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Boston Legal: Trial of the Century

The episode begins with Denny and Alan already in dire straits. They are presenting Edward and Michael, two boys accused of murdering their abusive fathers. The prosecution holds all the cards and just as many witnesses in their favor. The brothers refuse to testify temporary insanity and plead guilty for a crime they didn't commit. Worse, the judge candidly tells Alan's partner "You used to be Denny Crane." Alan sends his friend out, rebukes the judge and tells her "I used to be attracted to you. Now, not so much." And with that, the trial begins. Alan is able to score several small victories with first few witnesses, and Denny Crane proves he's still got it when he effectively dismantles the prosecutor's star witness, the boy's therapist, by arguing if these boys are so smart, why did they tell everyone they were going to commit a crime ahead of schedule? But the case suddenly suffers a major setback when Alan receives a package containing a used condom. Alan tests the DNA and discovers it belongs to the boys' mother and her alibi of choice, her dentist. Alan tries to use this development to cast suspicion on their mother, but the prosecution question the denist, only to discover the mother was intentionally trying to take the fall for her sons! The smokescreen damages the creditibility of the defense, calling for desperate measures. Denny's defendant suddenly goes on stand to accuse his brother of commiting the act, leading to an explosive confrontation between Alan and Denny. Alan calls for mistrial, but the judge is all too happy to see this blow up in his face! In the witness room we learn the truth - its all an act. Alan's witness does the same, and Denny also demands his defendant's brother is similarly lying. During the recess, Denny is faced with the particularly grim reality of losing, and "being over" as he puts it. The verdict is in, however, and both boys are found not guilty the conclusion.

Meanwhile, if that whole main plot wasn't enough, a pipe-smoking Jerry, rude as ever with his oral focus, meets a distraught woman who demands to sue a casino for the $80,000 in debt incurred on her. Eventually she gets Jerry's attention, who drops the pipe and picks up the case. He succeeds in recruiting Clarence, but Shirley is none too happy to see the duo attempting to sue a casino. A lawyer from the casino meets them - and dismisses it as a joke - literarlly believing one of his friends put them up to this. Clarence's nervousness as well as Jerry's perpetual purring doesn't help matters. The two then make contact with a friend of Alan's well-connected to the casino scene - but she speaks only Russian. Shirley sits in with the next meeting with the lawyer, who is dismissive and rude even with Shirley presence. Deflecting Clarence's facts, the lawyer turns to leave, but in a scene straight out of Sergio Leone, Jerry takes out a cigarette, reverts to his hard-boiled persona, and launches a missile barrage of information at the unfortunate lawyer who, after five minutes faced with Jerry's epic confidence, settles with a "final" offer of $225,000! The frantically-pleased Clarence and Jerry hug one another and jump with glee, much to the strange looks of Paul, Brad and Claire outside. Brad asks Claire regarding Clarence, "Does he hop like that with you?"

The episode ends with Denny and Alan on the balcony as usual. There is still the matter of who told the judge about Denny and Alan's sleepovers (I wonder if Gloria is gossiping), not that it matters to the dynamic duo. Denny wonders what next season will bring, and with season 4 coming, all we can do is wait and see.

An awesome episode all around, this is like the Dark Knight Returns of Boston Legal episodes. After questionable merits last time around, Denny Crane proves he's still got it, and the budding friendship between Clarence and Jerry finally shows a "next generation" that might just last another season. The season has been one of hits and misses, and more darkness than mirth, but this episode alone has renewed my faith in the series!

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Posted by Richard on May 29, 2007 11:04 PM
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