Do not be fooled by the two previous negative reviews. Overall, viewers have rated this episode at 8.6, and there are reasons for that. The first is that not everyone hates Candace Bergen. The second is that the episode contains a lot that is funny, especially regarding Bernard, whose meek demeanor and polite manners hide the soul of a killer. A third reason is that the central character of Alan Shore is even more revealed, in subtle ways.
This is not the best episode of Boston Legal; it isn't even the best of season one. Neither is it horrible. The character of Shirley Schmidt does not ruin Boston Legal. The show has a liberal bent and Shirley Schmidt personifies that slant, just as Denny Crane embodies a conservative point of view. Having characters represent those sides frees the central character, Alan Shore, to choose the correct side as the story requires, carrying the audience along. For those viewers who are offended when the program sympathizes with liberal opinion, perhaps this isn't their show. If you're looking to be entertained and maybe be provoked just a little, this is a fine episode.
This is not the best episode of Boston Legal; it isn't even the best of season one. Neither is it horrible. The character of Shirley Schmidt does not ruin Boston Legal. The show has a liberal bent and Shirley Schmidt personifies that slant, just as Denny Crane embodies a conservative point of view. Having characters represent those sides frees the central character, Alan Shore, to choose the correct side as the story requires, carrying the audience along. For those viewers who are offended when the program sympathizes with liberal opinion, perhaps this isn't their show. If you're looking to be entertained and maybe be provoked just a little, this is a fine episode.
