(Season 2, Episodes 9-12)
Donnell and Associates might be in some trouble. Two of the “and Associates” are questioning criminal defense, and no one can quite decide whether or not they’re a respectable — or laughingstock of a — firm. Plus, Jimmy sucks at the law and as a person. GET A LAW DEGREE, REBECCA.
2.09 “Save the Mule”
People can be sick when it comes to money, I’ll give you that. Drug mules are some really messed up people. I don’t think it should give them a pass, but….
Either way, Lindsay’s weak stomach for her work should really win her a one-way ticket out the front door of the firm. I’m sick and tired of her being sick and tired of defending drug dealers. If you have such a huge problem with it, quit!
Of course, her relationship with Bobby that wasn’t, but that apparently really was, is keeping her tethered to him. That’s fine, if that’s how it’s going to be, but at least give her a little more fortitude; Bobby’s enough prima donna for one firm, and Jimmy’s got useless lawyer covered.
I’m glad to know that taxpayer dollars go for useful things like an ADA and two cops making a nut feel better about how he’s spent his life in hiding. Nice call on asking for the favor, Bobby.
I’m also wondering how the firm suddenly has $5,000 for discovery in a loser “power-line causes cancer” case that Jimmy decided to take on. Are they struggling anymore, or not? If not, when did that happen?
Awesome guests this episode, though. Paul Ben-Victor back as Benny, Gregory Itzin (President Logan, from 24), and Bob Clendenin, the doofus from 10 Items or Less. David E. Kelley had pull even before he had pull.
2.10 “Spirit of America”
They just had to do it, huh? A documentary about a capital punishment appeals case? All that was missing was the Supreme Court (to be explored later on Boston Legal). This being a pretty hot-button issue, let’s say we just stick to the periphery of this episode.
Clearly, Jimmy should not be a lawyer. His inability to put aside his own misgivings about the case, when the firm has such a huge opportunity to make a name for itself, just screams his being in the wrong profession. And yet, at the same time, I was left wondering why Ellenor was given a pass last season, when her moral compass pointed opposite Bobby’s. She certainly isn’t a bigger asset for the firm.
Jimmy’s also missing the strength of his own convictions. An execution is bound to affect you, but getting to know the guy for a few hours left him questioning his own moral beliefs? The dramatic, and emotional effects missed the mark on that one.
By the way, Eugene — glad this one was all about race for you, too. Because, could you practice law if it wasn’t?
2.11 “Hide & Seek”
As opposed to its successor, the cases on The Practice are extremely dark. A child murderer/rapist? This show really does share more traits with a cop show.
This is only the second time I’ve seen James Whitmore (Brooks from Shawshank) and I couldn’t help but think of his bird pal when he was telling the jury his little bird story. Brooks would not have approved, but Whitmore was fantastic.
Apropos to my question of when the firm became successful: when did it become respectable? Relationship or no, Whitmore’s character would have never called on Bobby for help unless Donnell and Associates was thought of highly in the legal profession. Since when?
Oh, and now it’s Eugene who can’t stomach criminal defense? I can empathize with his taking down his client, but the crises of conscious we’re getting are just stupid. Let them practice law, and let us question what they’re doing. Having these attorneys struggle with their inner angels time and again just makes the rest of the drama weak.
And Jimmy is a complete pervert, and so entirely unprofessional that I simply cannot stand watching him. I can complain about everyone else and still enjoy their plots, but Jimmy is so beyond worthless, that I sincerely question his inclusion on the show in the first place. Anybody?
2.12 “Race the Devil”
The Practice raises a lot of questions, but I believe that some of them are unintentional. The biggest one so far? Is saving your neck more important than doing what’s right? Bobby should have realized that the lengths he needed to go to in order to save his priest meant that the guy did something wrong. And the priest going along with it, and just questioning it after-the-fact … well, let’s just say it didn’t say a lot for the Catholic Church.
And, it’s interesting how quick Bobby is to judge others — “you performed an exorcism?” — while he’s off extorting the Church. Nice one.
Janice Soprano (Aida Turturro) paid a visit, to help Jimmy shoot his commercial. Yeah; he’s that scummy. If he wants clients so badly, why not either become good, or maybe do a little work for those power-line clients from a few episodes ago? Did they forget about that?
There’s a consistent denigration of the reputation of the firm by every one of its members, yet the last few episodes would have us believe that things have been changing. What’s the truth? Is the bad rep a label that will continue forever, while we watch the practical application of respectability? And, if so, doesn’t that take away from the catch-all of a bad rep as an excuse for everything? I think so.
Look, this is no Boston Legal (or a lot of other shows), but David E. Kelley also didn’t miss with The Practice. There are (a lot of) rocky grounds here, but I have faith that he pulled it out as time went by. First of all, the show got eight seasons. Second, if ABC lost faith, it only proves the show was really good (see Boston Legal, The Unusuals, etc.) I’m staying put.
And considering having Jimmy wacked.
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Aug 20, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
