

Product Description Led by an Emmy Award-winning cast (James Spader, Denny Crane and Candice Bergen), "Boston Legal" tells the professional and personal stories of a group of brilliant but often emotionally challenged attorneys. Fast-paced and darkly comedic, the series confronts social and moral issues, while its characters continually stretch the boundaries of the law. .com Impressive in quality and quantity, the 27 episodes of Boston Legal's second season (2005-06) are a dazzling showcase for one of TV's greatest ensembles. Everything that made season 1 so entertaining is refined here, often to the point of perfection: As the resident bad boys of the prestigious Boston legal firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt, senior partner Denny Crane (William Shatner) and maverick attorney Alan Shore (James Spader) continue their campaign of rampant indiscretion, combining unabashed sexism and political incorrectness with Denny's egotistical fat-cat sense of entitlement (and a touch of "Mad Cow") and Alan's passion for justice and courtroom theatrics. The departure of his girlfriend Tara (season 1's Rhona Mitra) has left Alan pensively lonely, so his male-bonding with Denny becomes the series' emotional core, even as it reaches new heights of hilarity in episodes like "Finding Nimmo," an instant classic in which Denny introduces Alan to the pleasures of fly-fishing. Back at the office, semi-regular cast member Betty White turns from murder to robbery, only to find herself redeemed as the new "sandwich lady" at C, P & S. And while senior partner Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) juggles the firm's ethical dilemmas and a rocky reunion with his drug-addicted daughter (superbly played by Jayne Brook), founding partner Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) dodges advances from her soon-to-be-remarried ex-husband (Tom Selleck) while suspecting Denny's soon-to-be-sixth-wife (Joanna Cassidy) of high-stakes gold-digging. In the midst of it all, Denise (Julie Bowen) faces threatening competition from a new attorney (Parker Posey) and elusive love with a dying billionaire (Michael J. Fox) while playing "friends with benefits" with colleague Brad (Mark Valley), who's only too willing to indulge their arrangement. Expanded roles for Bowen and Valley are just two of this season's welcome improvements; along with Bergen and Auberjonois, they add engaging counterbalance to the Spader/Shatner juggernaut, while newcomers Justin Mentell and Ryan Michelle Bathe (as legal assistants) add youthful appeal in roles that necessarily remained marginal for most of the season. As always, series creator David E. Kelley (aided by a new writing staff) maintains a constant flow of outrageous behavior (most of it Denny's) and compelling courtroom trials based on hot-button issues including assisted suicide, the war in Iraq, private school discrimination, medical malpractice, tax evasion and a variety of other cases in which belligerent judges (played by Henry Gibson, Anthony Heald, Howard Hesseman, Shelley Berman, and others) play antagonistic foils to Alan Shore's impassioned defense. (It's here where Spader excels; Shore may be a lascivious lothario, but you offend his moral conscience at your peril.) A stellar array of guest stars, impeccable editing and cinematography, and glossy office production design make Boston Legal a constant feast for the eyes and ears, with breezy emphasis on the farcical goings-on at Crane, Poole & Schmidt. (The series' writing and production values are explored in brief but enjoyable bonus featurettes included on the final DVD in this seven-disc set.) With Denny and Alan's season-ending visit to Los Angeles (where they defend a sexy celebrity played by Star Trek: Voyager's Jeri Ryan), it's delightfully obvious that Shatner and Spader are the heart and soul of Boston Legal, which is ultimately about the mutual affection of two men whose viewpoints are often as polarized as their friendship is compassionately co-dependent. Bolstered by clever allusions to Shatner's Star Trek legacy and throwaway references to their own status as characters in a TV show (as Kelley and his writers deliberately demolish the "fourth wall" of TV for comedic effect), Spader and Shatner quickly turned their episode-closing balcony scenes into an honorable tradition, where differences dissolve in the taste of fine scotch and slowly-savored cigars. They're bringing us the finest "dramedy" that primetime network television has to offer, and we'll gladly follow them as their crazy lives continue. --Jeff Shannon
W**S
The best show on television!
First, I have to agree with everything Amazon's Editorial Critic, Jeff Shannon, had to say in his review. I wish I'd written it myself. I absolutely love this show. It's brillantly written, acted, directed, designed, and filmed. I quickly became a fan of the Alan Shore (James Spader) character during the last season of The Practice. I then followed him to Crane, Poole & Schmidt, where he blossomed into the type of lawyer that you have to stand up and cheer for, no matter how naughty he is at the office. Though his long trial closings may tire him, they bring pure joy to my heart with the sense of justice embedded within each word that he utters. Great writing! In Season 2, Alan Shore also became more human with his fear of clowns, night terrors, and a level of stress that causes him to mix up his words. More thought was definitely put into Denny Crane's (William Shatner) character this season, as well as his friendship with Alan and the get together on the balcony at the end of each show. They both embody the true meaning of friendship between men, while kidding about it at the same time. Though I didn't particularly like the characters played by Mark Valley, Candice Bergen, and Rene Auberjonois in the first season, I grew to respect them much more in Season 2 as their characters were fleshed out and given more to do. The scenes where Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) confronts his daughter about her drug addiction was the type of acting that brings tears to one's eyes with the truth, love, and sincerity that are protrayed. Adding to the cast of regulars was Julie Bowen as Denise, who hopes to make partner within the firm. She brough a new edge to the series with her intelligence and sexiness, and I was surprised by what happened in the last episode. I don't want to give away any spoilers. Boy, was this also the year for guest stars: Tom Selleck (you could definitely see the chemistry between him and Candice Bergen), Michael J. Fox (who can still knock you out with his acting, charm, and boyish good-looks and ends up saving the day at the end), Joanna Cassidy (still as beautiful and sexy as ever), Jeri Ryan (I don't know about Alan Shore's breath, but she literally took mine away), Ed Begly, Jr., Robert Wagner, Henry Gibson, Howard Hesseman, Betty White, Freddie Prince, Jr., and even director, Wes Craven. Parker Posey's addition to the cast at the end of the season was a stroke of genius. Think of the movie, Blade III, but without the fangs. She's going to be a match for Alan Shore!!! The only complaint I have about the disc collection is that the two featurettes only total about fifteen minutes. There should've been two-to-three hours of extras. One clear thing that has happened with Season 2 (I don't know if it's the writers or the actors doing it), is that the characters acknowledge that this is a TV show through comments here and there. Rather than pulling me out of the moment, it causes me to laugh along with them and to enjoy the tongue-in-cheek jest. In my opinion, Boston Legal is the best series on television today. As much as I dislike lawyers, I love the ones on this show and often think that I'd like to be Alan Shore with his firm sense of justice, equality, integrity, and sexual pervertedness. When he gives you his promise, you know that he'll keep it no matter what the cost. I'd rate this collection 10 Stars, if I could, but five will have to suffice. Highly Recommended!!!
O**C
The Best Show on TV, period!!
I really loved The West Wing but didn't collect the episodes as I have Season 1 and 2 of this show. It simply is the best show on TV, - period - for all the reasons stated in the reviews. The nitty gritty is the writing, folks! Sharpest wit with surprises in almost every episode! Some of the commentary that is utilized in the final summations in court are priceless!!! Some comments have been made about defective discs. I had that problem with Season 1 which Amazon corrected forthwith! No such problems with the preordered set of Season 2 which I just watched all 7 discs - all clear with no problems whatsoever. There are several episodes which are my favorites but all are of such quality that if you know of someone who isn't into this program, please buy or encourage them to view these discs and get hooked like the rest of us!! This is the only program I must tape due to the number of commercials and the late hour, I miss too many endings. How wonderful to have the DVD's without interruption to view over and over again! I have loaned them out and converted people who "never watch TV". It truly difficult to find adult entertainment on TV with substance, humor, social commentary, great writing and acting (the entire cast is great but Spader is still the best), but this show has it all! I highly recommend the purchase of both seasons of Boston Legal DVD's!!! I'm not in the demographic that most shows are courting, I'm in the over 60 crowd that is pretty picky about the quality of time spent on anything as time is precious. This show rewards the time spent in spades!!! Love it! Keep up the great work Boston Legal team!
E**R
Don't miss the best tv series to hit our screens!
Boston Legal is without doubt the best television writing I have ever seen. It is the story of every day shenanigans in a law firm in Boston and is absolutely hilarious. It makes you laugh, it makes you think, it is enlightening on a wide variety of issues and backs them all up with hard facts. All the characters, even the minor ones are well developed and highly entertaining. Their strengths and weaknesses are dealt with incredible warmth and humour without becoming in any way melodramatic. It is also surreal and quirky at the same time, and all of that in 40 short minutes! Each episode is perfectly spaced and complete. It has the best one-liners I have ever come across. The closing arguments are clear, concise and so very eloquently delivered; you can discuss each one for days. The acting is of a very high standard and brings that wonderful writing to life and does it total justice.I was hooked after 2-3 episodes and ended up watching all of them. Season 2 certainly doesn't disappoint, but I also highly recommend seasons 1 and 3. It is now in its 4th season and I find it incredible that with each new episode they still manage to hold our interest as if it was the first. It is like watching a never-ending comedy feature film, and you just don't want it to ever end! You can watch it over and over again and still laugh out loud. Nothing I can say can recommend it highly enough.
D**E
Crane, Poole und Schmidt
Nach Staffel 1 hab ich mir gleich die restlichen vier bestellt, da diese Serie einensüchtig macht und man nicht abschalten kann.Nach der Eingewöhnungsphase von Staffel 1, geht es in der zweiten turbulent weiter.Nachdem drei Darsteller die Kanzlei verlassen kommen auch neue hinzu.Unter anderem auch, der seit 15 Jahre dort tätige, Jerry Espenson, genannt "die Hand",der an dem Asperger-Syndrom leidet, aber ein ausgezeichneter Anwalt ist.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Als Jerry mitgeteilt wird das er kein Partner in der Kanzlei werden wird, dreht er durch undnimmt Sherley Schmidt mitten auf der Party als Geisel, in dem er ihr ein Messer an den Hals hält.Denny soll als Pflichtverteidiger einen, mit Aids verseuchten, Mädchenvergewaltiger und Mörder verteidigen.Als sein Widerspruch keinen Anklang findet, feuert er 2mal auf seinen Mandanten.Ein Bekannter bittet Sherley Schmidt ihn zu vertreten, bei der Scheidung die seine Frau durchziehen will, weiler sie betrog. Als Sherley erfährt mit wem er sie betrog, ist sie schockiert.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Denny Crane fürchtet an Alzheimer zu erkranken, als das mit dem Rinderwahn aufkommt, schiebt er es immerauf BSE.Doch Alan drängt ihn sich untersuchen zu lassen."........ich war schon immer dafür, dass Freunde ihre Freunde dazu anhalten sollten, ihr Gehirn untersuchen zu lassen."Gaststars sind diesmal unter anderen: Heather Locklear, Michael J.Fox, Tom Selleck und Robert Wagner u.a.Diesmal sind es 7 Scheiben mit 27 Folgen, alle in sauberen Bild und Ton.Die Titel sind im Menue alle auf englisch und man muss jede einzelne Folge anklicken.Auf der DVD-Hülle sind sie auf der Stirnseite in deutsch aufgeführt.Extras: 2 exclusive Featurettes:Aus dem Notitzblock:Der Schreibprozess von Boston Legal,Beweisstück A: Das Design von Boston Legal.Manko:Wie bei der 1 Staffel, kein Wendecover und alle Scheiben aufeinander. (Elend)Was ich auch für überflüssig fand, dass nach jeder Folge, die DVD-Warnung eingeblendet wird.Einmal am Ende jeder Scheibe hätte genügt.Geladen und Gesichert - Denny Crane
M**E
Erholt sich schnell von einem etwas schwächelnden Anfang
Die zweite Staffel von Boston Legal hat einen etwas holprigen Start und findet ab der 10. Episode zurück zur Höchstform der ersten Staffel - der Ausflug von Brad und Denise in die Welt des FBI empfand ich als störend und an den Haaren herbeigeholt. Auch die neue Besetzung mit den beiden dümmlichen Juniors war nicht geglückt, auch Denise selbst braucht lange, bis sie einen Platz in der zweiten Staffel findet. Das erprobte Trio Alan Shore/Denny Crane/Shirley Schmidt glänzt zum Glück durchgehend, so dass die Schwächen der ersten Episoden erträglich sind. Und wie gesagt - ab der 10. Episode reiht sich eine gute Folge an die andere! Besonders lustig: Dennys Hochzeit...Wegen des etwas schwächelnden Anfangs eigentlich nur 4 Sterne, aber weil es weit und breit keine Serie gibt, die insgesamt so witzig, intellektuell anspruchsvoll, provokant und einfach großartig ist, sind 5 Sterne noch angemessen.
A**R
Great series. Great customer service.
In my opinion, this is one of the best TV series around. I love how they continually break the fourth wall and how they touch on many controversial issues. Awesome writing and excellent casting.The one issue I have is that the cases (I bought all 5 seasons) are a tad subpar. Two to three discs per season were floating upon arrival. However, delivery was very fast and Amazon.ca has amazing customer service. Since discs were easily repaired, I chose to keep them and accept a discount. I never hesitate buying from Amazon.ca. They actually care about customer satisfaction. I would highly recommend this entire series to anyone who enjoys smartly scripted and fantastically acted shows.
A**I
assolutamente esilarante
Trovo che questa serie americana su sfondo di uno studio legale nella bellissima città di Boston sia assolutamente da consigliare, soprattutto se la si vede in inglese: la sceneggiatura è magistrale con degli scambi arguti e divertentissimi fra tutti i personaggi (alcuni dei quali sono assolutamente irresistibili, in primis Dennis Crane, interpretato da William Shatner), e anche le storie descritte sono ben scelte. Inoltre, ho molto apprezzato la presenza di Michael J. Fox in alcuni episodi di questa 2° serie.
J**R
Nice Lawyer series with funny moments and laughter about humor in the practice of law
This series has special moments like no other. The Boston lawfirm crane pool n schmidt has some about 5 main characters that come into trouble and get conversation with the practicing lawyers.Funny moments and laughter for sure.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
5 days ago