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Boston Legal: Season 1 [2004] | ![Boston Legal: Season 1 [2004]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SGMBY9MWL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Actors: William Shatner, James Spader, Candice Bergen, Monica Potter, Rene Auberjonois
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: £39.99
Buy New: £21.04
You Save: £18.95 (47%)
New (3) Used (3) from £19.99
Rating:  25 reviews
Format: Box Set, Pal
Languages: Danish (Subtitled), Swedish (Subtitled), Finnish (Subtitled), Norwegian (Subtitled), English (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region: 2
Number Of Discs: 5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5039036026833
ASIN: B000F7NP9G
Theatrical Release Date: 2004
Release Date: July 24, 2006
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
The classic combination of James Spader and William Shatner is just one of many reasons to savor the inaugural 17-episode season of Boston Legal. Making its highly rated ABC debut on October 3, 2004, this darkly comedic spinoff from The Practice looked like a formulaic reworking of creator David E. Kelley's previously successful series Ally McBeal, with similar plots and quirky characters enmeshed in personal and professional affairs of the heart at the prestigious Boston law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. It quickly became apparent that Kelley, co-executive producer Bill D'Elia, and the show's magnificent ensemble cast were onto something equally fresh, funny, and infectiously entertaining. Both Shatner and Spader won Emmys for their original roles on The Practice, and the priceless pairing of the erratic, egomaniacal senior partner Denny Crane (Shatner, doing the best work of his career) and ethically challenged attorney Alan Shore (Spader, likewise) signaled the arrival of one of the finest comedic duos in TV history. Waging a two-man war on political correctness, the boisterous has-been Denny loves the sound of his own name (the mere mention of "Denny Crane" qualifies as ego-stroking foreplay), unabashedly subjects female associates to his lascivious advances, and (in creator Kelley's words) "trades on the currency of his reputation" as an undefeated trial attorney. As the show's fascinating heart and soul, Alan Shore is a walking contradiction, and Spader plays him perfectly as a charismatic, self-loathing lothario who'll bend the law to suit his higher purposes. Deeply cynical yet fiercely committed to his own complex and compassionate moral code, he's brazenly open about his sexual appetites as he savors the affections of smart, sexy associates Sally Heep (Lake Bell), and Tara Wilson (Rhona Mitra), whose relationship with Shore grows strained as the season progresses.While senior partner Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois), senior associates Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen) and ex-Marine Brad Chase (Mark Valley), and junior associate Lori Colson (Monica Potter) struggle to maintain the firm's lofty reputation, the appearance of founding partner Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) elevates Boston Legal to an even higher plane of serio-comic perfection. A former flame of Denny Crane's, Schmidt arrives in episode 11 (appropriately titled "Schmidt Happens") as common-sense negotiator with a rapier wit and a clanking pair of big brass cojones, fully capable of holding her own against the Crane/Shore juggernaut. And while "An Eye for an Eye" (episode 5) is a sublime example of Boston Legal's deft combination of lunacy and courtroom complexity, it's the deeper implications of episodes like "Tortured Souls" (15) and season finale "Death Be Not Proud" (tackling a dubious death sentence in Texas) that cast these rich and wonderful characters into sharper relief, baring their souls and the courage of their convictions. With surprising departures (Lake Bell, in episode 13), new arrivals (Kerry Washington, as new associate Chelina Hall, in episode 15) and stellar guest stars including Larry Miller (as the eccentrically unstable founding partner Edwin Poole), Philip Baker Hall, Frances Fisher, Carl Reiner, Freddie Prinze Jr., Shelley Long, and late-season regular Betty White, Boston Legal gained a large and loyal following with exceptional writing, timely social relevance, and that rare quality of chemistry that guarantees long-term appeal. Nowhere is this more apparent than the now-famous Spader/Shatner "balcony scenes" that quickly became an episode-closing tradition, with staunch Republican Denny Crane and passionate Democrat Alan Shore reflecting upon their careers, current issues, and their own devoted friendship over brandy and cigars. With these two actors together, virtually every episode ends on a high note of pensive introspection, and Boston Legal becomes even greater than the sum of its parts. --Jeff Shannon
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| Customer Reviews:
Shatner & Kelly make good ! August 4, 2006
Mitch (UK)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
This is one of the finest shows to come out of the USA in years - what's more it is undoubtably some of William Shatners best work since 'Confessions of a Married Man.' His pairing with James Spader is inspired - but of course due credit to David E Kelly who must be one of the USA's most prolific Writer/Directors.
Inspired I would say, by LA LAW and Ally McBeal, it comes somewhere in between - losing the shambolic fantasy of McBeals' lead character and somewhat softening some of the drama of LA LAW. It is a dark, humourous and often touching exploration of a group of professional lawyers relationships - which are often at odds with each other - and of course, of the legal profession.
I have yet to see an episode where I feel, bored, let down or caught in disbelief. The characterisations are so complete I could easily move to watching a spin off about Denny Crane or Alan Shore. Spader is superbly smug and self righteous and lends a glimpse into the hidden depth and internal struggle of his character, whilst Shatner is egotistical, ridiculous, superbly confident and ubsurdly capable - and yet again, gives us a glimpse of the hidden depth of 'Denny Crane.'
Rent it and you will buy it.
Exceptional in the unexceptional.
Boston Legal is Denny Crane! April 3, 2006
Bella (UK)
11 out of 16 found this review helpful
I am a HUGE Fan of this show! Boston Legal is one of the best Drama's and Comedies all rolled into one! I have not watched an episode, where I have not laughed or been touched by one of the story lines.
It totally Deserved the two Emmy's William Shatner & James Spader won for their portrayal of Denny Crane & Alan Shore. A genius partnership!
If you'll loved Ally McBeal, you are sure to really enjoy this FAB show. One word to sum up Boston Legal: Excellent!
Boston Legal. September 11, 2006
M. J. Ottway (Buckinghamshire, England)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful
I saw this advertised over and over again on sky, an episode from the 2nd series where Denny Crane and Alan Shore are dressed as flamingo's. The more I saw this advert, the more intrigued I got.... so I bought the first series..... well..... I have never found anything so funny in my life. Whilst I enjoyed Ally McBeal (same writer) it strayed into the ridiculous, but Boston Legal is almost believable!!
The relationship between the 2 main characters is fab and will keep you entertained again and again and again.
In fact, I found myself wishing Alan Shore was real... and that I could meet him....and just have him to myself for an hour!
Do buy this series, I promise its worth every penny!
Denny Crannnneeeeeeee April 17, 2006
D. Bristow (Bristol, UK)
8 out of 14 found this review helpful
Ive recently got into boston legal and i have to say i think its one of the most entertaining shows comming out of america at the moment. Bill Shatner is on fantastic form and the chemistry he has with James Spater make for some superb comedy moments
Really looking forward to the first season DVD comming out and the show making the jump from obscure cable channels to the mainstream where it belongs
LA Law meets West Wing May 17, 2006
K. Li (United Kingdom)
8 out of 16 found this review helpful
Boston Legal is another fine example of the style of writing that only American writers seem to be able to carry off. The West Wing is another.
Each episode invariable feature the Alan Shore character delivering a thought provoking courtroom speech on the issues of the day. Topics covered in Series 1 and 2 includes the state of civil liberties post 9/11 and the American invasion of Iraq.
My wife dislikes the show because she finds the Alan Shore character smug and annoying. Instead she is into "relationships" shows. Boston Legal has its share of relationships as witnessed by the epilogue exchanges between the liberal Alan Shore and gun tottin' Republican Denny Crane. However, the writer is firmly positioning this show at those who like snappy exchanges and story lines about the issues of the day.
So if you liked Ally McBeal but hate West Wing then you probably won't like Boston Legal.
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