately gets concerned about what he will do next. Jeffrey reminds him there are two possibilities available.
Jeffrey discusses the situation with Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams), the legal assistant of Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer). Clarence wonders if Jeffrey is scared of what would happen if he were the father, but Jeffrey is more concerned about it NOT being his. Clarence suggests he talk to Denise, and Jeffrey appreciates the advice.
As the results come back, Denise informs Brad he's the father. Jeffrey congratulates them both upon hearing the news, but leaves Denise's office clearly disappointed. I seem to recall Mr. Coho has an offspring of his own. While it's never been explained, I wonder if the child died. This would make Jeffrey perhaps more interested in parenting again.
Brad is none too pleased to hear Denise express a lack of interest in having the baby. He points out aborted kids do not have any future. Denise threatens to get a restraining order if she has to.
Was Brad born blind and selfish? I have a feeling he was more interested in having a carbon copy of himself than anything else. He certainly has little regard for the feelings of Denise. Considering she has told him more than once they wouldn't have a future together, why is he pushing the issue? Brad should have walked away a long time ago.
This episode got back to what Boston Legal is supposed to be about, trying cases. The judges could stand a bit more decorum, since at times they are worse than the lawyers. Speaking of which, Clarence surely has a last name. It needs to be said aloud sometime.
NancyGail writes from her home in Georgia.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Boston Legal "Dumping Bella" 1/31/07
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After Bella Horowitz (Delta Burke) gets blue paint thrown on her by angry protesters, she goes running to the firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt for help. Bella tells Denny Crane (William Shatner) she wants the entire firm's backing. Trouble arises when Bella's daughter, Bethany (Meredith Eaton-Gilden), represents the other side. The ensuing trial is a debate on cruelty to animals versus beauty.
Meanwhile back at the firm, Alan Shore (James Spader) notices Vanessa Walker's (Nia Long) yellow dress. When he remarks how nice she looks, it's clear he is taken aback. He later reveals his high school memory of a girl in yellow whom he was too shy to approach. By the time he got up his courage, it was too late.
Brad Chase (Mark Valley) has a more pressing issue to deal with after Alan hints he is a topic of a swirling rumor mill. Although he doesn't say exactly what, Brad wonders if it refers to his involvement with Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen). He asks her outright if she is sleeping with anyone else, and she refuses to answer.
This should have been a clear sign to drop the subject, but Brad takes matters into his own hands by using a substance known as 'Wilderness Ink'. Suffice to say it shows up under ultraviolet light. Brad takes Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) into a closet and pulls out a portable ultraviolet light source. It isn't long before he has proof positive of his suspicions. Denise is seriously offended when she hears about Brad's trickery and confronts him. He doesn't deny anything, which earns him a well-deserved slap from the object of his affection.
Brad later finds Denise and states he wasn't trying to embarrass her, but merely wanted to know the truth. As she replies how decent Jeffrey is, Brad says he is going to walk away from being 'friends with benefits'. Casual sex, like Denise is into, is not what Brad wants out of a relationship. She accepts his words, but her look when Brad leaves gives the impression of second thoughts.
Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) is shocked when her assistant, Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams) asks if she might be available to be more than friends. She agrees to have dinner, and later tells him she likes him a lot.
At Denny's trial, Shirley gives the closing argument. It works, but not completely. The defendant is ordered to stay away from Bella, but any protest at her place of business is fine. Denny then has to tell Bella he is still in love with Bethany. She is shaken, but says her daughter's happiness is what she's always wanted. Bethany hears Denny out when he says he loves her, but she has not agreed to anything.
Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) decides to throw an office costume party, making appearance mandatory. Since it's not Halloween, the theme is the person each attorney admires most. Shirley hears Alan is planning to dress up as her and forbids it. She should know better than to give him orders, and so he comes as 'Shirley Schmidto', the sex toy Denny has in her likeness. Paul is dressed as Albert Einstein, Claire is a Rangers hockey player, while Clarence is Oprah. Vanessa is in the yellow dress again, and dances with Alan.
Denny comes as Vice President Cheney in a hunting outfit, a jab at the time the VP shot a close friend in the face. When Mr. Crane waxes ebullient with his shotgun about the incident, guess what happens? People duck as the ceiling rains on their parade. After the time Denny shot up a courtroom ("A Whiff and A Prayer"), one would think he might remember what the safety catch is for.
Jeffrey arrives as Buzz Lightyear, which irritates Brad to no end since HE also dressed as that character. The war of words prompts Paul to tell them to take things outside before it gets ugly.
As Alan and Denny chat on the balcony, Denny persuades Alan to have one dance with him. He is so enamored with Shirley that he is willing to accept any substitute. Alan agrees so the founding partner will stop harping about it. When they look down to the pavement below, Brad and Jeffrey can be seen slugging it out in full costume.
After Bella Horowitz (Delta Burke) gets blue paint thrown on her by angry protesters, she goes running to the firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt for help. Bella tells Denny Crane (William Shatner) she wants the entire firm's backing. Trouble arises when Bella's daughter, Bethany (Meredith Eaton-Gilden), represents the other side. The ensuing trial is a debate on cruelty to animals versus beauty.
Meanwhile back at the firm, Alan Shore (James Spader) notices Vanessa Walker's (Nia Long) yellow dress. When he remarks how nice she looks, it's clear he is taken aback. He later reveals his high school memory of a girl in yellow whom he was too shy to approach. By the time he got up his courage, it was too late.
Brad Chase (Mark Valley) has a more pressing issue to deal with after Alan hints he is a topic of a swirling rumor mill. Although he doesn't say exactly what, Brad wonders if it refers to his involvement with Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen). He asks her outright if she is sleeping with anyone else, and she refuses to answer.
This should have been a clear sign to drop the subject, but Brad takes matters into his own hands by using a substance known as 'Wilderness Ink'. Suffice to say it shows up under ultraviolet light. Brad takes Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) into a closet and pulls out a portable ultraviolet light source. It isn't long before he has proof positive of his suspicions. Denise is seriously offended when she hears about Brad's trickery and confronts him. He doesn't deny anything, which earns him a well-deserved slap from the object of his affection.
Brad later finds Denise and states he wasn't trying to embarrass her, but merely wanted to know the truth. As she replies how decent Jeffrey is, Brad says he is going to walk away from being 'friends with benefits'. Casual sex, like Denise is into, is not what Brad wants out of a relationship. She accepts his words, but her look when Brad leaves gives the impression of second thoughts.
Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) is shocked when her assistant, Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams) asks if she might be available to be more than friends. She agrees to have dinner, and later tells him she likes him a lot.
At Denny's trial, Shirley gives the closing argument. It works, but not completely. The defendant is ordered to stay away from Bella, but any protest at her place of business is fine. Denny then has to tell Bella he is still in love with Bethany. She is shaken, but says her daughter's happiness is what she's always wanted. Bethany hears Denny out when he says he loves her, but she has not agreed to anything.
Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) decides to throw an office costume party, making appearance mandatory. Since it's not Halloween, the theme is the person each attorney admires most. Shirley hears Alan is planning to dress up as her and forbids it. She should know better than to give him orders, and so he comes as 'Shirley Schmidto', the sex toy Denny has in her likeness. Paul is dressed as Albert Einstein, Claire is a Rangers hockey player, while Clarence is Oprah. Vanessa is in the yellow dress again, and dances with Alan.
Denny comes as Vice President Cheney in a hunting outfit, a jab at the time the VP shot a close friend in the face. When Mr. Crane waxes ebullient with his shotgun about the incident, guess what happens? People duck as the ceiling rains on their parade. After the time Denny shot up a courtroom ("A Whiff and A Prayer"), one would think he might remember what the safety catch is for.
Jeffrey arrives as Buzz Lightyear, which irritates Brad to no end since HE also dressed as that character. The war of words prompts Paul to tell them to take things outside before it gets ugly.
As Alan and Denny chat on the balcony, Denny persuades Alan to have one dance with him. He is so enamored with Shirley that he is willing to accept any substitute. Alan agrees so the founding partner will stop harping about it. When they look down to the pavement below, Brad and Jeffrey can be seen slugging it out in full costume.
Whew! Who had the idea to put five storylines in the episode at once? Three is about the limit to have viewers follow each plot. If memory serves, Eric Stoltz directed this episode. Hopefully, overloaded shows is not a typical characteristic of his work. An article in TV Guide says Currie Graham, the actor who has a recurring role as the DA is now a cast member on Men in Trees. Couldn't ADA Winant (Tyler Labine) be brought back? I'm guessing Vanessa joined the Boston bureau, although Nia Walker has yet to be in opening credits.
.
Blogarama
After Bella Horowitz (Delta Burke) gets blue paint thrown on her by angry protesters, she goes running to the firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt for help. Bella tells Denny Crane (William Shatner) she wants the entire firm's backing. Trouble arises when Bella's daughter, Bethany (Meredith Eaton-Gilden), represents the other side. The ensuing trial is a debate on cruelty to animals versus beauty.
Meanwhile back at the firm, Alan Shore (James Spader) notices Vanessa Walker's (Nia Long) yellow dress. When he remarks how nice she looks, it's clear he is taken aback. He later reveals his high school memory of a girl in yellow whom he was too shy to approach. By the time he got up his courage, it was too late.
Brad Chase (Mark Valley) has a more pressing issue to deal with after Alan hints he is a topic of a swirling rumor mill. Although he doesn't say exactly what, Brad wonders if it refers to his involvement with Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen). He asks her outright if she is sleeping with anyone else, and she refuses to answer.
This should have been a clear sign to drop the subject, but Brad takes matters into his own hands by using a substance known as 'Wilderness Ink'. Suffice to say it shows up under ultraviolet light. Brad takes Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) into a closet and pulls out a portable ultraviolet light source. It isn't long before he has proof positive of his suspicions. Denise is seriously offended when she hears about Brad's trickery and confronts him. He doesn't deny anything, which earns him a well-deserved slap from the object of his affection.
Brad later finds Denise and states he wasn't trying to embarrass her, but merely wanted to know the truth. As she replies how decent Jeffrey is, Brad says he is going to walk away from being 'friends with benefits'. Casual sex, like Denise is into, is not what Brad wants out of a relationship. She accepts his words, but her look when Brad leaves gives the impression of second thoughts.
Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) is shocked when her assistant, Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams) asks if she might be available to be more than friends. She agrees to have dinner, and later tells him she likes him a lot.
At Denny's trial, Shirley gives the closing argument. It works, but not completely. The defendant is ordered to stay away from Bella, but any protest at her place of business is fine. Denny then has to tell Bella he is still in love with Bethany. She is shaken, but says her daughter's happiness is what she's always wanted. Bethany hears Denny out when he says he loves her, but she has not agreed to anything.
Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) decides to throw an office costume party, making appearance mandatory. Since it's not Halloween, the theme is the person each attorney admires most. Shirley hears Alan is planning to dress up as her and forbids it. She should know better than to give him orders, and so he comes as 'Shirley Schmidto', the sex toy Denny has in her likeness. Paul is dressed as Albert Einstein, Claire is a Rangers hockey player, while Clarence is Oprah. Vanessa is in the yellow dress again, and dances with Alan.
Denny comes as Vice President Cheney in a hunting outfit, a jab at the time the VP shot a close friend in the face. When Mr. Crane waxes ebullient with his shotgun about the incident, guess what happens? People duck as the ceiling rains on their parade. After the time Denny shot up a courtroom ("A Whiff and A Prayer"), one would think he might remember what the safety catch is for.
Jeffrey arrives as Buzz Lightyear, which irritates Brad to no end since HE also dressed as that character. The war of words prompts Paul to tell them to take things outside before it gets ugly.
As Alan and Denny chat on the balcony, Denny persuades Alan to have one dance with him. He is so enamored with Shirley that he is willing to accept any substitute. Alan agrees so the founding partner will stop harping about it. When they look down to the pavement below, Brad and Jeffrey can be seen slugging it out in full costume.
After Bella Horowitz (Delta Burke) gets blue paint thrown on her by angry protesters, she goes running to the firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt for help. Bella tells Denny Crane (William Shatner) she wants the entire firm's backing. Trouble arises when Bella's daughter, Bethany (Meredith Eaton-Gilden), represents the other side. The ensuing trial is a debate on cruelty to animals versus beauty.
Meanwhile back at the firm, Alan Shore (James Spader) notices Vanessa Walker's (Nia Long) yellow dress. When he remarks how nice she looks, it's clear he is taken aback. He later reveals his high school memory of a girl in yellow whom he was too shy to approach. By the time he got up his courage, it was too late.
Brad Chase (Mark Valley) has a more pressing issue to deal with after Alan hints he is a topic of a swirling rumor mill. Although he doesn't say exactly what, Brad wonders if it refers to his involvement with Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen). He asks her outright if she is sleeping with anyone else, and she refuses to answer.
This should have been a clear sign to drop the subject, but Brad takes matters into his own hands by using a substance known as 'Wilderness Ink'. Suffice to say it shows up under ultraviolet light. Brad takes Jeffrey Coho (Craig Bierko) into a closet and pulls out a portable ultraviolet light source. It isn't long before he has proof positive of his suspicions. Denise is seriously offended when she hears about Brad's trickery and confronts him. He doesn't deny anything, which earns him a well-deserved slap from the object of his affection.
Brad later finds Denise and states he wasn't trying to embarrass her, but merely wanted to know the truth. As she replies how decent Jeffrey is, Brad says he is going to walk away from being 'friends with benefits'. Casual sex, like Denise is into, is not what Brad wants out of a relationship. She accepts his words, but her look when Brad leaves gives the impression of second thoughts.
Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) is shocked when her assistant, Clarence (Gary Anthony Williams) asks if she might be available to be more than friends. She agrees to have dinner, and later tells him she likes him a lot.
At Denny's trial, Shirley gives the closing argument. It works, but not completely. The defendant is ordered to stay away from Bella, but any protest at her place of business is fine. Denny then has to tell Bella he is still in love with Bethany. She is shaken, but says her daughter's happiness is what she's always wanted. Bethany hears Denny out when he says he loves her, but she has not agreed to anything.
Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) decides to throw an office costume party, making appearance mandatory. Since it's not Halloween, the theme is the person each attorney admires most. Shirley hears Alan is planning to dress up as her and forbids it. She should know better than to give him orders, and so he comes as 'Shirley Schmidto', the sex toy Denny has in her likeness. Paul is dressed as Albert Einstein, Claire is a Rangers hockey player, while Clarence is Oprah. Vanessa is in the yellow dress again, and dances with Alan.
Denny comes as Vice President Cheney in a hunting outfit, a jab at the time the VP shot a close friend in the face. When Mr. Crane waxes ebullient with his shotgun about the incident, guess what happens? People duck as the ceiling rains on their parade. After the time Denny shot up a courtroom ("A Whiff and A Prayer"), one would think he might remember what the safety catch is for.
Jeffrey arrives as Buzz Lightyear, which irritates Brad to no end since HE also dressed as that character. The war of words prompts Paul to tell them to take things outside before it gets ugly.
As Alan and Denny chat on the balcony, Denny persuades Alan to have one dance with him. He is so enamored with Shirley that he is willing to accept any substitute. Alan agrees so the founding partner will stop harping about it. When they look down to the pavement below, Brad and Jeffrey can be seen slugging it out in full costume.
Whew! Who had the idea to put five storylines in the episode at once? Three is about the limit to have viewers follow each plot. If memory serves, Eric Stoltz directed this episode. Hopefully, overloaded shows is not a typical characteristic of his work. An article in TV Guide says Currie Graham, the actor who has a recurring role as the DA is now a cast member on Men in Trees. Couldn't ADA Winant (Tyler Labine) be brought back? I'm guessing Vanessa joined the Boston bureau, although Nia Walker has yet to be in opening credits.
.
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