Hmm. Boston Legal got renewed in March last year. Here it is May, and still no word if producer David E. Kelley's law-'n'-sex romp will make ABC's fall lineup. Since the network announced renewals of half its current slate in February, one has to wonder if William Shatner will have a place to play this fall.
Oh, wait. Shatner always has a place to play.
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.
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Just when I think Boston Legal cannot get any better...it does!!!!!!!!!!
I used to like this show, the it got too Liberal for me. And the gloating on last nights show was uncalled for. It was downright mean, I see now why it is cancelled.
My favorite show bar none. Thank goodness for ion.
Can't we older folks have at least one show that brings back some of the older actors ?
I'm tired of all the kid home makeover bull crap that is on most of the time..
I love this show! Even if there are times I go...seriously you went that far? Still, above all this is a show that has depth and like the last show the only one for older folks to watch. What a shame ABC can't think of the viewers.
I can't believe they are cancelling this show...I never can find it, thank goodness for DVR...It is the best show on tv.
It would have a beter audience if they kept it in one place.
its the best show on tv. i will not wahat run abc.you all ttch any shows on abc anymore. shame on
just another move by the no brain network. maybe they will figure out once another network picks up this brilliant show that has won how many emmys????
ABC has always been my favored network to watch. Boston Legal was my favorite show on this network, and BY FAR my favorite show all time. I thought they were calling it quits like "Friends" or "Seinfeild" etc. But to know they were CANCELED???? I see ABC in a whole different light, one that is not thinking of there viewers, at least not there older ones, and by older I'm not talking about 60+, hell I'm only 30ish. WE are sick to death of the reality crap!! ABC's really screwed up this time.
A sad day, the end of the only brilliantly scripted show on the air ways. Once a week we had something to savor and enjoy - an intelligent exchange of views.......We will miss you dearly Boston Legal. Thank you David E. Kelly.
Can't there be at least one intelligent show on TV? Is that too much to ask. I just hope some other network picks it up.
Unfortunately for us, my husband and I watched the final episode of Boston Legal and as usual were pleasantly entertained through the whole show. I have been trying to search and find out exactly why one of the best shows on ABC and television in general has been cancelled and have been unable to do so. Does anyone else know? The tone of the show indicated that at least the writers were not happy about the cancellation so what is the deal? Is there anyone to write to that has the influence to keep this show alive and do the actors want to do it? I think they ended with a very good thought provoking plot with the pervading Chinese influence within our system. Have the Chinese bought ABC and we don't know about it? Perhaps television is the way they are going to destroy our infrastructure and this is the beginning? HMMMM!!?? Thoughts to ponder. I would be willing to request a continuance of this show if I knew how or who. Any help out there?
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