Boston Legal

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 3, 2004
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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Critic Reviews

  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jul 23, 2013
    60
    "Boston Legal" suffers from the pervasive feeling of been here, seen this. The show's closer to "Ally McBeal" than "The Practice," which provided the Petri dish to nurture and grow it. Kelley's fertile mind still disgorges occasional gems, but for the most part here, he's delivered more rhinestones than diamonds. [1 Oct 2004]
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  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Phil Rosenthal
    Jul 23, 2013
    50
    It's disappointing because there was genuine promise here. Spader and Shatner each won Emmys for their work on "The Practice" last season. They're great together as soulless soulmates, partners in slime. ... Unfortunately, they take a back seat to over-the-top stories that -- like hearing "Tomorrow" from the musical "Annie" over and over -- begin to grate in short order. [1 Oct 2004]
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  3. Dallas Morning News
    Reviewed by: Manuel Mendoza
    Jul 23, 2013
    42
    Its first cases ... play out cheaply as setups for one-liners, only a few of which land squarely. [3 Oct 2004]
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  5. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jul 23, 2013
    40
    Unfortunately, too much of the show is taken up by the usual Kelley stupidity. [1 Oct 2004]
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  6. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    Jul 23, 2013
    40
    This series is a window into Mr. Kelley's soul that is best left closed; the writer who was so nuanced at creating balanced and original women on serious dramas like "The Practice," "Chicago Hope" and "Picket Fences" has far more bizarre, prurient tastes when it comes to women's comedy.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best TV Season of 2004
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2004
8
#8 Most Shared TV Season of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. Rumblebeelove
    Nov 26, 2010
    9
    A fun introduction to our lively cast of lawyers. There is something about the chemisty of the actors that really draws you in. A littleA fun introduction to our lively cast of lawyers. There is something about the chemisty of the actors that really draws you in. A little flighty, but always entertaining. A good watch, especially when you are in an ethical mood, Al Shore's speeches are pretty awesome.… Full Review »
  2. AhmedHussain01
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    THE BEST SHOW AND ACTING I HAVE EVER WATCHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!If we look at the acting of James Spader as Alan Shore,itTHE BEST SHOW AND ACTING I HAVE EVER WATCHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!If we look at the acting of James Spader as Alan Shore,it was remarkable,truly impeccable, seeing that lovely ending i was forced to give it 10/10,on the other hand,Denny crane's character was interesting and it was well performed by William Shatner,the small characters like Jerry,Shirley,Katie and Carl also added the fun to the party,I LOVED IT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Full Review »
  3. Beauboy93
    Jun 4, 2012
    10
    One of the best shows of the last decade, David E. Kelly and his cast of characters deliver an amazing Emmy award winning performance. JamesOne of the best shows of the last decade, David E. Kelly and his cast of characters deliver an amazing Emmy award winning performance. James Spader and William Shatner play so well together, along with Candice Bergen and the other great characters. It was awful of ABC to cancel this show. A must watch for law show fans and a very informative (yet liberally biased) show that can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys current issues.… Full Review »
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