Boston Legal Cancelled? [UPDATE: Shatner Says No] February 12, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: ENT, Shatner, VOY , trackback
Star Trek, Rescue 911, TekWar, and TJ Hooker are all shows where William Shatner was not able to break through the 100 episode barrier. Hopes were that he would finally do it with a fifth season of Boston Legal, but that is now in some doubt. Yesterday ABC announced pick-ups for their fall line-up and Shatner’s current series was not on the list. However, ABC will be bringing back Trek-related series Lost , Samantha, Who? and Pushing Daisies.
No more…Denny Crane?
TrekMovie.com has not been able to confirm if Boston Legal has been officially canceled, but it is at least ‘on the bubble.’ Boston Legal has done reasonably well in the ratings and has garnered accolades from the critics (as well as picking up a few Emmys). However, the audience skews older and after four seasons it already has enough episodes to go into syndication. Plus many of the stars (including Shatner) have contracts which expire at the end of this season and would require renegotiation for a 5th season. Boston Legal creator David E. Kelley is currently readying his next ABC series, the UK-import Life on Mars featuring TNG/DS9 star Colm Meaney.
Even if this is Boston Legal’s last season, there are are still new episodes yet to air. The second-to-last pre-strike episode “Glow in the Dark” airs tonight. The episode features Star Trek Enterprise’s Scott Bakula reuniting with his Murphy Brown flame, Candice Bergen (see Bakula interview excerpt below). The preview features The Shat in a must-see moment (see below). Assuming the strike ends this week the show is scheduled to go back into production next week to shoot the remaining eight episodes for the season.
Click to see the Shat-tastic preview of tonight’s “Boston Legal” at ABC.com
UPDATE: Shatner says no
TrekMovie.com’s article sparked a discussion over at WilliamShatner.com and The Bill himself replied, saying
We are not cancelled.
My Best, Bill
So if they are not on the Fall schedule and not cancelled where are they? One possibility is that the 5th season for BL would be in the Spring 2009 “mideason.” All will be known by the May ‘upfronts’ when the networks announced their final plans for the upcoming year, so stay tuned.
Bakula on Boston Legal & Return to TV
TV GUIDE talked to the former Enterprise Captain about his guest role on Boston Legal and a possible return to TV, here are some excerpts
TV Guide: How was it to work with Candice again?
Bakula: Wonderful. She’s so gracious, welcoming and generous and she’s just the same as she was [then].TV Guide: Do fans more remember you as Sam Beckett (Quantum Leap) or Capt. Archer (Enterprise)?
Bakula: [Laughs] Both. Sci-fi fans are very devoted and continue to be. I’ll be going to the 20th-anniversary convention for Quantum.TV Guide: Want to go back to series TV?
Bakula: I’m ready. In a perfect world, I’d like to do an old-fashioned three-camera show.
Lost, Daisies and Samantha coming back
The JJ Abrams/Damon Lindelof created Lost had already been announced as part of ABC’s lineup for next year (and the year after), so that show is cancel-proof. Another Trekker making good at ABC is Voyager writer-producer Bryan Fuller whose quirky dramedy Pushing Daisies has been picked up for a 2nd season. If you haven’t seen the show yet, TrekMovie.com highly recommends it. In addition the sitcom Samantha, Who? featuring Voyager’s Tim Russ was also picked up for a second season.
The cast of Fuller’s “Pushing Daisies” are coming back
BONUS SHAT
A newly uploaded ShatnerVision shows Bill’s recent Golden Globes Dateline Special interview with Shatner discussing Boston Legal and…Denny Crane
MORE BONUS SHAT: Shatner gets nostalgic
In the January Details Magazine, Shatner waxes philosophically on his career:
Careers are here and they’re gone. I enjoy performing, and I feel lately like I’ve reached the apex of what I can do as a performer. Even my memory for dialogue has never been sharper. But no matter how great we think we are, we’re nothing but the temples of Ozymandias—we’re ruins in the making.
But The Shat is still going, with more plans:
Life motivates me. Ideas motivate me. I want to do a talk show. I have ideas for three animated films. I’m nearly finished with my autobiography. I continue to write Star Trek—themed novels. My daughter [Lisbeth] and I have extremely successful websites and a video blog, even though my computer’s still in the box it arrived in. As long as my body holds up, my mind is as willing as it’s ever been.
(more Shatner Details excerpts at Buddy TV)
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Comments»
Ack! Denny! Noooooo…
FIRST! Can’t wait to see tonights episode :)
No More Denny… what has the world come to.
I know, pinco commie Democrats
What will Shat do for rent money? We hardly ever get to see him anywhere.
oh, my…
can’t they at least film a series finale wherein Khan finally gets his fanatasy?
arrrr…
Maybe shat asked for too much money..and the show’s producers are faced with building cardboard sets! heheheh..I dont watch boston legal and it dosent show!:)
You’ll just have to wait to see what happens on this episode of Rescue…………………..911.
All I have to say is, Boston Legal had better NOT be canceled. Not after just 4 seasons. Boston Legal is one of the few shows I actually… and I’m only 24 (almost 25), meaning I’m outside of the major demographic watching the show. But the show is too good and is doing too well for ABC to just drop it.
That said, they probably just haven’t announced whether or not it’s coming back because they’re still working out the contracts. I’m pretty optimistic it will be returning and until I see something that says the show is definitely canceled, I won’t fret. :)
Oh, yes, and… Denny Crane.
Shatner’s great on Boston Legal; I wouldn’t call myself a fan as I don’t watch it with any regularity. That said, I will go out on a limb and say Shatner’s doing the best acting of his career in the role of Denny Crane. I honestly think this is the role where he got to show the public at large that he was a good actor.
Shatner rules. I hope I get to see him on the small AND big screens later this year. :)
David E. Kelley’ has used so many Trek actors in his shows. Obviosly he is a fan. It makes you wonder what kinda Trek series he would make. I’m sure it would be entertaining.
Boston Legal is a fantastic series, not only because of the Shat. Spader and Bergen are marvellous, too, as are almost all other actors, and the chemistry between Shatner and Spader is just perfect. Aahh, those balcony scenes… :) The issues covered are topical, and the mixture of comedy and poignancy could not be delivered any better. Would be a real shame if it was eventually cancelled.
#10
Yep! :)
I would hate to see it canceled :( Love the series.
With the writers strike over he has to get honed
and ready for his part in the Star Trek XI. Of course
this hasn’t or won’t be disclosed but I can’t how this
film can have what it will without his inclusion. After
all they do time travel so it only makes sense – right?
Also…I’m curious as to how he was paid for doing
the voiceover on the updated Star Trek? Anyone know?
God i liked this show Shaner as Deny Craine was a delight to watch. The man has a flair for comic acting als leslie Nelson
Awww say it ain’t so!
DENNY CRANE!!!!
I don’t watch it as often as I should, but I have it on DVD. Shatner does such a great job with his character, it would be awful to have that disappear. Many people say it, but his greatness in the part is why, so I shall close the same way: “Denny Crane!”
I honestly can’t say this is a surprise. The show has slid creatively downhill quite a bit in the last season. David E Kelley has a hard time sustaining shows much beyond 3 or 4 seasons, I think at least partly because he turns them into soapboxes. I happen to agree with a lot of the views he expresses, but even I get tired of it.
Plus, he seems to have a problem knowing where to take a character’s development after a while. I think that’s why his productions are usually plagued by high actor turnover (just look at The Practice or Boston Public, or hell, Boston Legal while we’re at it). He takes the characters so far, then doesn’t know what to do with them. So he just replaces them with new ones.
NOOOOO!!!!
That exclusion of Boston Legal by ABC has just got to be an oversight.
That being said,
Denny Crane!
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
I didn’t watch Seinfeld or Friends and now the ONLY current show I’ve watched in years, . . .they’re cancelling it. This was my Tuesday night right after I put the baby down for the night. The episode they hit on the school system and standardized tests was very topical to this school teacher. Hope those writers got all they wanted out of this thing.
Wut The F–k ????
I thought the show was a consistant ratings winner????
The espisode where he defended (and banged) a milf-sh Bess Armstrong was maybe the funniest hour of tv I can ever remember. Lame!!! Prob a penny pinching move. Although ratings are strong it’s cheaper to put a shit reality tv show (Hillbilly wife-swap or Ghetto Entrepeneaur or something equally trashy) Too bad besides Lost and Life on Mars (which is done) I am officially done with episodic tv.
On to re-watch my Hong Kong movie collection.
ABC has been shitting on “Boston Legal” since inception. They constantly tinker with the makeup of the show, and its scheduling is sporadic at best. It’s still good, but I really liked the first season which was a little more serious and realistic, but still very humorous and fun. Closer to how it started out in the last season of “The Practice,” though not as glum.
Shatner’s not so hot anymore is he; his show won’t even be on TV when the new Star Trek movie comes out, Ha Ha suck on that SHATNER.
I think the current teaser for BL and the Kirk book seem to go together nicely, To Boldly Go and Serve and Protect…
Finally. It’s about time.
I found the show to be one of the most irreverent, flimsy, flippant and biggest waste of time of any show currently on the air. Kellys’ THE PRACTICE was a masterpiece compared to it.
Oh, and speaking of Kelley alumni (Chi McBride), I’m thrilled Pushing Daisies has been renewed. That show is truly entertaining.
I’ve never seen the show, but just because it might get cancelled… I’ll watch it tonight. Or at least TiVo it…
If it is cancelled here should be the last scene:
Shore: Helluva run eh, Denny?
Crane: At my age, I don’t run Alan. I save my energy for other things
Shore: I am gonig to miss you
Crane: As will I…..ENERGIZE!
Crane disappears in a beam of light
Shore: Live long and prosper, my friend!
FADE TO BLACK.
And here come the Shat bashers…
Its been interesting to watch him evolve over the years… cheers to the next adventure!
There could be BOSTON LEGAL:THE MOVIE. But hurry before Shatner’s replaced by a younger actor.
I hear David Kelley is notorious for not paying big salaries to actors. If that’s the case, I can see why he might want to shut down Boston Legal after Season 4. If Shatner’s contract has to be renegotiated, then one can only guess (and shudder) as to what his money demands would be…..which is silly when you consider that James Spader is BY FAR the best thing about the show!
A little buffoonery by Shatner goes a LONG way!
#31–LMAO! Took what? 40 years for The Shat’s replacement to arrive on Trek? He’s got time.
AAAAAAAAA……BBBBBBBBB…….CCCCCCCC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
people when I said I was not going to have threads turned into another ‘put him into th movie’ shout fest I was not kidding around. so if you are wondering where your deleted posts are going…that is where.
If we ever do another article on that subject then go for it…but for now I am done with that topic on this site….it was turning people off and away
its over
Shatner is awsome at Denny Crane, I never figured him for comedy. I’ll miss the show if it goes off the air. The funny thing is if it wasn’t for Shatner I wouldn’t even watch the show. I usually hate Law and Doctor shows.
I have had many a sucsessful Law and Medical practice’s in the last few hundred years and am fed up with the subject for now. One day when I live a an isolated planet I’ll pick up on it again.
What the %$#@#? It has to be a pinko-commie left-wing conspiracy or something! Cancel Denny Crane? Denny Crane, the name on the door! Yikes! I hope this isn’t true, Boston Legal might be the funniest show on television!
#10: I heard there was another “Miss Congeniality” movie coming out this year, so I’m sure you’ll get your wish :-)
Keep in mind that of the 9 shows that got renewed by ABC here, 8 are produced in-house by the network, and Pushing Daisies is produced by WB. Since that’s been both a critical success and a pretty good hit in the ratings, it was worth renewing right away.
Boston Legal is produced by Fox, so it wouldn’t be in a position to get such a quick renewal. Plus, I believe BL got a rather late renewal order last year, so I don’t see why anything would be different this year, given the ratings are more or less the same. That being said, I really hope they get another year (or more); it’s still a great show.
Boston Legal is the best show ABC has!
ABC might be trying to create a letter writing campain.
Seems to me like a dumb ass move though.
As time after time shows, the dopes in suits never know best.
The networks really suck for the most part anyway.
CBS is a good one to STAY AWAY from,
(except for 60 minutes sometimes).
Besides The Simpsons, Fox kind of sucks.
NBC has a half good comedy night with 30 Rock & The Office,
but the rest of their shows make me want to vomit.
Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows from the 5 network teat.
But with all that not one good sci-fi show in the bunch.
We need more good SCI-FI on Network TV!
Like Battlestar Galactica (NBC for a weekend?)
& Masters Of Science Fiction (ABC)!
At least cable has a few decent shows sprinkled about.
Science Fiction & regular.
Bring on “Denny Crane: The Motion Picture”!
Just as long as they renew “Cavemen.” ;)
Used to watch Boston Legal all the time, but I stopped because I think it lost its way. It got way too “preachy” with its politics. And Denny Crane rea became a caricature instead of a real character like he was when the show first started.
I hope Boston Legal isnt cancelled because I think Shatner is great (my favorite actor of all time, actually).
Not the time to worry just yet. ABC can’t renew the show until it negotiates with FOX and David Kelley. Boston Legal renewals are usually announced later than their own in house productions. Boston Legal was a good solid performer for ABC this year and Kelley supplied them with the most fresh episodes of any show prestrike. Plus, the show is still relevant! I think that in the next few weeks as things get back to normal, we’ll be getting confirmation that all is well and BL will be back for a 5th year.
I’ve given up on arguing with these networks, they are spineless.
I too avoid most network TV. If Boston Legal does get canceled, it wouldn’t make that big a difference to me personally as I’m not a regular viewer. That said, Shatner is terrific on BL, the role of Denny Crane is tailor-made for him. The relationship between Shatner and James Spader is arguably the best thing about the show.
“As long as my body holds up, my mind is as willing as it’s ever been.”
Good for Shatner. The guy is keeping busy and active where many others of his age (or far less) are slowing down or doing nothing at all. I think that even I would have a tough time keeping up with the guy!
I think ABC might treat BL like it did NYPD Blue towards the end. Look for it to be on the bench as a mid-season show rather than flat-out canceled.
I read something around the first part of this season of Boston Legal that if the show got cancelled this season that Kelley wanted kill Denny Crain and have a poignant Episode of Alan saying good bye to his dying friend.
I can’t remember where I saw this, but there it is .
RE: Cancellation of Boston Legal. Salaries might be the issue. I’m not sure who could replace Willian Shatner as Dennie Crane. I do know that James Spader could be replaced during a commercial break by Michael Shanks without missing a beat!
Shatnerites may not want to hear it, but James Spader is the main reason for Boston Legal’s success. The scenes between Spader and Shatner are entertaining, but Spader is clearly THE STAR of this ensemble show! His brilliantly written and acted scenes in the courtroom are what compel people to tune in, the scenes with the two of them together on the balcony at the end of each show….simply icing on that cake!
Spader is the main focus with Shatner simply providing some comic relief.
OK Ballz,
warning for trolling.
and to everyone here…I am getting tired of these ‘labels’ being thrown around.
Would that reduce Shat to Urkle on BL? I don’t think so.
Honestly, Spader is the “star” in one sense, but if you remember that same character in the last season of The Practice, he was so unlikable.
Shat gets to play the means of redemption for Spader’s character. So Shat isn’t supposed to be the star and his character isn’t supposed to be rounded and developed. Denny Crane is a plot device and a “vehicle” for the redemption of Alan Shore. In a real sense, that is as important as being the star.
Never really cared for this show. I admit I only saw it a couple of times, but it just seemed like the usual formulaic network program created for soccer moms.
let me make this clearer…I am tired of the people throwing provocative labels around like haters and worshipers and ‘ites’ etc…especially on this subject area….so while I am at it warning for nscates too
In general I am becoming wary of even doing stories on Shatner because of a handful of people who seem to either push an agenda or seem to be trying to pick a fight
and thats that
comments to http://trekmovie.com/about/feedback
I hope ABC cancels it, and they take the show to HBO!!!! Can you imagine the stuff they would get away with there!
Am I serious?? I’m not sure… lol…
55 Deny Craine on HBO would be positively lethal. I would love to see it.
I hate how domestic “demographics” and “ratings” are live-or-die factors for just about every entertaining television show produced in the US. Down here in Singapore, I assure you that it’s those between 20-30 who are the big fans of Boston Legal. I do hope it isn’t cancelled.
Just a few things I’ve had on my mind, then I’ll retreat for a while:
1. Just before TOS, Shatner played a lawyer on a little-seen show called “For The People”. That show was not successful, as it was on against Bonanza at the height of its’ popularity. I was just thinking about how Shatner’s career has come around to the point where he portrays a lawyer at a time when he arguably enjoys the greatest amount of exposure and publicity of his career. It would be a shame for Boston Legal to be canceled abruptly rather than be allowed to enjoy a fitting conclusion.
2. A few of you have said that BL has grown “preachy”. I deliberately avoid shows that have overt political messages, or use drama as a form of proselytizing. I think that’s why Studio 60 failed when everyone predicted that 30 Rock would get axed first.
It’ll be interesting to see how many scenes Bakula and Shatner have together tonight on Boston Legal!
“Shatner is awsome at Denny Crane, I never figured him for comedy.”
Airplane II: The Sequel?
National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon I?
T.J. Hooker?
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home?
Many of the Star Trek episodes and films?
The final frontier for Shatner — headlining his own super-duper sitcom!!!
If they cancel Boston Legal, then William Shatner should hire Denny Crane to sue.
A different take on this news.
It’s nice to see this many former Trek actors doing well on various series. I always liked Colm and Tim Russ.
If ABC cancels Boston Legal, that would leave me only one other show that I’d watch on the network, the lightweight Pushing Daisies. :-/
Just watched Boston Legal…..no Bakula/Shatner interplay……..
…the producers probably learned from the Stewart/Shatner debacle…
Anthony! Thank you for stopping the “put Shatner in” discussion. Bless you.
Denny Crane is Shatner’s best acting. I’d hate to see the show go away.
#60
One of my favorite Shatner comedy bits was an old episode of ‘Mork and Mindy’ where Shatner / Captain Kirk accidentally beams down into the midddle of Mork and Mindy’s living room with a bottle of wine, expecting to see some hot looking woman there…very funny!
#66 Re: Mork and Mindy-
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cBMpFS83_M8
Gotta love youtube :-)
#27 “I’ve never seen the show, but just because it might get cancelled… I’ll watch it tonight. Or at least TiVo it…”
Please do! if anyone needs a good shot of ShatLove, it’s you! :)
Needless to say, I too hope BL sticks around next season. But for those who have suggested ABC has no other good shows, please watch LOST! I don’t watch a lot of tv either, but LOST is a future CLASSIC.
#68
“Lost” and/or “Heroes” could become a 21st century phenomenon much like Trek was back in the 70s. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been completely suckered in by a TV show(s).
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
#66 and #67
In all my years of watching Mork and Mindy when it was on and all my years of watching reruns, I never saw that episode!
Sweet!
ACTUALLY tj hooker made 136 episodes, including the cbs late night version
Good episode tonight. Bakula was great!
LOL line (by Bakula): “Deep down, you’ll find I’m a real ass!” Or something like that.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
#60
Don’t forget his stints as The Big Giant Head on Third Rock From the Sun.
I think Mr. Shatner’s career and longevity says it all. He’s been a popular, hard-working actor since the 50’s, including his legendary portrayal of one of the greatest fictional characters of all-time, right? He’s been a successful author as well. His unending energy is utterly admirable. He’s had his ups and downs, but has perservered. He survived the sudden loss of his wife with a tremendous amount of integrity in front of media and public. If Boston Legal is cancelled, you can count on seeing more of William Shatner. And you can argue about him forever, but you cannot take away his accomplishments. The man gets my vote!
I only watch Boston Legal for Shatner. He is fantastic in it. I love the occasional Star Trek References; He’s fishing with James SPader in Canada and while in their cabin, Spader reads about Salmon killing parasites called, “Klingons” or cling-ons–the look on Shatner’s face when he hears this is priceless. Another one is when he flips his cell phone open and yes, it has the beeps of the old TOS communicator. Just simply a fun show with a good cast.
#54 Anthony
I hope it does not get to the point where you don”t do Shatner or any relevant stories. I do understand your frustration. Don’t let a few individuals prevent the site from reporting related news. There are articles that have no interest for me and i just don’t view them. I realize that they may hold great interest to others. It is definitely a fine line between stating and opinion and pushing an agenda. I don’t envy the task of figuring that out. However I think you have done a good job at following your gut feeling and keeping nonsense under control. It has been a relevant yet somewhat frustrating subject for the writers producers and fans alike. However it has been addressed on this site. I don’t believe it has detracted from the excitement of the movie or this site. It has simply been one of the many stories that resulted from the rebirth of the franchise. I hope at the end of the day (12-19 or 12-25) most of us will be satisfied that trek is back. Think about the potential reactions after we all see the movie. I am sure there will be some who are not satisfied. Should you delete those negative opinions? I don’t know the correct answer. Anyway keep it going..
I love Boston Legal and am working my way through them on DVD, watching multiple episodes at a time.
William Shatner and James Spader are great.
My favourite episodes are the ones that deal with media censorship or freedom of speech issues.
ABC had a show called EYES with Tim Daly which totally roped me in. Then they kept moving it in the schedule and canceled it after six episodes or so. Not very smart decisions going on at that network in my opinion.
If the show had not gotten so anti-war and Liberal tones, it would still be around for a new season.
#75-There was a great reference in one episode. After a trial, often Denny Crane just spouts off inane remarks to the media as they chase him down the hall way (”Denny Crane…Trix are for kids”). On one episode, he actually said, “Denny Crane…I captained my own starship.”
haha I think it would be cool if they had paramount get in on a series finale whereby Nimoy guest stars, Backula comes back, Rene Auberjonois returns, and they have some sort of Trek tie in. They’ve broken “through the 4th wall” several times throughout the series with Shatner making reference to Trek…so to have one final big connection could be funny.
they tried to get NImoy .
He said no.
Just because it isn’t on the FALL schedule doesn’t mean it won’t be back in mid-season. Say…January, or so, when shows like “Lost” and “24″ generally start their seasons.
#68–I’ve never seen “Lost” either, but the rest of my family watches—and it seems to have a big following. I have heard it said that JJ is likely to bring some of those elements that make it entertaining into the style of STXI. If so, it seems logical to me that it will find more “mass appeal” than most Trek. Even never having seen “Lost”, it was that credential which got me to see Transformers (despite knowing nothing about the series or its characters), and I was even mildly entertained…
As for Boston Legal, I did watch the first 10 minutes or so–for the Shat value. He seems to be in his element. I hope he gets another season.
My mother was devastated when I told her the news.
82. GaryS – February 13, 2008
they tried to get NImoy .
He said no.
Yeah,….they had a whole bit they did at the Chicago 40th anniversary con (it’s probably a routine they recycle at all the conventions) but he seemed pretty emphatic that he’s not going to do it.
#85–Yes, I can imagine. Upon seeing it for the first time last night, it did not take long for me to come to the conclusion that it caters to an older audience.
Was that Bill Shatner last night–or Isaac Hayes?
Ensign Ricky66,67- Thanks for the great link to Mork and Mindy- it was so funny I thought I was going to spit my mouthful of vegan sausage biscuit onto my computer screen.
I Am Morg73- Third Rock was one of the most intelligent, well-acted and hilarious sitcoms ever produced IMHO. Whenever Shat showed up as The Big Giant Head, my diaphragm muscles ached from too much laughing outloud.
Off the subject here, but since someone mentioned ‘Third Rock from the Sun’… and this does have a Shatner connection… sort of… here is my favorite moment from that show.
TRFTS had a hilarious episode where Mary (Curtain) and Dick (Lithgow) were traveling to attend a conference. When Dick entered the airliner, he glanced out the window and shrieked… “there’s something on the wing!!!!!”
I lost it (as did any viewer who was in on the joke).
#90–Twilight Zone: The Movie!
Re: #60. TrekNerd and #73. …Morg…
Exactly. I kind of wondered about that. ST:V was also comedic (singing campfire songs, joking after nearly falling to his death while rock climbing, nearly crashing into the ceiling in the turboshaft, and the famous brig scene — S-T-A-N-D-B-A-C-K — “Stand back?” Boom. “Don’t you know a jailbreak when you see one”? or something like that. Classic.)
Re: #81. Ctiii
Don’t forget Armin Shimerman! (It’s weird seeing Quark without make-up…)
I LOVED Shatner as Kirk. And I know I’ll get laughed at but I liked “T. J. Hooker”. It was fun. I tried watching Boston Legal but was blushing at the dialogue (I’m kinda shy in that area). However, then the outrageous “roast” of William Shatner (that totally freaked me out) made more sense. Guess that stuff is not my cup of tea. I miss the three musketeers — Kirk, Spock, Bones. Maybe I’m a prude, but I ran and put Star Trek on. Whatever, I wish him success. He’s a survivor. If not Boston Legal, he’ll resurface somewhere. The man is indefatigable.
I purchased the DVD “Mind Meld – Secrets of the Voyage of a Lifetime”, a tape of Shatner and Nimoy talking at Nimoy’s place. Found it very interesting.
It will be interesting to see his next endeavour.
kg
Re: #90. Doug
Absolutely!!
That was a classic episode (the Twilight Zone, that is). Very clever writing on the part of the TRFTS writers as well.
kg
Actually the reference predates the movies and goes back to the episode that Shatner was in during the original Twilight Zone, “Nightmare at 20,000 feet.” The shat was in numerous old episodes of TZ
Re: #94. George
The episode where he was protective of his son on the playground was chilling…
Which other episodes was he in? I can’t remember and I don’t have the DVDs.
kg
#95 You’re thinking of Ray Bradbury theater, from the 80’s. Shat did 2 TZs, “Nightmare” and this one…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_of_Time_(The_Twilight_Zone)
Okay, so I stayed up to watch Boston Legal last night, having never seen the show before. Man, was this thing painful to sit through! I’m amazed it’s lasted this long without getting cancelled!
I guess they waived the opportunity to have a scene with Shatner and Bakula together, right? (Two captains, et al.) Or did I fall asleep in that scene?
I hope BL doesn’t get the axe. Best show on TV right now. Razor sharp writing, wild characters and always a court case to make you think. And yes, the emmy winning Shatner, waiting in the wings.
And amongst all that food for thought is some of the best comedy to play on TV in ages. But I’m a big fan of character humor rather than the all-too- un-funny set-ups and punchlines delivered in most modern sitcoms .
4 years is a good run, I hope it goes 5.
#95 & 96 I was also thinking of an episode he did as a space traveler and gets home and can’t keep warm. After a little searching I remembered that it was an episode of the Outer Limits, another great 60’s sci-fi show.
Katie#92- You are right about the roast- it would have been much funnier if they had left some of the raunch and most of the profanity at home, but that crowd could care less about Shat’s fans. I did read somewhere that the dinner beforehand consisted mainly of everyone getting rip-roaring drunk. 99.9999…% sure Nimoy knew everything the roast would entail and just isn’t into that kind of scene. Classy Vulcan…
#100
Agree 100-percent about the roast. I thought it was pretty disgusting. Shatner looked like he was in pain at the end of it all. His “Living in TVLand” special was much, much better!
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
So help me if they cancel THE ONLY show I watch on broadcast TV, I will unleash my inner
…my inner something or another. I’m too pissed to come up with anything catchy.
William Shatner is one of the best actors of the last 40 years, he is a man of extraordinary talent. Not just for James Kirk or Denny Crane but for many roles that he’s added to because of his talents. An episode of the early anthology series One Step Beyond has an episode called “The Promise” and its one of the finest job of acting you’ll ever see. Its very early Shatner but it gives you a sample of what this man is really capable of. Not everything he’s
done worked, but things in life seldom do. He is a most uncommon man.
#102 ” I will unleash my inner”
Well, let’s see…………some people claim to have an inner sanctum……
….I’ve got it! How about..I will unleash my inner rectum!
That oughta do it!
Re: #97. Mazzer
I have to agree with you. I tried to get into it but couldn’t.
Re: #100. Denise de Arman
I know!! Didn’t know about the preceeding dinner, though. That may explain a lot. There were some hilarious moments but had to suffer through the rest. Was surprised that Betty White and Nichelle Nichols joined in, though.. Guess they thought it was “cool”. I used to love George Takei (even though he’s not that great an actor) but after the Roast I was shocked. Knew he was out of the closet and that didn’t bother me at all, but the humour wasn’t something I enjoy.
Had a friend tape it because I cancelled my cable (gee, I wonder why) and hope to heaven that they didn’t watch it while taping it. OMG. Was looking forward to it because I’d seen the Dean Martin Roasts of the past and they were hilarious. What a shock. If that is what people like, they are free to indulge. Guess I’m free to change the channel.
kg
Re: #96. Shatner_Fan_2000
Hey, thanks. Followed the link even further and saw the picks of Shatner. What was “Nightmare” about? Don’t remember the story of “Nick of Time” either but do remember that other episode (he wasn’t in this one) “To Serve Man” — “Don’t get on the ship — it’s a cookbook…”!!! (Can’t remember the exact line.)
Re: #104. Cafe 5
You’re right. Not everything he did worked, but the guy’s incredible — he doesn’t seem to let it get him down. I really admire that quality in a person. I too often get discouraged and quit altogether. Wish I was more like that.
kg
More Denny Crane! Yay!
Thanks for the update, Anthony.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
Harry- Man, you are brave. After I read your last post, I started looking around to see if Anthony was going to run in and give me a warning for reading it!
#104–That is a bold statement. I’m curious. Where exactly would you rank him, and who would you put ahead of him? No bashing, just curious…
Denise, I’m just trying to point out that even though some people are apathetic to the proceedings around here, some others do give a s***!
Harry -
Keep that rectum muzzled. I’m going to unleash my inner outer.
I agree about the Shatner roast roast. It was HORRIBLE. Does Bill know Andy Dick? Even if he did, which I doubt, he should never have been on that show. People who know Shatner should have been on it, and there were very few of those in attendance.
Takei was funny, though.
Jabob
what a great name for a Trek villian………
“Tell The Federation Council that we have engaged…….Rectum Muzzled!” :)
Harry- LOL!
Harry -
No doubt he’d be from a planet trillions of light years away but still be quoting Dante.
108.
What do you mean by “More Denny Crane. Yay.”? Did you read something that I didn’t? BTW, “We are not cancelled” does not equal “We have been renewed”. “Hawaii Five-O” was never cancelled. But have you seen any fresh episodes lately? MANY shows are never officially cancelled.
BL has been one of the few prime-time shows I’ve watched in recent years. The writing sparkled and the performances by Shatner, Spader and the others were outstanding. If it really is gone, it’ll be terribly missed!
If William Shatner says it’s so, then it is so, It is like GOD himself spoke the words.
;-)
Rectum Muzzled glared at the Starship Captain and hissed, “from my worst orifice, I spit at thee!”
#116
Why so snarky in your first paragraph?
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
Probably doesn’t have a date for Valentine’s Day! Poor sod!
Harry- Is Rectum Muzzled going to be one of new villians in the movie (whenever it comes out), or are we just going to be entertained by his brilliant madness here on the boards?
Denise
stay tuned on these boards for another exciting adventure with Rectum Muzzled…….next week, Rectum battles the evil Assman who is preparing to take over the world by releasing “HOT AIR” through a fissure!
The Assman’s plan goes by the codename “Preparation H”!!
It’ll be a gas! :)
LOL!
please,don’t cut Boston Legal! I love the show so much, and even can not imagine the life without the show. ABC,please do whatever you guys could, just bring it back on next fall season! please! please! please!
hes unlucky ! nothing gets to 100!
oh please don’t cancel Boston Legal!!! it shows in sinapore at 12am till 1am on a wednesday and i still stay up to watch it!!! I am in love with Denny Crane and Alan Shore and not to mention the woman every thinking man wants Shirely Smichtt….Sends shivers down my spine.
KUDOS to the script writers you guys rock!
According to tvdramas.about.com, BL is returning April 8 with 6 episodes, more than any other ABC series.
ABC! Dont Cancel The Show EveryBody Love The Show !
Who the heck are they talking to anyway? Everyone I know watches Boston Legal. All my kids (oldest is 26) and their friends watch it too. So where do they get these stupid demographics? Please Bring Boston Legal back for a 5th season.
In reply to KC – The show has actually been a refreshing change – although I missed the other series (which i regret) I think that the issues that are brought up in the serious part of each of the (current) episodes – are very much in many other peoples minds – William Shatner and James Spade are great in the closing scenes – David what’s wrong with you – you are on a winner – or actually you have won already – but stop arguing and get on with the show – you’re all rich anyway or am I missing something?
Boston Legal is the only show on network television that I follow on a regular basis. It never fails to entertain. If it is not renewed, network television has lost another viewer. Season Four has been its best season to date. The show has at least two more seasons in it.
Don’t cancel the show. I am looking forward to watch that show every week. i was looking in the TV guide to find out when is the next episode.
Boston Legal is the best show on television and if it is cancelled, prime time tv has lost two more viewers. Why does everything on tv have to be about rich men victumizing young single women or wanta be great movie stars dancing? Or, worse yet, about people who see the dead or have visions? All stupid, stupid, stupid!
Bad things happen to good actors. Must be god’s will, for a reason yet to be seen. Shalom Denny Crane and may we forever catch a glimpse of you in all of the many parallel universes that co-exist at the very minute that I’m writing this message. May your spirit live forever!
Do not cancel Boston Legal
It’s is the BEST show on T.V,please don’t cancel it,I’m getting tired of all the reality game shows,for the most part they are stupid to watch.I guess if Boston Legal is canceled I’m not going to watch more games shows,I’ll protest wathing T.V………………..Bring back BOSTON LEGAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON’T CANCEL BOSTON LEGAL. I AM A HUGE FAN OF WILLIAM SHATNER FROM STAR TREK. HE’S SO ORIGINAL. YOU CANNOT FIND ANOTHER MAN AS GREAT AS HE. HE’S JUST A LOVE TO WATCH. I PERSONALLY TURNED MY HUSBAND ON TO THE SHOW BECAUSE OF HIS ROLE WHICH MAKES HIM LAUGH AND LAUGH. FROM A HARD DAYS WORK, HE COMES HOME TO EAT, RELAX AND TO WATCH SHATNER IS A SIGHT TO SEE. HE SMILES AND GETS IN THE RYTHUM OF SHATNERS ABILITY TO CARRY ON. SUCH A CHARACTER. WE WAIT ALL WEEK JUST TO SEE AS WE CALL IT, OUR SHOW. SO PLEASE KEEP BOSTON LEGAL ON FOR MORE SERIES.
SINCERELY AS TRUE BOSTON LEGAL FAN! WE LOVE YOU DENNY CRANE!!!!
Why is it that when a network gets a winner they think they can do something better! This is the funniest @@@@ show I have seen in years. All we have on TV is reality shows that a monkey could write. If you guys with this kind of power keep jackin around people are going to start going back to the movies! Please leave it on. Don’t try and fix a wheel that is not broken.
i love boston legal.and they need to come to there senses and not cancel the show..william shatner makes the show..there has not been a better show in years.
James Spader & William Shatner–Boston Legal — It’s a great show. It’s funny, all the characters are lively and interesting. We look forward to the show and feel that cancelling it would be a large mistake. It brings to the attention of everyone, current issues that we may not have thought about except for this show. Definitely a show to talk about !! Don’t drop a good thing.
BOSTON LEGAL IS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS ON – PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL. MOST TV IS A BIG BORE – EVERYONE I KNOW WATCHES IT, EVEN STAY UP LATER THAN THEY WANT TO SO THEY CAN SEE IT. YOU HAVE A WINNER – KEEP IT GOING.
BL is my favorite. The way they tackle pertinent issues of the day with intelligence ,wit and wonderful performances. I for one will find another reason to turn off the tube! I really don’t feel I understand the truth of whether the show has been cancelled or is ending because they believe it is time. For what ever reason I would love to continue to laugh and view the excellent thought provoking writing on a continued basis. Please say it ain’t so!
Boston Legal is one of the most intelligent, entertaining programs on TV today. To cancel it would be a shame.
I love you Deny and Allen !! Boston Legal to life like for some.I really hope this is not the real reason for cancelling the show. Wher elese caan you watch a show that keeps you laughing, can make you cry, and give you a part of whats is going on in the world today. Thats a Team. I will miss this show tremendously. Well what else cn go wrong?
I am so very sad to see the show end.
I looked forward to the show every week.
They can not remove the show….”I use to be a star ship commander.”
Nothing but great memories.
Thank you so much…..the whole group.
to one of the most spectacularily written, motivated, and so socially conscious show…well good bye and fare well is near not sufficient. My nhusband and I have watched from day one….and will be fans forever.
take care all cast members. you had one hell of a run.
kim and kevin
How could the best primetime show on T.V. be cancelled?? These execs over at ABC seem to have their heads in the sand. It was a great run guys and my monday nights will seem a whole lot more empty without Boston Legal.
What a shame! Cancel a great show for crap reality crap TV
This is so very sad. I have very few shows that I like It was such a pleasure to watch all of the actors, the show always had a message and
a little something that could possiby enlighten you with a touch of humor.
I really hate to see it go. If David Kelly decides to continue I really would like to know about it. Shows like this he already has an audience.
:{ : [ :(
I do not own a television. I haven’t for over 9 years. With the CRAP on television today, this is NOT a PROBLEM… except for Mondays. We go my mother’s house WITHOUT EXCEPTION for BL. I am so distraught over this decision. It’s like it isn’t real, but I’m sure it will hit home tomorrow, the series finale. I can’t even believe I’m saying that… Boston Legal and Series Finale in the same sentence. ABC is dead to me.
It’s one of the only prime time shows with actual intellectual political humor. It shouldn’t be cancelled.
I Love Boston Legal it’s the best show on T.V. hands down. I don’t miss a show. Boston Legal can go in sooooooooo many different directions now that Denny Crane and Allen Shore (Crane) went a head and got married.The whole cast should get Emmy’s please don’t cancelle Boston Legal I’m the Biggest Fan in America
I’m the biggest fan! I changed my name to Denny Crane! I kid you not. The show being cancelled is horrible. Denny and Alan hinted that another network might pick up where Boston Legal left off…..just like the Practice. Come on we can do this! ~ Denny Crane!!
Boston Legal was wild. I shall miss it. I didn’t always agree with some of the controversial subjects aired (though I did with most), and I thought Denny and Alan’s sexist behavior was a little over the top. But even more than the courageous and thoughtful exploration of political and moral issues, I loved the fact that the show was heavily populated by characters of middle age and older, making a difference in their world. I can’t think of any comparable show left that offers such fare. Sigh. You would think that television execs would give us more shows like that, but unfortunately not.
What a shock, no more Denny and Alan, and the rest of the crew. Why is it that every time something comes along that we like it gets canceled. My husband and I are middle aged and this was truly a enjoyable hour we would spend, it didn’t matter where we were or what we were doing, we’d run to sit down in front of our TV, there wasn’t an episode we didn’t find ourselves laughing hysterically. When Alan was in the courtroom, if you were listening there was always a story about something morally or politically happening in our real world to be heard on the part of the viewers. There truly is such crap out there on TV these days, then something comes along like BL and its not exciting enough because it doesn’t have all the blood and gore, or violence and nudity, and then the reality shows, what exactly are we to learn from them, give me a break its no wonder our world is the way it is with all this crap. Its a sad day in television, I will miss them all. Thank you Boston Legal, and no thanks to the television network. it.