(Season 2, Episodes 21-24)
I can still stack the complaints I have about the show all the way past the roof of the nearby 42-story building, but I’m also really enjoying The Practice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “Oh, wow!” of late. Jimmy and Ellenor haven’t changed, and I still think Bobby’s a cry-baby, but some of the moments that have taken place on screen these last four episodes have just shocked me, in a really great way. It’s Eugene carrying the load, but I can see a glint in some other eyes. Plus, the guest casting still works miracles.
2.21 “In Deep”
Lindsay got stuck with a doozy of a case: a man who needs more flush than city ordinances will allow him. Without getting into it all, the most glaring thing about the entire incident was how she placed her personal pride before her client’s wishes. However weird it was, he felt he needed to be allowed this exception; she was so embarrassed by arguing the case before a high-profile judge that she tried to convince him to plead guilty. Way to lawyer, Lindsay.
Eugene spent his time fighting with his dry cleaner over a shrunken shirt. Sure, it was James Hong from the famous Seinfeld “Chinese Restaurant” episode, but even that doesn’t excuse the utter nonsense that Eugene was pitched. Is there really not enough time for everybody to get some meat?
Of course, there was plenty of time for Rebecca’s ridiculous eye-witness to a murder trial. I realize that the point is to get her in on the action, but this isn’t the way to go. Rebecca’s solid just nibbling around the edges in the office. For now.
This wasn’t new this episode, but what’s with the crappy bar haunt that the firm frequents at the end of most episodes? Scotch and cigars would be too high-class for this bunch, but still.
2.22 “Another Day”
Picking up from last time, Ellenor defended a repeat client who’s a purse-snatcher. Only now his crime has been pegged as being anti-tourism, and he’s brought up on federal charges. You’re trying too hard, folks. I did like how Ellenor spent the entire trial getting spanked by the judge. She should be disbarred for the contempt she showed him, right or wrong.
John Larroquette returned, after murdering a second lover. His “I’m smarter than everyone” attitude had Helen gunning for him this time around, especially after he beat the rap the first time.
Lindsay faced her old professor (Edward Herrmann) again, in yet another tobacco litigation case. Only, this time, she’s arguing addiction in a teen. What does she get in return? Yet another job offer from the man. Why? Because Donnell and Associates is a crappy place to work — and the pendulum swings back to a bad rep for the firm. And, can she ever go up against him without it being all about him, and the power he has over her? Not seeing that yet.
Oh, and Rebecca? Not a fan of the new haircut.
2.23 “Checkmate”
Ellenor picked another winner: an obese woman suing a carnival because their dunk-a-clown’s insults hurt her feelings. With no law on her side, Ellenor won this one on sympathy, and by shaming everyone who’s ever made fun of someone else. Bravo.
John Larroquette’s case made it to trial in this episode, and his dismissal of Bobby was nothing more than a plot to use the “inexperienced” label should he run the risk of losing. The defense of a narcissistic personality? That he couldn’t fathom “losing” to his lover, who had killed himself to keep his money from going to Larroquette’s character, was just plain stupid. And it got him off?
What a waste of a great guest star; why not have him come in either as someone we like, or doing something that would have had them talking at the water coolers back when this aired? For a show that generally casts really well, that’s three strikes for them with Larroquette. I see he’s set to return three more times over the life of the series — hopefully that will be enough to make it up to him, and us.
2.24 “Trees in the Forest”
I see Helen starting down a road that I assume eventually leads her out of the DA’s office. Her vehicular manslaughter of a homeless man case left her making a bunch of faces, which I assume we’re to interpret as her questioning what she’s doing for a living. Only problem? She’s a crappy lawyer, so I hope it’s a different profession she’s contemplating, not just a different office outside of which to hang her shingle. Interesting turn by Richard Schiff, as a witness to the murder, though.
Yet another ridiculous storyline came in the form of Rebecca’s award for championing animal rights, which is almost snatched away from her because she killed a rat in the office. She doesn’t need this garbage pitched at her!
Eugene was finally back in court, defending a gang member who killed another during an initiation ritual. It’s impossible that he got him off, but his lawyering skills are far superior to anyone else on this show. I love watching him in court.
Lindsay played a trump card here, demanding equity in Donnell and Associates. This is the first time it became clear that only Bobby has ownership of the place, though I’m not surprised. You know, we came in “in progress,” but I got the distinct impression when The Practice began that Lindsay had the least seniority there; how is she in any position to either jump the line, or at least make demands that no one else seems to be making? It’ll be interesting to see how this turns out.
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Sep 10, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
