To round out the cast of women, Lake Bell returns as the insecure Sally and pseudo-girlfriend of Alan Shore. Though it is Tara who always seems to be the ‘apple-of-Alan’s-eye,’ it is Sally who pursued him and Sally who he is dating. Sally, of course, has her own past and skeletons to contend with. We quickly learn that she has dated or rather had affairs with a long list of less-than-stellar men prior to teaming up with the eccentric Alan Shore. More importantly, we learn that she has had an affair with newcomer Brad Chase of the DC office. Though visiting in the premiere episode, Brad, of course will be making his stay in Boston permanent courtesy of upper management’s request. Brad is played by Keen Eddie veteran Mark Valley who’s beautifully chiseled chin, blond hair and blue eyes have him labeled as a Ken Doll look-alike by the not-so-chiseled yet oddly charming Alan Shore. Do I sense competition? I certainly hope so. Though it is truly beneath Alan’s character to engage in any form of jealous of competition (for gals or anything else) among his colleagues and peers, a rumble does seem to be brewing. At one point, Alan looks up, notes the body language and banter between Sally and Brad and exclaims, “You two have had sex!” Indeed they have. Sally, clearly not the one to end the affair, all but propositions Brad near a bookshelf in an office corner. Yes, she is ‘with’ Alan now, but c’mon, who wouldn’t want to just “confirm” that there’s nothing left with Brad? Smart girl. While Sally’s insecurities are kind of annoying, she has opened the season with a love-sex triangle in place. This wins Sally a few points – for now – to stand in for her seemingly endless annoying traits. Perhaps she’ll surprise us yet – though my money’s on Tara.

Alan may be the anti-Bobby but Brad is the anti-Alan. A lawyer with a conscience and rule book, he is a rarity in this legal office – and Alan’s opposite. Their rivalry begins in the very first scene. Brad is standing up in a meeting where he has set down papers on the table to claim a seat. Alan walks in, pushes them down two chairs and sits down at the table. Brad looks up as if to ask, what the hell are you doing? Alan looks at him and says, “we’re not territorial about that sort of thing, are we?” A line later repeated by Brad when Alan learns of his relationship with Sally. Bring it, baby. Bring it.

Sure – there’s one more main character – this guy Paul who looks older than Denny and seems to have the relationship with the “Board” but yet is presented as junior in rank. Either way, the gist is: he wants Denny out and feels he’s a liability. That said, anything else related to Paul is just boring. Moving on.

Finally, Sharon Lawrence makes the transition from the NYPD to the courtroom with her cameo or perhaps first appearance as Judge, presiding over case of the African-American child denied the part of Annie in a school play due to her race and “not being right for the part.” Reverend Al Sharpton makes a cameo and courtroom speech in the child’s defense. Ultimately the child is granted the role a few nights per month. Lastly, a man tries to deny his wife and kids the opportunity to leave the state because well, he’s evil. Not to worry – Alan blackmails him into a settlement, permitting the family to leave and being their lives in a new state. Needless to say, it’s going to get interesting.

While loyal fans were disappointed with the transition from The Practice to Legal: Prologue and ultimately the spin-off Boston Legal which premiered last weekend, Legal has attracted an whole new audience, myself included, and is on its way to becoming a must-see part of the Sunday night line-up. Personally, I’m not into law shows. But this is one legal drama with a kick. Alan Shore is so bad that he’s good – at least, good to watch – which in television, is all that you need. Denny Crane seems to support this blurred view of morality in law and good for him. Even better for us. There’s a host of new and notably attractive faces to watch, both male and female. Oh, for those of you who thought that this was an actual law drama, think again. This office is Melrose in suits. For you legal purists and actual lawyers out there, my condolences. As for the rest of you, clear your schedule Sunday nights 10-11PM on ABC and start watching.

Posted by J-Unit on October 12, 2004 6:00 PM