Boston Legal, season 2
Friday, 26. September 2008, 22:30:16
I have an erection... Let the trial begin. I'm ready.
- Denny Crane,
2x10: Legal Deficits
Making up for the only 17 episodes long first season, Boston Legal's second season rolled in on a grand total of 27 episodes - and never once felt dull.
Most of the backgrond-cast of season 1 are phased out - some gradually, some brutally - and new characters are introduced. Of the old ones - aside from the ever-present Shore and Crane whom I shall get to in a moment or two - season two sees a continued focus on Shirley Schmidt, but also finally lets Brad Chase and Paul Lewiston into the spotlight. I will refrain from mentioning which of the other ones disappears and when because, well, it's unnecessary spoilers. There's a host of new characters, most notably a new secretary, Melissa Hughes, and an associate attorney, Denise Bauer. Two junior associates are given attention early on in the season, but then also phased out. In other words, the cast is changed around quite a bit.
However, the addition in particular of Denise is welcome. The character is interesting and well done, and she fills a role similar to Lori's in season 1, but more interesting. Seeing more of Brad Chase is always good, though I still feel they put him up in scenes with Alan Shore far too rarely. And Schmidt is of course incredible.
Seeing more of Paul Lewiston, however, is a dream. There should me more, much more. My absolute favourite character after the two flamingoes, I truly hope they'll keep on expanding his role.
As for the flamingoes themselves; Denny Crane and Alan Shore are still the core, soul, heart, backbone, kidney and the very worn out liver of this show. They're scenes on the office balcony at the end of nearly every episode is always a treat, and Denny Crane is just as much, if not more, of his awesome self as he was in season 1. Alan Shore, though, is mellowed down. His snarky and unapologetic demeanour gets trimmed down around the edges, the focus shifted to his more morally admirable qualities. I find this to be a shame - however, they did show signs of putting his snarky sides back in focus towards the end of the season. The rest of him is as brilliant is ever. There's a kindness to this character that's truly touching, and all the sweeter for when it's peaking out through an uncaring fascade. I thus hope they'll bring the fascade back more strongly next season.
While absolutely fantastic each on their own, the show really shines in the scenes between these two, depicting the ever-growing friendship they have. Season 2, whilst bringing an added focus on this friendship, also puts more weight than season 1 on the ethical, philosophical and political issues that rise from their courtroom cases and their personal lives alike.
A thoroughly enjoyable show that has gotten me quite addicted. So much so that I'm finishing this review right now so I can go watch the first episode of season 3.
WIDGETIZE
Amrasananas # 6. October 2008, 20:08
Okay, so what did I think, then?
Well, it's still a very good procedural drama. You're right that it was slightly more preposterous (in a good way) in the first season, but this season features all-round much better character work. I totally agree about Brad Chase and Lewiston; those two were a joy to watch grow out of the very small and limited roles that they had in the first season. Denise's story arc didn't impress me to the same extent though. The whole "falling in love with a dead guy" bit is exactly the kind of sub-plot I'd wish they'd use less. It's predictable, it's unoriginal, and even if you do it right anyway (which they did), they could've made an effort to pull a shinier rabbit out of the hat.
I also wish they'd have insight to know when a character is worn out and when it's not. They keep bringing back some people that I have no interest in (especially the old secretary, who has done the same role in every show she's been in), and they should've utilized Hands to a much greater extent. Lastly, I'd wish they'd start building up Alan to greater extent. In the beginning he was made of awesomeness, then they broke him down and made him human at the start of this season. The shagging of the new girl was a start, but he needs to become more Super-Alan and less Night Terrors-Alan.
Continuing onwards with the third season. Hooray for the autumn break!
Loki Aesir # 6. October 2008, 20:15
Totally agreeing on Super-Alan and Night-Terrors-Alan. While the latter remains dominant, I dare say we move a tad back towards the former towards the end of the third season or thereabouts. So I hope that's something.
I quite liked the falling-in-love-with-a-dead-guy-plot, because, well, Michael J. Fox, for crying out loud.
As for bringing back old boring characters, I don't see it to be a big problem. The old lady is a little tiresome, yes, but mostly because I (like you) have seen her do the same part other places before. In the context of BL alone, they don't overuse her that much. A much bigger problem is the introduction of NEW boring characters. A trend is that they'll introduce at least one boring one (often several) each season, and realise it only mid-season, at which point the character'll disappear, often without explanation. (The ones who DOES get an explanation when they disappear are usually the one they've realised are actually good but that they can't afford the screentime their characters require for - or so is my theory)