The Shat makes sure of that. In fact, I'm-Denny-Crane hogged the spotlight last week at the ION upfront, where that rerun-packed netlet -- is it broadcast TV's sixth network, or seventh? -- told advertisers its new fall schedule will include Boston Legal repeats (sorry, "encores") at 9 PM Monday-Wednesday. Bill/Denny preened and proclaimed in all-about-me character, reading it all off handily placed prompters lest he have to remember that he was there to represent the, um, oh yeah, ION network.

Of course, that's exactly the who-are-they response the ION folks are out to change. After launching in the '90s as family-friendly PAX with prime time series like Billy Ray Cyrus' Doc (and wouldn't they like to have Hannah Montana's daddy back right about now?), and then lapsing into homespun rerun mode with Diagnosis Murder and Mama's Family, the execs at the place now calling itself ION Media Networks are aiming to go fresher and more upscale. Boston Legal joins ION's fall lineup as a sort of in-your-face declaration that it's not your grandma's network anymore, unless grandma is into looney-tunes egomaniacs and wanton sexual assignations. (Which, of course, these days she could be.)

And that's weird, considering how the series basically began life on ABC as a serious and even crusading legal drama called The Practice back in 1997. Dylan McDermott starred as Mr. Earnest Lawyer, leading his own ragtag Boston firm of do-gooders against big-bad tobacco companies and other social sinners. Co-stars Camryn Manheim, Steve Harris, Kelli Williams, Lara Flynn Boyle, -- heck, anybody hardly ever flashed a smile in those days, much less any sex-crazed skin. Kelley had too many cultural lectures to dispense. (See the first-season DVD set.)

But The Practice got so expensive, after eight years of raises to all those seeeerious actors, that by 2004 ABC was ready to cut the show loose. Producer Kelley immediately hit revamp mode, salvaging new last-season cast members James Spader and Rhona Mitra (guess newbies cost less), alongside recent guest star Shatner (who won a guest Emmy for his work). With both Spader and Shatner comfortable wielding a wicked wit, the renamed Boston Legal got gonzo, garnering a whole new audience for its narcissistic adult antics.

And that audience is decidedly upscale/loaded, which advertisers like, which is a heavy factor for networks in weighing whether to keep a series on the air. (Friday Night Lights lives because of it.) It's also been an Emmy magnet, grabbing trophies for Shatner (another one as a regular), Spader (twice), and even guest Christian Clemenson (who was then added to the cast).

So maybe Boston Legal could still return to ABC's lineup this fall, especially if Kelley throws a couple of high-salaried actors overboard. (Candice Bergen? Not John Larroquette!)

If not, we'll always have ION. The Shat isn't just back -- he never went away. And likely never will.

Addendum:
Boston Legal is joined in ION's announced fall lineup by some other recent treats. The Dead Zone will air Thursdays back-to-back at 9 and 10PM. ER is slated Monday-Wednesday at 10. Quantum Leap will get the 8 PM slot Monday-Thursday.