Boston Legal (2004 - 2008): Review By justincase

I've long been a fan of Boston Legal, a socially aware courtroom com-drama that wears its characters' politics on its pinstriped sleeves.

Spader and Shatner are brilliant in this weekly series and the writing seldom disappoints.

In this, the season opener for season 5 (and also to be the show's final), Alan takes on 'big tobacco' and a serious 'old flame' across the table who may just be Alan's one great love.

In classic form, the writers attack the deadly tobacco industry and deliver nostalgic longing juxtaposed with current reality.

The supporting cast, especially Jerry Espinson, the attorney suffering from Asperger's Syndrom (played by Christian Clemenson) is solid and, frequently hilarious. Bergen and Larroquette provide some oft disregarded parental supervision and seem content to fade into the wallpaper against Spader and Shatner and their unprecedented antics.

This episode is a particularly solid start to what is to be the 12-episode final run of this perennial favorite. Denny inches closer to full blown 'mad cow' when his 'junk' fails to operate for its intended purpose. Alan runs up against a former flame who may just be his long smoldering great love. Against the backdrop of a long-shot case against big tobacco, this tale delivers a comfortable story arc, great laughs and overall solid entertainment. In the end, as our leads settle-in to their familiar club-chairs on Denny's office deck for cigars and scotch, they reminisce and ruminate and leave viewers hungry for next week's tale.

Bra-vo, team. Bra-vo!