Meanwhile, Dana Stickland entreats Jerry and Katie's help in defending her as she is arrested by an undercover cop. She tries several times to reconcile, but whether with the aid of his dreaded wooden cigarette or not, Jerry is still bitter about the secret of her prostitution past she has kept from him. The DA wants to make a deal - turn over Dana's employer, and she can walk. Unfortunately, her employer is Lorraine, and Dana refuses from the get-go. Jerry and Katie then move to argue legalizing prostitution before the court, but despite Jerry's best efforts (and proposal the proceeds be used to fund the war) the motion is denied. Dana asks one more time if Jerry can forgive her or see things from her perspective, but Jerry again rebukes her, and she leaves. The next day, Dana has disappeared entirely, and Lorraine distantly denies aiding her escape - because that would make her an accomplice.

And finally, Shirley and Carl face an uphill battle in arguing the stoic Renee Winger should be ordained as a Catholic priest in a sexual discrimination lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Church. Despite his initial reluctance, Carl effectively weaves and baits his opposition in the courtroom - and also finds himself doing his best to weave Renee's odd attraction to him. Eventually, Judge Clark Brown rules in their favor, deciding to end tax breaks to the church so long as they practice gender bias.

Overall, this was a great episode which came on the heels of the announcement next season with be Boston Legal's last. The show has run its course - and along with, characters like Denny and Alan have grown and evolved, though I can't help but want more from freshman figures like Jerry and Katie. Hopefully we'll see more from all four in the next season - and next week's season finale, when Alan takes on the biggest challenge yet - Denny Crane!

For Alan, his client is Lenny Serra, a man with clearly low IQ never declared mentally disabled, and convicted of raping a child - and facing the death penalty. Lenny continues to insists two things - that he didn't do it, and that he doesn't want to die. Denny begs to come along with Alan, and Carl is forced to tag along to keep Denny in line. Alan attends a downright grueling mock hearing where everything he argues is consistently thrown out or challenged by the mock representatives. Clearly stressed, Alan berates Denny for his party animal attitude, but later recants with an apology. Denny isn't upset - he's surprisingly understanding, and agrees to give Alan the spotlight in exchange for two favors - get Clarence Thomas to say something and above all, kick ass as Alan Shore. At the grand hearing the next day, the prosecution presents its side by the book - and Alan Shore doesn't. When challenged by the Supreme Court, Alan strikes right back, many times criticizing justice after justice for decisions made on party lines or over conflicts of interest. He even prompts a response from Clarence Thomas ("Hey!" after Alan tells him to look up from the magazine). Drifting back on topic, Alan restates his client's wishes - that he isn't guilty and doesn't want to die. Denny farts at least once and silently makes alluring advances on Ginsburg across the room. The verdict is left undecided, but even Carl Sack makes a backhanded but ultimately unexpected admiration for Alan's argument.

As for Jerry, he discovers Lorraine is still in the brothel business Stateside - and Dana is one of her escorts. Frustrated after Katie and Lorraine bring him the news, he sends both women out of his office - though Lorraine tells him Dana is an honorable woman who most definitely loves him if she says so. The embittered Jerry refuses to listen and breaks up with Dana. Later, Katie finds Jerry with Pattie - a blow-up doll - and tells him to reconsider getting back together with Jerry, though his decision on the matter - much like the Supreme Court - remains to be seen.

On the balcony, Denny tells Alan he's proud of him. They ponder where they will go next, and promptly decide on Wednesday - when Boston Legal airs again with a new night and time.

Overall, this was a pretty good episode. I liked the Supreme Court episode, and the entire episode gave us a chance to see something which usually occurs behind closed doors. On the other hand, though, Alan Shore's tirade seemed a bit too tangential and off-topic in the middle. It's one thing to see Alan charge straight forward at the Supreme Court in a blaze of glory. It's another to see him hop from issue to issue while nearly forgetting about poor Lenny Serra. Still, the episode was an extremely painting of both Supreme Court procedure and Alan Shore's own character in the face of overwhelming odds.

In a lighter subplot, Jerry needs Katie's help with another court case. He's been using a confidence-building hormone on himself to date Dana, a beautiful women - and applied some to her as well. In retaliation, the woman is suing him. Katie is clearly upset with the flustered Jerry, but is forced to admit Dana does have a case. Under Katie's advice, Jerry apologizes to Dana and admits he is so in love with her he tried to pretend he was someone else. Later, at a bar, Dana drops the case and apologizes - and even gets back together with Jerry.

And lastly, the Mayor of Nantucket enlists Carl's aid - to get the town an atomic bomb for defense purposes. With the help of Lorraine, Whitney and Clarence. Later, Clarence refuses to help in the case on ground of principle, not wanting to help anyone get an A-Bomb, whether the case has a chance or not. The group doesn't go unhindered, however, as Denny is more than willing to gleefully lend a hand. Later, Carl finds his client isn't as crazy as it seems - he wants to use the media coverage to plunge nuclear proliferation back into today's top issues. Though the judge admits Carl has a point, he refuses to grant the motion to allow Nantucket its own A-Bomb.

Back on the balcony, Denny and Alan share scotch and cigars, and Denny reveals he heard Alan's closing. Denny ponders his final moments, but Alan is quick to change the subject and even admits it. The episode ends with Denny tenderly chewing on his cigar and holding hands with his good friend as he looks to the future.

Overall, a powerhouse of an episode, and a superbly satisfying one which manages to use just about everyone in the cast a little. The next episode looks to be just as interesting - as Denny and Alan speak in front of the Supreme Court!

Meanwhile, Shirley takes on another ex-boyfriend client - an unstable Vietnam Vet named Ethan (Stephen Root), charged with hunting seals in Boston Harbor with a shotgun. Arrested numerous times, things certainly don't good for Ethan - especially when he's clearly bi-polar and refuses to allow Shirley to plead insanity on his behalf. Despite Ethan accusing her of trying to undermine the case with mention of his mental illness, Shirley manages to secure a victory for Ethan by exposing the growing plight of veterans which had lead to Ethan's tragic situation. Shirley offers to buy Ethan dinner after the win, but Ethan graciously refuses and leaves - though Shirley sadly suspects her old friend is far from alright.

Denny, meanwhile, goes truly above and beyond to win back Shirley - by having a make-up artist attach artificial tear ducts to his eyes so he can cry on cue during his dinner with Shirley. And yes - it backfires big time, as Denny ends up overdoing it - and spraying Shirley in the face with his own fake tears! Afterwards, Shirley tells Denny she doesn't seem them getting back together - leading the genuine article to stream down Denny's heart-broken face.

On the balcony, Alan still fumes about Melvin Palmer, while Denny quietly grieves over the upcome with Shirley. Alan admits Lorraine is hesitant to start any relationship until he has overcome his mental quirks. Denny admit he loves Alan - and for once his friend doesn't ruin it with a pun - as the two continue to enjoy their cigars and scotch.

Overall, this was a great episode filled with some priceless laughs and poignant moments. The only qualms I have (other than by storm-battered satellite connection) was Jerry's basically background role - there for purely comic relief. Considering he was the one who so expertly dispatch Melvin Palmer in both character's debut, I've long wanted to see some reoccurring indication of Jerry's lawyer skills. Everyone else - including Lorraine and Carl Sack - had decent supporting roles, so it seems something of a waste to see Jerry in the background once more. However, I'm hopeful the next episode, which deals with a return focus to his and Katie's relationship, will set things in balance once more.

Clarence and Lorraine take the woman's case against her pastor, but not much comes of it. The law, as Lorraine explains, has very little intervention to speak of against a love affair. However, Lorraine sees another angle - because of the affair's disastrous outcome, the woman no longer believes in God, leading Lorraine to withdraw the suit, and levy another against the Church. Later, the woman restarts her love affair with the pastor, dropping the suit altogether. Already almost entirely marginalized this season, Clarence does hardly anything and has only a handful of lines.

Katie's client is Leo Morris (Special Unit 2's Michael Landes), an AIDS victim who sold his life insurance plan to cover his health and funeral costs, only to be forced to forge signatures in order to obtain the "rescue drugs" necessary to dramatically extend his life. Katie has an instant attraction to Leo, who is charming and candid about his situation. She and Leo meet with life insurance agency, who are all too willing to drop the charges against Leo - confident Leo will avoid a drawn-out legal battle that could burn up his remaining years. But Katie's well-research rebuttal counter the company's plans at every corner, landing Leo a $750,000 settlement check and a long, passionate kiss with Katie (I was expecting Jerry to walk in, but alas, he didn't). Shirley finds Katie and Leo kissing, and advises Katie to think twice about starting a relationship with a lover with AIDS - she would not be able to have sexual relations with Leo without fear of catching the illness herself or passing it on to their child. The next day, Katie breaks off the relationship with Leo, who, though thoroughly heartbroken, is understanding how poorly he fairs against "the practical."

Whitney and the mother take on the high school in court. The principal agrees students are stretched too thin between AP classes and other student activities, but sees no way to change things without marginalize the school's ability to prepare their students for competition with other schools. She puts the blame back on parents - and the mother also agrees she regrets leaning on her daughter at times. Whitney's closing argument reveals many of the cracks in teen pressure which as undermined education, and the judge ultimately sides with the mother, fearing innovators, dreamers and free-thinkers are being lost in a generation of class presidents and valley ball captains.

Carl dodges Andrea's advances while representing her. He explains to Shirley he feels their personal lives deserve more focus and - though they are extremely compatible - both he and Shirley deserve more from life. Though Carl is reluctant to take Andrea's case to court, he does so - and easily wins against the ring manufacturer. Andrea pursues Carl further - and even chides him for not seeing the beauty in Lorraine and Clarence's outcome - that love, not the bottom line, should be the focus here. Unlike her simultaneous fling with Denny and Alan last episode, Andrea promises to be exclusive to Carl, and with Shirley's blessing, starts a relationship with Carl, who is extremely surprised Andrea finds him "cute."

Though all is well that ends well at the firm, the same can not be said for Denny and Alan's test with the Coast Guard Reserves. Alan is ordered to rescue Denny. Alan first argues with the Coast Guard representative about the logistics of the situation - couldn't he just convince Denny not to go into the water in the first place - and then jumps into to save him - and nearly drowns doing so, arms flailing. The two fail the test horribly. Amid drinks and cigars on the balcony, the two argue about their botched recruitment, but then decide to skip to the best part - the hug. Alan then asks for a sleepover, which Denny finds trivial since they do it so often. Alan cherishes each one - and they hug again - returning to their chairs with laughter.

Overall, this was a good episode that just tried to do too much. Clarence and Lorraine's entire case was just a side-note for Andrea and Carl's relationship, yet Whitney and Katie's subplots were perfectly-pitched with emotion and detail. I did expect more from Alan and Denny's attempt to join the Coast Guard Reserve, but once again, there wasn't enough time. Still, this episode left things at a very good spot for the coming hiatus - before Boston Legal returns again with fresh episodes at the end of the season.

Jack Ross further stirs things up between Shirley and Carl, whose relationship, though touch-and-go at best, has become downright frosty following the abortion debate last episode. Jack is happily married with six kids, but still can't fight his previous attraction to Shirley. Carl sees Ross as a threat but always looms in the background instead of openly confronting him - watching from a distance as Ross shows Shirley pictures of his kids and the two reminiscence at their favorite college restaurants. After seeing Jack perform a song at one of these bars, Carl observes Shirley's forlorn expression - and then breaks up with her the next day, though he is evasive as to the obvious reasons for the break-up. Frustrated, Shirley fires him, but he comes back the next day to explain he feels Shirley deserves better - and so does he. Shirley finds comfort in both Denny - who sits with her in her office - and Alan, who visits her at the bar.

Jerry gets back together with Leigh, and at first, Katie is happy for them - but the bliss lasts all of five seconds, as Leigh arrives in her office and reveals Jerry has told her about Katie's thoughts on Leigh's mental health. Leigh tells Katie never to speak to Jerry again and quit sharing an office with him. Katie tells Jerry of this, but the surprised Jerry is entirely ineffectual in getting Leigh to back down, who appears again and again to threaten and berate Katie. With both Jerry and Leigh in the room, Katie starts off by tempting Leigh with an iPhone - and then plays a recording of Katie's insults to Jerry. Leigh leaves, repelled by her own words, while Jerry goes to the corner, frustrated once again about his poor luck with women.

The episode ends with Alan and Denny on the balcony once again. Though they are trivially bemoaning Andrea's revelation, they are more concerned with Shirley. Both are determined to be the friend to Shirley that they are to one another - though Denny still wants to swing with Alan eventually.

Overall, this was a nice episode to get back into the swing of things - no pun intended - and even if it's a short swing at that. Still, there should be a few more episodes in April/May, and with things heating up next episode - as Katie finds herself wooed by a handsome client, and Carl approached by the lecherous Andrea, there should be plenty of things to look forward to.

Jerry, meanwhile, defends his ex-girlfriend Leigh, who has been fired from her teaching job for hugging a student. Though obviously conflicted, Jerry tries to give Leigh an impassioned defense, but the facts are entirely against her. Leigh's objectophillia is brought up early on in the case by the opposing counsel, and Leigh was warned numerous times not to hug the students despite the circumstances. Jerry furthers his bond with Katie by revealing he only twice received a hug from his mother - once being while she thought he was choking. Jerry funnels this into his emotional closing, and though he wins the judge's sympathy, his closing cannot counter the facts - leading to the dismissal of Leigh's case. Jerry is ambivalent about restarting a relationship with Leigh again, but does agree to give her a hug, which he does - awkwardly, and then completely.

The episode ends with Alan and Denny on the balcony as always. Alan is extremely impressed with Katie's lawyer skills, but turns to a more somber subject when he reveals a high school love once had an abortion, infuriating Alan, who wanted a say in the matter. Alan is conflicted about having a family, while Denny looks at the firm as his family. They do agree on one thing however - they have each other, and that's a great deal more than most people have.

Meanwhile, Katie and Jerry must defend a woman who believes her divorce was caused by a billboard advertisement for a divorce attorney. She wants to sue the attorney. At first, Katie and Jerry try to head the case off at the past by seeking a settlement from the divorce attorney, who refuses to make any such amend. As this happens, Jerry worries about being marginalized by his own randomness. When Lorraine walks into the room, he cries "Lips" (referencing their holiday party kiss) as well makes a variety of assortment noises. But Katie embraces all these noises - she even playfully purrs in his office. In the courtroom, Jerry defends against a motion to dismiss by the attorney by skillfully delivering a powerful speech about the nobility of lawyers which dates back all the way to Atticus Finch. The judge ultimately rules in favor of Jerry, and Katie makes several more random noises herself to further encourage a blustering Jerry.

On the balcony, Denny and Alan spend their night with typical cigars and champaign, celebrating the victory the only way they know how - with a sleepover.

This episode was one more which really showed off Denny's lawyer skills, reinforcing the fact that, no matter what superficial appearances shows, Denny's easily-bamboozled nature obscures the talents of an excellent lawyer who is anything but irrelevant. I'm also very pleased the show has made full use of Jerry Espenson, and furthermore, complimented him with Katie Lloyd. Both characters - and actors - are so fully realized, they are every bit as compelling as Denny and Alan. Here's hoping there's at least still a couple heartbeats of life left in the remainder of this strike-ridden season - if they are even half as good as this one, we've got nothing to worry about.

Clarence, meanwhile, loses his house in the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Alan takes to bank and finds they were hit just as hard by the interest rates, and though Alan prepares a case, he admits he can't blame the bank either. Fortunately, the bank has blow-hard lawyer Melvin Palmer (Christopher Rich), who thinks Alan's a "hoot". Entirely two-faced, Melvin wants to solve problems with a smile, but he won't budge an inch on Clarence's problem. But Melvin makes the mistake of pushing Alan, claiming he's not much of a lawyer (the last time we saw Melvin introduced Jerry, whose number grasp ultimately forced Melvin to back down). But Alan asks Melvin how this all will look in court - in the end, Alan represents a homeless man, and Melvin a bank. With an intimidating take on the truth, Alan is able to convince the bank to give Clarence a fixed rate as well as a break on his payments, thwarting Melvin once again.

Jerry gets bad news when he finds Leigh has moved on to date an iPhone now. Katie takes a no-nonsense approach to the matter, reminding Jerry any woman who cheats on him for a clock and an iPhone isn't a sane much less mature. But Jerry spends most of the episode pining away under his desk, and when Katie interrupts sanctuary, he finds temporary closure under Carl's desk. Eventually, Jerry writes Leigh a short but sweet letter for closure, before finally moving on himself.

Lorraine's subplot also moves forward slightly as Carl formally acknowledges her spotty past but allows her to stay on at the firm, reasoning many of the firm's lawyers have been convicted and accused of a long list of crimes - not even beginning to include Denny's extensive rap sheet. He also notes both Denny and Shirley are fond of her - though he reminds Lorraine if her problem ever takes on a public relations dimension, they might have to "revisit" the subject of her employment.

At the Christmas party, Clarence' singing partner Dorris sings a Christmas tune. Lorraine kisses Jerry under the mistletoe, causing the later to gather up enough courage to ask Katie to dance. Clarence also asks Whitney to dance, and finally Lorraine and Alan share a heartfelt embrace. Denny thanks Carl for their victory - and then shoots him with the air foil when he's not watching.

On the balcony, Denny reflects on the news he has given and declares he will live past the doctor's deadline. He reminiscences of Christmases past, and then asks Alan for a present - he wants to smell him for Lorraine's perfume. Alan reluctantly agrees, and finds himself intrigued by the scent of a go-go dancer on Denny. Alan wishes his friend a merry Christmas as they stand on the balcony sniffing each other.

After the credits, Carl and Shirley are none-too-pleased to hear of Denny and Alan's plans, while Whitney makes some thinly-veiled comments about Lorriane being supposedly marked for death. The proceedings are interrupted by Shirley's granddaughter Marlena, who needs representation after shredding standardized tests at her high school in part of a vaguely-though-out protest. Whitney ends up Shirley's second chair - if any to keep her off Lorraine's back. Meeting with the principal, Shirley tries to dissuade Marlena's expulsion, but Whitney's boisterous efforts don't help matters. In court, however, it's the prosecution who is hard-pressed for a change. Marlena is as strong-willed and well-spoken as her grandmother, and its the patronizing prosecution that pays the price. The statistics are also in the defense's favor - American students are lagging behind their international counterparts, and even the principle - after some baiting from Shirley - is in total agreement. Eventually, the judge rules that while Marlena deserves to be punished with suspension, her expulsion should be overturned. Marlena even offers to help Shirley after-school, setting the course for future appearances.

Denny and Alan's case doesn't go so well, however. Judge Clark Brown is against the case from the start, and Alan's ranting about the war cost only leads him to not only dismiss the case, but also toss Alan and Denny in jail for contempt of court and country. In jail, Lorraine visits and tells Alan Katie is getting closer and closer to the truth. Lorraine further reveals she ran a high-end brothel in London, and struck a deal with prosecutors to altogether vanish the scene. Alan advises Lorraine to come clean to Shirley. After she leaves, Denny and Alan decide to join the National Guard themselves, and are released by Judge Brown - on the condition he never sees them again. Denny and Alan, however, discover they cannot join the National Guard on the account of their age. After trying the patience of the recruitment officer, they leave - and complain to Brown, who agrees the age policy is counter-productive, but ultimately dismisses the case. With Marlena's help, however, Denny and Alan research other branches of the military to join, and eventually resolve to join the Coast Guard reserves.

In addition to Marlena's problem, Shirley must also try to reason with Carl Sack, who is considering leaving the firm. Lorraine's revelation doesn't help matters, but ultimately Shirley is able to convince Carl to stay, or at least, to try. The two share a kiss - only to be interrupted by a disgusted Marlena.

On the balcony, Denny and Alan are dressed in rented uniform, back to discussing politics and Denny's desire for a a tank. Alan urges Denny to be ready to stand by Lorraine, who might need their help if Shirley or the senior partners through any heat her way.

Overall, this was a really funny episode, but one where the woodwork was definitely showing. The suit against the National Guard in particular had real relevance, but instead its used as a transitional tool to get Alan and Denny from court house to jail cell. And what of the man who lost his business in the flood? He was someone we could have cared about, but instead, whom disappears altogether after the dismissal.

On the other hand, Marlena looks to be an interesting character if given time to develop, and Shirley and Carl's relationship definitely has some tender moments. Next week is the Christmas episode, and if the previews are any indication, should be quite a hoot.

Meanwhile, Shirley defends a shock-jock who is fired from his job after saying old people should die on-air - and her rival in the courtroom is none other than Denny's vertically-challenged ex, Bethany. Though Bethany should have an easy time with this case - the news corporation should be able to run their business as they see fit - she butts heads with everyone from Shirley to the spunky judge. Ultimately, her defensive attitude - as well as Shirley's cool-headed demeanor - get the better of her, and she winds up in jail for insulting the judge's weight. Shirley visits Bethany and apologizes for her remarks, explaining Bethany just pushes her buttons for some reason (not related to Denny, she insists), but she respects her nonetheless. The two women make peace - until next time.

Katie, meanwhile, finds it odd that Lorraine tells Denny to dial "999" - the emergency number for London - instead its American counterpart - "911". She asks Lorraine why she seems to oddly familiar to her, but Lorraine is cool and guarded. Katie, along with Whitney, discover several holes in Lorriane's record. Confiding in Katie, Lorraine ultimately reveals she changed her identity to avoid honor killing at the hands of her violent Pakistani ex-husband. Katie tells Whitney - much to Lorriane's chagrin - who scolds both women now that her life is in both of their hands.

Sitting out in the balcony, Denny and Alan reflect on the day's events, and somehow end up on dwarves in Hell. How they got to this conclusion is unimportant - only that they look to one another as heterosexual soul mates who - having braved the worst the legal system has to offer - have no qualms wherever they may end up in the afterlife.

Overall, this was a pretty good episode to come back to after a long absence. The only cast member not featured was Jerry, though Clarence's usage seemed almost token in nature. I'm still not sure if I buy Lorraine's explanation, just as I'm still not sure I buy Lorraine's character in general, but I still think Paul - or someone in the higher ranks of Crane, Poole and Schmidt - conspired to set a trap for Denny this episode. Otherwise, how would they know so many details of Denny's private life?

Meanwhile, Katie and Whitney take the case of a police officer accused of second-degree murder after killing an innocent young black man. Not only is Judge Gloria presiding - but the prosecution also hopes to admit evidence of an MRI scan which they say proves the police officer is a racist through chemical reactions in his brain.

And if that weren't enough, Clarence is back, and so is Clarice - on YouTube, where he berates a clergy man for taking his parking spot, all while in drag. Don't get me wrong, I really like Clarence - but can his character exist without Clarice? I'd like to see so - but this episode doesn't help that much.

First off, Jerry continues postpone his date with Leigh until she turns up at the office and berates him for his dishonesty, leading him to whip out - yep, you guessed it - the wooden cigarette, unleashing a firestorm of rudeness which repels Leigh in tears. Later, Alan finds Jerry in his office, his head slouched against a wall - Leigh is now dating Jerry's alarm clock to get back at him. Although not quite sure how exactly to respond, Alan encourages Jerry to give their relationship another chance, and after confronting Leigh, they kiss - and now must deal with how hard a hug with be, after the first hurdle in cleared.

Alan is not without love problems of his own. He's settled on Lorraine as quite possibly "the one" - only to find she's involved in another long-term relationship. But with little time for this, he heads off to court - to find the judge is also an obese woman. Alan argues for Denny's "tough love" for his employee's welfare via weight, but the judge won't hear it all - and makes her decision - dismissing the case in favor of Denny. Though without an idea how they pulled it off, Denny and Alan celebrate on the balcony - though Alan is still sulking about Lorraine.

And though the MRI is convincing evidence, Whitney and Katie argue it is an invasion of privacy, and perhaps one step from "thought police". Hinging their argument on the MRI evidence, Whitney and Katie succeed in getting their client cleared of charges, but after looking to the brother and mother of the victim, advise their client to find work which doesn't involve guns.

And Judge Clark Brown hears Clarence's case, this team wearing a football helmet to shelter himself from injury. Carl makes a very convincing case - that video seen without context can be damaging to one's reputation - but third time is not a charm for Crane, Pool and Schmidt, and Brown cannot see enough evidence to revise tort law, dismissing the case altogether - though Clarence is grateful for Carl for trying.

Overall, a well-packed episode, though the MRI case all too often blunted the humor of both Denny, Clarence and Jerry's situation combined, creating something of an awkward balance. Still one question remains - just who is Lorraine involved in? My guess was Carl Sack, who was seen ogling Lorraine several occasions - Shirley or no Shirley. But my dad brought even a better candidate to mind - Brad Case, Alan's very own foil. What do you guys think? Any guesses?