While I tend do agree with you, I'd say it's the other way round, Kelley wrote the characters to perfectly fit Shat and Spader. Still, one of the finest acting jobs on television to date.
@@Centrinario It's klepto, but we'll take your word for it. You know, the one good thing about kleptomania, right? You can always take something for it.
Putting this together with some of his Alan Shore courtroom monologues, and it is easy to see why The Practice and Boston Legal were some of the absolutely outstanding TV shows of their time. WIlliam Shatner was also brilliant as the eccentric but deteriorating legal titan of the previous generation, watching over the forging of the person who would take his place, eventually. But while Shatner was great as a recurring cameo, James Spader is the actor that carried the whole concept (with able backing by awesome writers, who gave him so much fantastic material to work with). He is fantastic too, in The Blacklist, but still not quite as good as he was here - the lawyer who could either agrue that black was white and have you convinced he was correct all along, or remind the court room that humanity has a social conscience which the law sometimes tries to forget.
...the ONLY reason that Spader's work on Blacklist might not be considered by some to be "on par" with either of his previous shows...the Practice or Boston Legal... is the quality of the writing on Blacklist...which is so0ooo totally inferior and just plain idiotic compared to the brilliance of David E. Kelly...and the ONLY reason that Blacklist has been on the air this long is absolutely because of Spader's talent...he alone makes that show watchable...Spader's performance elevates every stupidly contrived plot twist and carries other actors...and Spader's talent is certainly the only reason that show ever had some excellent guest actors make an appearance as well...Spader has tried to make a silk purse out of that sows ear for years...Spader rules...just give him some decent material for hell sake...!!!
@@superxgaga1 I think Ted was clever and amusing. But I can't compare any of them to the Alan Shore character. I think W. Shatner was amazing too and certainly complimented James, but James was the star. There would be no Boston Legal without him.
@@Kalenz1234 in the past? Sure. We only ever hear of his past glory until much later in the show. At this point in time we all think he's a washed up has been who couldn't win even the simplest of cases on his own.
Well, as the actor who James is tearing down here, all I can tell you is this was such a fun episode to be in. But if anyone’s interested, this episode - and particularly this scene itself - has an interest story behind it…
@@playboydojo Well, to start with, yes - I had the privilege of guest starring in season one, episode four, of BOSTON LEGAL as “MILES TIBBET,” a salesclerk at a high-end men’s clothing store who witnesses a lady (Linda Gehringer) who’s a CEO and top client of CPS steal a $200 scarf from my store. Problem is, there’s a “morals clause” in her contract, and if she’s found guilty she stands be fired and to lose millions in stock options and such from her company. But the version you see aired is actually different from what we originally shot when we first did the episode. As I recall, the episode went through several different versions. Initially, in this episode, “Brad” (Mark Valley) was the attorney for the CEO, and James Spader’s storyline was the one where he can’t stop saying the word “lesbian” over and over. (That storyline did appear in a later episode.). Then, in a rewrite, Alan was now in my storyline, and the other storyline was Edwin Poole and Lori taking on the firm’s first criminal case, of a man accused (and guilty of) murdering a police officer, who’d been tricked into confessing to the crime. Hence the episode title, “Change of Course.” As my storyline on the show begins, Paul (Rene Auberjonois) calls Alan into the conference room, and essentially orders Alan to “take down the store clerk by any means necessary,” as this CEO is a top client, and they don’t want to lose her business - especially since this was just her kleptomania threatening to remove her from her position. As Miles, I have several scenes through the episode - first, early on, Alan is questioning the store security guard, who says he never saw the CEO take the scarf himself, but that it was Miles who witnessed the crime. Once Alan realizes that Miles is the only witness, as well as his instructions from Paul, he enlists Sally (Lake Bell) to go undercover and to find out whatever “compromising information” she can about me, which Alan could then use to destroy me on the stand at trial. Sally questions the ethics of her doing such a thing, to which Alan responds, “I don’t understand the question.” My second scene takes place in a bar where Sally approaches me, and I think she must be a prostitute, because, “beautiful women don’t usually come up to me, and say hello.” But Sally says she’s just out alone for a drink, and I seem like a nice guy - and Miles is both embarrassed and ashamed. Miles IS a good guy - just an honest citizen who’s been asked by the district attorney to do his civic duty, and say in court that he did indeed personally witness the theft of the scarf. (It’s inferred that that Miles and Sally had a lengthy conversation at this point.) My third scene takes place the next day. She tells Alan a lot of personal info that I shared with her the night before in the bar, including that I love my job, and my hobby is collecting autographs from actors that I see in theaters around town - all of which Alan says will be helpful info for him in cross examining me. I call Sally to invite her to lunch. - just to thank her for the night before - that I wasn’t trying to peruse a relationship with her - that I realize she’s “way out of my league” - but that it meant a lot to me that she was interested enough in me to spend some time talking, and that it was a very special evening for me. I also tell her at lunch that “this trial is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me,” “I plan to invite a few friends down to watch me testify,” and “that I take beta-blockers for anxiety.” It’s obvious now that Sally’s really beginning to wonder if she’s doing the right thing in following Alan’s direction. Nonetheless, all useful info divulged at the lunch is in turn communicated to Alan. So - all those scenes are in the version that aired - although, each scene was a bit longer in length, but that’s typical with episodic hour-long shows, which generally run about 42 minutes long - but then, with commercials and exteriors, it comes to an hour long. Most of the time, there’s some editing - occasionally, a lot of editing - before a show airs. Now, this is where what we shot initially changes from what you see in the episode. It’s my fourth in the episode - the “big scene,” and it takes place not in Sally’s office, but in the courtroom itself. I’m on the stand, and the DA is questioning me as to what I saw, and how can I be sure it’s the same woman. “Well, she was rude,” I say, describing how she was treating myself and the other employees that day, and I talk about seeing her covertly slip the scarf into her handbag. Then, Alan begins to cross examine me. At that point, I notice Sally is in the courtroom - sitting at the defense attorney’s table! What’s going on? Who is this woman?? At which point, Alan systematically begins to absolutely destroy Miles - (me) - in front of the entire courtroom - including the friends who came down to see me “dauntlessly testify.” And by the time he finishes, I’m a shaking mass of nerves, stuttering, “It’s not fair, it’s not fair,” just under my breath. And of course, Sally is just crushed by the entire experience. I look so unstable, that the CEO is acquitted. There was also a fifth scene, immediately following in which I rush outside the courtroom to a drinking fountain. I’m approached by Sally - who obviously feels SO bad and remorseful for doing what she was told top do. I just yell at her to get away - STAY AWAY - as I leave the courthouse in shambles. That was my last scene - and as is the custom on many sets, I was called over by the director, and given a “round of applause” for my week there, and then brought back to our studio bungalows to change, sign out, and go home. (As a side note, back at the bungalow, there was a phone in the room which started to ring. I wondered - should I pick it up? I did, and it was one of the exec producers saying that he and a roomful of others had just seen that last scene on a TV up in his office, and he was calling to congratulate me. “Everyone up here in is tears, Will - really great work.” He asked me if he could do anything for me - the only thing that came to mind was, would he mind calling my agents to tell them that - and he did. I walked back to my car floating on air…) Then, about ten days or so later, my agent called to say that Mr. Kelley had rewritten the storyline - and that they needed me back to shoot an additional scene - the one where where Alan confronts me in Sally’s office. I was sad to see the courtroom scene was cut, but very grateful to get to go back for an additional day of work. Of course, only Mr. Kelley knows exactly why he changed the last scene, but to me, it was an example of DEK’s genius as a writer/creator of the show. To me, it “deepened” the experience for the viewer. Bringing me into Sally’s office, along with just himself and Denny - and without Sally being warned in advance - made the experience so much more “personal” for Sally. It shook her faith in the legal system, and ended with her walking away from her relationship with Alan. It showed what Alan himself was capable of - basically, witness tampering of the worse kind, as Miles “recants his testimony, and doesn’t testify.” The case never goes to trial - hence, the CEO is never fired - a “win” for the firm. But we see also that Alan knows he did a bad thing - he knows Miles didn’t deserve that, and he knows he broke the law in doing it. But he tells Sally that, although he’s capable of this kind of behavior, that she may wish to re-think whether or not she is. And Sally realizes that he wasn’t using her - he was using Miles - perhaps to break the two of them up. Alan appears to genuinely care for Sally - and wants her to see the dark side of the profession, and perhaps of himself as well - and of what it takes to win an otherwise un-winnable case. And in the end, she “moves on” from Alan… (On a personal note, I loved my entire experience on BOSTON LEGAL. And I found “Jim,” Lake, Bill, and absolutely everyone there to be so gracious and welcoming of me. I later even received a beautiful hand-written note from Mr. Kelley himself, thanking me for my work on that episode).
Everyone says how cruel he is here; but I think he is actually being kind. He could’ve just done this in court. Think how much worse that would’ve been. This is actually nicer.
You're watching A-list tier Gaslighting happen in this episode. At the end of this episode, Alan Shore is disgusted with himself and hates what he put the witness through.
The original version of the scene had the guy destroyed in court, with Alan doing all those things in public, in front of the guy's friends etc. That scene was shot but then replaced.
That last statement, "Do you wonder if I'm any good, Miles. Do you really wonder?" Sounds like Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry in the film of the same name standing over a perp with a .44 Magnum pointed at him saying, "You've got to ask yourself 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya' punk?"
You could award an Emmy simply for this scene. James Spader's Alam Shore goes from a remarkable and loving and charismatic man to an insidious, seething character one would justly despise, then back to the previpis state. It's a masterclass in acting.
One could make the argument that it is. However it would be incredibly difficult to prove. Because technically Alan shore is correct he is duty-bound to question the character of this particular witness, to call into question his reliability as an eyewitness to the crime his client is accused of committing. Failure to do so could very well lead to losing the case and even losing his job.
No. Defense attorneys try to intimidate the witnesses. He is merely telling him what he will have to bring up in court, so it is discussion of the case- as long as it stays within the boundaries.
What I love about Spader is how easy he makes it look and he doesn't even do the Daniel Day Lewis or Jared Leto (I've got to be the person, know the person, be the person) thing of mimicry which comes across to me as soulless and the people who applaud that acting style equally so! James is an underrated actor on so many levels 👏
Spader is a brilliant actor who understands not only the macro details of a character, but more importantly gets the ever so subtle nuances as well. He was born to play Alan Shore, as Bill Shatner was made to play DC.
So, according to you, people who appreciate Daniel Day Lewis are soulless. imo More likely, your attitude makes you soulless. To keep your narcissism company. imo
As much as I love James Spader, I really do, I have to say Lake Bell was really good. You could look at her eyes and see how disgusted she was with Allan and herself. She really felt for the guy.
I love this show, but this was a "Jerry Espenson level of cruelty" takedown. Leigh DID steal the scarf, so Alan had Sally date this security guard just to dissuade him from testifying. Alan's 2nd lowest moment. smh..
It's entertaining to watch because he's so good, but yeah it's totally cruel and there's something really awful about watching someone who really doesn't deserve it get ripped apart like that.
Not cruel at all. He could have done this on the stand in front of everyone. Instead he does it in private where only they know what was said. It’s his job he is going to do it one way or another. He took the less cruel of the two options
Alan was never a kind or nice man. He was principled and hardheaded, always. The only real difference between this and when he goes up against bigger fish is that we think it's okay to berate big pharma and big tobacco. He also sexually harassed his female colleagues over and over and looked down on pretty much everyone he ever met. He was efficient, and really, really good at what he did, but he was never actually a good guy.
Sad thing is, this is exactly how it would go in real life. Its not a fairy tale, unscrupulous acts do so often end up getting rewarded. Also here, despite how cruel it looks, Alan is in fact protected Miles. Look at what happened to Boeing whistleblowers, thats how bad it can go, if a normal man goes against giants. Miles is a good guy, so instead of ruining his reputation in court, as Alan could have done, he just ended it in private.
Brings to mind the dialogue from a different show. Question to witness: "Are you ashame to be a pros****te?" "Not more than you should be ashamed to be a lawyer". End of quote.
You know, as brutal as that scene was, it was actually an act of kindness to show him in "private" what he can expect if he goes to trial. If he can't handle it in the office, there's no way he would be able to in court. Is it witness intimidation if all you tell them is what you intend to do in court? No threat was made about retribution outside of court. Brilliant.
I was a character witness for a friend in a military case. The defense attorney brought me into his office and grilled me, just like this. I was angry and shocked, because we were on the "same team." I was there to help his client. But he had to test me, because the prosecution was going to do the same to me, when I was on the stand. A good lawyer can argue either side of the case, right and facts be damned.
Not really, Spader is perfect in presenting a person that is fiercly intelligent while having an enormous amount of self hatred. Kirk loved himself more than anyone else and he wasn't the smartest guy around.
I think Ted was clever and amusing. But I can't compare any of them to the Alan Shore character. I think W. Shatner was amazing too and certainly complimented James, but James was the star. There would be no Boston Legal without him.
Who are you referring to? Sally is not that guys lawyer, and she is also guilty of manipulating him (getting the information under false pretence that Alan was used against him)
It's really not witness intimidation. It teeters on the line of it, however. Alan was essentially just giving him a taste of what it would feel like in cross examination, and really was just stating facts. He would be bound to reveal that information in court, and if he couldn't handle the pressure of an office room with only three other people, he would definitely crumble in a courtroom filled with far more people, including his friends. That being said, that's what makes Alan such a brilliant attorney. He knows how to walk that line to the maximum without crossing it.
Nah, it's textbook witness intimidation, which is why Sally looks so uncomfortable. It's a not-so-thinly veiled threat that he would ruin him if given the opportunity. It is after all, part of both Denny's and Alan's characters that they're willing to do sh*t like this in order to please their clients. The client wasn't out to win this case, she wanted it crushed before it could see the courtroom because the outcome isn't important, only that the information learned never reach the public eye. So they did just that, which is beyond the scope of their job as lawyers and certainly beyond the ethical scope of that job. But that's part of the reason why the firm retains high-profile clients and why they retain lawyers like Alan and Denny. They're fixers just as much as they are lawyers.
One of the reasons us regular mortals are often disgusted by lawyers is that they do such an excellent job of defending their client even when they KNOW the client is guilty, the way Alan does here. Which is also why so many people hate Alan in this scene. I see this as snapping the neck of a wounded animal: Not all of us could do it. It is disgusting, but in a way humane, because you are not dragging out the torture. And if he didn't do this, some other vultures (lawyers) would have ripped him apart. Because when you are as rich as his client, you find a way to be above law. I think even Alan hated himself for this.
When talking about casting Spader as Ultron in the MCU, Joss Whedon described his voice as "hypnotic" and damned if he isn't exactly right. Spader is a decent actor at best, but the man can monologue better than pretty much anyone in the business
@@rabibengali5811 it's not a grey area. He pulled him into a private meeting without his lawyer present and then used threats of things that "could happen" in order to attempt to intimidate him into changing how he would respond to questions in court. If caught, he would be fined, arrested, and disbarred.
@@arthurgangnon3504 He's a witness not a suspect so he wouldn't have a lawyer, he merely stated what he was going to do to him in the court room, which he would have done, thats not intimidation, intimidation would be if you testify I'm going to break your legs
@@MrJamberee He was honest. He was just insecure. Miles was a security guard and this was a "Winona Ryder-esque" shoplifting trial. Alan was saying that he would highlight these insecurities on nat'l tv.
Too bad Miles didn't pull out his phone at the end that recorded everything Alan said. Then say, "Do you want to meet me at the witness stand before or after the judge hears this?"
To deliver actual justice, you have to go beyond rules of realms! Unscrupulous people have to be wealth with similar methods to protect the justice and equity sometimes
Yeah it is, he is not threatening the guy with physical harm or anything. Just revealing to him how hard Alan will go against him in court. Taking how Sally manipulated the guy, it will definitely be considered dirty but not illegal.
While illegal the main issue is that A. Miles didn't bring a lawyer or witness. B. Alan frames it in terms of obligation and job description. So, while Miles might complain nothing can be proven, and if someone did believe him Alan would simply argue that he explained the process of the Trial and what his own role would be.
@@shinyelf youre an idiot , i was a cop for 13 yrs, all you did was spew nonsense, lmao . If someone did believe him. Lmao . Ok sweetheart enjoy. And live in your ignorant bubble.
Sypher the 297th: I can see that. I can also see Shore doing what he did there to a) do his job and b) do it with the guy only experiencing relatively mild, momentary discomfort and not suffering exactly what he said would happen if he had to do his job in the courtroom. I think, given the entire course of the series, that while he certainly had his faults and his bad days, Alan Shore was far, far from cruel and heartless. It’s as he intimated, he’s that damn good at what he does. The scene’s designed to make us question him as well as the profession and system. For the record, I was pissed at him for doing that to the poor schmoe when I saw it on tv too. It took me a while.
@@MariusRiley He did what he had to do. The legal profession is ugly. Like he said during S8 of the practice "Do not confuse morality with legal ethics. The two are almost mutually exclusive." He served the interests of his client (although technically he intimidated a witness with things that a judge might have shit him down on if brought up in court) but he enjoyed this one. When he did the same thing to Jerry Espenson when he was opposing counsel he most certainly did not enjoy it that time.
Why because he was mean? I realize it was a difficult thing to watch but his performance was outstanding regardless. The character he played was exactly that, two sides of the coin.
@@leonardo47000 Because if you watch the show, the vast majority of the time Allen is punching up. Even when he's unethical or cruel it's against people who had it coming. This is one of the rare times he had to turn his talents on someone not only undeserving but who was way below his weight class. It is really good at showing him do something both in and out of character.
This lawyer is very easy to love/hate, depending on if is on your side, or the opposition. If he was against me in litigation, I would probably spend hours trying to find a way to turn him into some kind of disgusting stew. Lol. What a great character!!!!!
Great entertainment, a lot of it is Spader of course, who is so good at ‘both’ jobs (acting and lawyering) he makes us forget that a rich lady stole a scarf and will get away with it…
Fuckin' Spacer did such a good job on this show. Episode to episode he could change direction and have you loathing or admiring Lawyers. And all the while, doing it with flair and style. I never liked the bugger myself. But by Christ he could act.
Alan Shore was brilliant, but he was an asshole at times. This was one of those times. He was a character that you both loved and hated at the same time. James Spader is a simply brilliant actor and did a magnificent job in playing this role. This series has always been one of my favorites.
James Spader is the one living actor that could possibly go toe to toe with Anthony Hopkins. I can imagine him today as a character that is as deep and fascinating and terrifying as Hannibal Lecter.
Actually I think JS is a better actor than Anthony Hopkins. His portrayals are more nuanced and natural. You always know AH is acting but when you watch JS you are so drawn in and it's real and you forget he's acting. This is why, in his long career, his characters have been so iconic.
Oh Alan, didn't I tell you I was recording this private conversation. When the Bar reviews this recording they'll at least doubt your moral standards as an officer of the court. Your successful client isn't above the law, although you seem to be..... PAY ME!. It isn't hard to write this lawyer crap!
I watched Boston Legal after Suits, I feel Harvey Spectre was nothing compared to Alan Shore. Denny Crane, Denny Crane, Denny Crane he was just amazing, eat your heart out Groot.
"That's not what I-"
"I'm talking, Miles."
"Alan!"
"I'm talking, Sally."
God, I love James Spader
Absolutely outstanding. Spader is truly a very fine actor. He and Shatner were made to play both their characters. Total magic.
While I tend do agree with you, I'd say it's the other way round, Kelley wrote the characters to perfectly fit Shat and Spader.
Still, one of the finest acting jobs on television to date.
Spader is ❤️
@@R4R0Y Indeed, he is.
@@AGTsakumis i recently became his fan after watching the blacklist , what a superb classic acting by spader❤️
Wow Spader plays the scumbag lawyer well.
Alan Shore makes Harvey Specter seem like a hairgelled facade
Harvey Specter is nothing.
Never liked Specter or his show
I'd pay top money to see one against another.
Ruffus Goodman lol Alan Shore Would DESTROY harvey 😂
Loved specter and his show but it's true Allan is better
I love how Alan brought Denny there just to say his name.
And his overwhelming presence.
Even Groot says three words
Shatner said only two
Don't ever underestimate the effects of those 2 words
This man here will fire me if i didn't, DENNY CRANE (The voice that sends ripples into your spine)
You could hear the Ire behind it no?
Wow he got me believing I stole the scarf now.
No no, Im pretty sure I stole it.
You're both wrong. I'm a goddamn clypto.
Actually, Alan stole it.. lol
🤣
@@Centrinario It's klepto, but we'll take your word for it.
You know, the one good thing about kleptomania, right? You can always take something for it.
No one does the psychopathic stare better than James Spader.
Boston legal shows how the world is often unfair, good people suffer while bad guys go free.
He makes menacing look sexy
Sir Anthony Hopkins is pretty good at it too
When the only thing Shatner has to say is “Denny Crane” and you feel a chill, you begin to understand how incredible he is.
these are the reasons why i would put Boston Lgal on top of any other law series ever to brace the small screen...
Putting this together with some of his Alan Shore courtroom monologues, and it is easy to see why The Practice and Boston Legal were some of the absolutely outstanding TV shows of their time. WIlliam Shatner was also brilliant as the eccentric but deteriorating legal titan of the previous generation, watching over the forging of the person who would take his place, eventually. But while Shatner was great as a recurring cameo, James Spader is the actor that carried the whole concept (with able backing by awesome writers, who gave him so much fantastic material to work with).
He is fantastic too, in The Blacklist, but still not quite as good as he was here - the lawyer who could either agrue that black was white and have you convinced he was correct all along, or remind the court room that humanity has a social conscience which the law sometimes tries to forget.
...the ONLY reason that Spader's work on Blacklist might not be considered by some to be "on par" with either of his previous shows...the Practice or Boston Legal... is the quality of the writing on Blacklist...which is so0ooo totally inferior and just plain idiotic compared to the brilliance of David E. Kelly...and the ONLY reason that Blacklist has been on the air this long is absolutely because of Spader's talent...he alone makes that show watchable...Spader's performance elevates every stupidly contrived plot twist and carries other actors...and Spader's talent is certainly the only reason that show ever had some excellent guest actors make an appearance as well...Spader has tried to make a silk purse out of that sows ear for years...Spader rules...just give him some decent material for hell sake...!!!
The best tv lawyer of all time, and I grew up watching Perry Mason.
2nd best*
Denny is the best.
Best TV lawyer is clearly Ted from Scrubs, his mom calls him “thunder”. Also Rip the actor.
@@superxgaga1
I think Ted was clever and amusing. But I can't compare any of them to the Alan Shore character.
I think W. Shatner was amazing too and certainly complimented James, but James was the star. There would be no Boston Legal without him.
@@Kalenz1234 in the past? Sure. We only ever hear of his past glory until much later in the show. At this point in time we all think he's a washed up has been who couldn't win even the simplest of cases on his own.
The Lincoln Lawyer. The movie was fantastic, but the TV series was exceptional.
Well, as the actor who James is tearing down here, all I can tell you is this was such a fun episode to be in. But if anyone’s interested, this episode - and particularly this scene itself - has an interest story behind it…
Go on! Don’t be shy, I’d like to know.
Tell it, please.
@@playboydojo Well, to start with, yes - I had the privilege of guest starring in season one, episode four, of BOSTON LEGAL as “MILES TIBBET,” a salesclerk at a high-end men’s clothing store who witnesses a lady (Linda Gehringer) who’s a CEO and top client of CPS steal a $200 scarf from my store. Problem is, there’s a “morals clause” in her contract, and if she’s found guilty she stands be fired and to lose millions in stock options and such from her company.
But the version you see aired is actually different from what we originally shot when we first did the episode.
As I recall, the episode went through several different versions. Initially, in this episode, “Brad” (Mark Valley) was the attorney for the CEO, and James Spader’s storyline was the one where he can’t stop saying the word “lesbian” over and over. (That storyline did appear in a later episode.). Then, in a rewrite, Alan was now in my storyline, and the other storyline was Edwin Poole and Lori taking on the firm’s first criminal case, of a man accused (and guilty of) murdering a police officer, who’d been tricked into confessing to the crime. Hence the episode title, “Change of Course.”
As my storyline on the show begins, Paul (Rene Auberjonois) calls Alan into the conference room, and essentially orders Alan to “take down the store clerk by any means necessary,” as this CEO is a top client, and they don’t want to lose her business - especially since this was just her kleptomania threatening to remove her from her position.
As Miles, I have several scenes through the episode - first, early on, Alan is questioning the store security guard, who says he never saw the CEO take the scarf himself, but that it was Miles who witnessed the crime. Once Alan realizes that Miles is the only witness, as well as his instructions from Paul, he enlists Sally (Lake Bell) to go undercover and to find out whatever “compromising information” she can about me, which Alan could then use to destroy me on the stand at trial. Sally questions the ethics of her doing such a thing, to which Alan responds, “I don’t understand the question.”
My second scene takes place in a bar where Sally approaches me, and I think she must be a prostitute, because, “beautiful women don’t usually come up to me, and say hello.” But Sally says she’s just out alone for a drink, and I seem like a nice guy - and Miles is both embarrassed and ashamed. Miles IS a good guy - just an honest citizen who’s been asked by the district attorney to do his civic duty, and say in court that he did indeed personally witness the theft of the scarf. (It’s inferred that that Miles and Sally had a lengthy conversation at this point.)
My third scene takes place the next day. She tells Alan a lot of personal info that I shared with her the night before in the bar, including that I love my job, and my hobby is collecting autographs from actors that I see in theaters around town - all of which Alan says will be helpful info for him in cross examining me. I call Sally to invite her to lunch. - just to thank her for the night before - that I wasn’t trying to peruse a relationship with her - that I realize she’s “way out of my league” - but that it meant a lot to me that she was interested enough in me to spend some time talking, and that it was a very special evening for me. I also tell her at lunch that “this trial is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me,” “I plan to invite a few friends down to watch me testify,” and “that I take beta-blockers for anxiety.” It’s obvious now that Sally’s really beginning to wonder if she’s doing the right thing in following Alan’s direction. Nonetheless, all useful info divulged at the lunch is in turn communicated to Alan.
So - all those scenes are in the version that aired - although, each scene was a bit longer in length, but that’s typical with episodic hour-long shows, which generally run about 42 minutes long - but then, with commercials and exteriors, it comes to an hour long. Most of the time, there’s some editing - occasionally, a lot of editing - before a show airs.
Now, this is where what we shot initially changes from what you see in the episode. It’s my fourth in the episode - the “big scene,” and it takes place not in Sally’s office, but in the courtroom itself. I’m on the stand, and the DA is questioning me as to what I saw, and how can I be sure it’s the same woman. “Well, she was rude,” I say, describing how she was treating myself and the other employees that day, and I talk about seeing her covertly slip the scarf into her handbag. Then, Alan begins to cross examine me. At that point, I notice Sally is in the courtroom - sitting at the defense attorney’s table! What’s going on? Who is this woman??
At which point, Alan systematically begins to absolutely destroy Miles - (me) - in front of the entire courtroom - including the friends who came down to see me “dauntlessly testify.” And by the time he finishes, I’m a shaking mass of nerves, stuttering, “It’s not fair, it’s not fair,” just under my breath. And of course, Sally is just crushed by the entire experience.
I look so unstable, that the CEO is acquitted.
There was also a fifth scene, immediately following in which I rush outside the courtroom to a drinking fountain. I’m approached by Sally - who obviously feels SO bad and remorseful for doing what she was told top do. I just yell at her to get away - STAY AWAY - as I leave the courthouse in shambles.
That was my last scene - and as is the custom on many sets, I was called over by the director, and given a “round of applause” for my week there, and then brought back to our studio bungalows to change, sign out, and go home.
(As a side note, back at the bungalow, there was a phone in the room which started to ring. I wondered - should I pick it up? I did, and it was one of the exec producers saying that he and a roomful of others had just seen that last scene on a TV up in his office, and he was calling to congratulate me. “Everyone up here in is tears, Will - really great work.” He asked me if he could do anything for me - the only thing that came to mind was, would he mind calling my agents to tell them that - and he did. I walked back to my car floating on air…)
Then, about ten days or so later, my agent called to say that Mr. Kelley had rewritten the storyline - and that they needed me back to shoot an additional scene - the one where where Alan confronts me in Sally’s office. I was sad to see the courtroom scene was cut, but very grateful to get to go back for an additional day of work.
Of course, only Mr. Kelley knows exactly why he changed the last scene, but to me, it was an example of DEK’s genius as a writer/creator of the show. To me, it “deepened” the experience for the viewer. Bringing me into Sally’s office, along with just himself and Denny - and without Sally being warned in advance - made the experience so much more “personal” for Sally. It shook her faith in the legal system, and ended with her walking away from her relationship with Alan. It showed what Alan himself was capable of - basically, witness tampering of the worse kind, as Miles “recants his testimony, and doesn’t testify.” The case never goes to trial - hence, the CEO is never fired - a “win” for the firm.
But we see also that Alan knows he did a bad thing - he knows Miles didn’t deserve that, and he knows he broke the law in doing it. But he tells Sally that, although he’s capable of this kind of behavior, that she may wish to re-think whether or not she is. And Sally realizes that he wasn’t using her - he was using Miles - perhaps to break the two of them up. Alan appears to genuinely care for Sally - and wants her to see the dark side of the profession, and perhaps of himself as well - and of what it takes to win an otherwise un-winnable case.
And in the end, she “moves on” from Alan…
(On a personal note, I loved my entire experience on BOSTON LEGAL. And I found “Jim,” Lake, Bill, and absolutely everyone there to be so gracious and welcoming of me. I later even received a beautiful hand-written note from Mr. Kelley himself, thanking me for my work on that episode).
@@jamesmckenzie9551 See just below, James…
@@willradford4030 that's a fantastic story Will, and I'm glad to hear you had such a positive experience!
There's a reason Spader won three Emmys for best actor for this show, including winning out over Tony Soprano the year of the Sopranos' final season.
Nailed it
Everyone says how cruel he is here; but I think he is actually being kind. He could’ve just done this in court. Think how much worse that would’ve been. This is actually nicer.
I don't think so, Alan does not want to go to court. If this came out in court it would be much worse for his client. Alan is doubling down.
Laughable.
You're watching A-list tier Gaslighting happen in this episode. At the end of this episode, Alan Shore is disgusted with himself and hates what he put the witness through.
The original version of the scene had the guy destroyed in court, with Alan doing all those things in public, in front of the guy's friends etc. That scene was shot but then replaced.
2:43 - That motionless, frozen, fish-eyed stare is so unnerving!
That last statement, "Do you wonder if I'm any good, Miles. Do you really wonder?" Sounds like Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry in the film of the same name standing over a perp with a .44 Magnum pointed at him saying, "You've got to ask yourself 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya' punk?"
You could award an Emmy simply for this scene. James Spader's Alam Shore goes from a remarkable and loving and charismatic man to an insidious, seething character one would justly despise, then back to the previpis state. It's a masterclass in acting.
Great scene and a hell of a performance. It's just....... isn't this witness intimidation?
One could make the argument that it is. However it would be incredibly difficult to prove. Because technically Alan shore is correct he is duty-bound to question the character of this particular witness, to call into question his reliability as an eyewitness to the crime his client is accused of committing. Failure to do so could very well lead to losing the case and even losing his job.
isn't it speculation what he's doing? i thought that wasn't proper
Witness intimidation? Why Mr. Shore was just explaining his job, and giving Miles a glimpse of how he might go about the defense.
No. Defense attorneys try to intimidate the witnesses. He is merely telling him what he will have to bring up in court, so it is discussion of the case- as long as it stays within the boundaries.
That’s what you get when you don’t bring your lawyer with you.
What I love about Spader is how easy he makes it look and he doesn't even do the Daniel Day Lewis or Jared Leto (I've got to be the person, know the person, be the person) thing of mimicry which comes across to me as soulless and the people who applaud that acting style equally so! James is an underrated actor on so many levels 👏
Spader is a brilliant actor who understands not only the macro details of a character, but more importantly gets the ever so subtle nuances as well. He was born to play Alan Shore, as Bill Shatner was made to play DC.
So, according to you, people who appreciate Daniel Day Lewis are soulless.
imo
More likely, your attitude makes you soulless.
To keep your narcissism company.
imo
As much as I love James Spader, I really do, I have to say Lake Bell was really good. You could look at her eyes and see how disgusted she was with Allan and herself. She really felt for the guy.
When Spader goes on his rants, it's always good lol
I love this show, but this was a "Jerry Espenson level of cruelty" takedown. Leigh DID steal the scarf, so Alan had Sally date this security guard just to dissuade him from testifying. Alan's 2nd lowest moment. smh..
It's entertaining to watch because he's so good, but yeah it's totally cruel and there's something really awful about watching someone who really doesn't deserve it get ripped apart like that.
I kind of went off BL when Jerry Espenson became a main character in the show, it ramped up the iratating characters too much...
Not cruel at all. He could have done this on the stand in front of everyone. Instead he does it in private where only they know what was said. It’s his job he is going to do it one way or another. He took the less cruel of the two options
Alan was never a kind or nice man. He was principled and hardheaded, always. The only real difference between this and when he goes up against bigger fish is that we think it's okay to berate big pharma and big tobacco. He also sexually harassed his female colleagues over and over and looked down on pretty much everyone he ever met. He was efficient, and really, really good at what he did, but he was never actually a good guy.
I wish this episode had gotten a follow up. Alan deserved to pay a price for this. And frankly, so did Sally.
Sad thing is, this is exactly how it would go in real life. Its not a fairy tale, unscrupulous acts do so often end up getting rewarded. Also here, despite how cruel it looks, Alan is in fact protected Miles. Look at what happened to Boeing whistleblowers, thats how bad it can go, if a normal man goes against giants. Miles is a good guy, so instead of ruining his reputation in court, as Alan could have done, he just ended it in private.
Alan shores voice alone is intimidating and stimulating all at the same time
Brings to mind the dialogue from a different show. Question to witness: "Are you ashame to be a pros****te?" "Not more than you should be ashamed to be a lawyer". End of quote.
You know, as brutal as that scene was, it was actually an act of kindness to show him in "private" what he can expect if he goes to trial. If he can't handle it in the office, there's no way he would be able to in court. Is it witness intimidation if all you tell them is what you intend to do in court? No threat was made about retribution outside of court. Brilliant.
I was a character witness for a friend in a military case. The defense attorney brought me into his office and grilled me, just like this. I was angry and shocked, because we were on the "same team." I was there to help his client. But he had to test me, because the prosecution was going to do the same to me, when I was on the stand. A good lawyer can argue either side of the case, right and facts be damned.
James Spader brings absolute justice to every part he's ever done.
"I m talkinh Miles."
"I m tallimg Sally" 🤣🤣 LOVE HIM
Amazing! Hahaha!
Time to rewatch the whole series.
James spader would have made a fine captain Kirk....
Not really, Spader is perfect in presenting a person that is fiercly intelligent while having an enormous amount of self hatred.
Kirk loved himself more than anyone else and he wasn't the smartest guy around.
@@BruderSeth Spader is a fine actor but he is more suited to a intellectual roles rather than an action star.
@@TheMightsparrow Yeah, absolutely!
...or the Borg collective.
I wish we could have alan shore have his own show he's like a perfect anti hero
Oh my James Spader! ... melted butter on some hot toast! Absolutely reeling in! ♥️LoveLove‼
you equate food with ...never mind
Denny crane! 😂😂😂😂
If you knew nothing about Alan Shore and this was your first time seeing him, you would think he was the vilain of the story.
That was superb superb acting spectacular
Brilliantly written
What a pair of actors! Spader and Shatner!
Damn I wish he would leave Red Reddington for this show again lol
"vanity is my favorite sin...""
It’s fascinating how such unlikeable characters can be so likeable
I think Ted was clever and amusing. But I can't compare any of them to the Alan Shore character.
I think W. Shatner was amazing too and certainly complimented James, but James was the star. There would be no Boston Legal without him.
This is absolutely best scene.
So much said in few minutes
How is she not recording this and how is she not bringing him up on charges for threatening and intimidating a witness?
Who are you referring to? Sally is not that guys lawyer, and she is also guilty of manipulating him (getting the information under false pretence that Alan was used against him)
Oh he's just NASTY!🤣
This is called witness intimidation and is a felony. LOL
wasn't his first, and not his last
The plot of this episode surrounded the case of a man illegally making money on the side by working as a Sean Astin impersonator.
Alan: And is it true your Delta Tau Kai name is
It's really not witness intimidation. It teeters on the line of it, however. Alan was essentially just giving him a taste of what it would feel like in cross examination, and really was just stating facts. He would be bound to reveal that information in court, and if he couldn't handle the pressure of an office room with only three other people, he would definitely crumble in a courtroom filled with far more people, including his friends. That being said, that's what makes Alan such a brilliant attorney. He knows how to walk that line to the maximum without crossing it.
Nah, it's textbook witness intimidation, which is why Sally looks so uncomfortable. It's a not-so-thinly veiled threat that he would ruin him if given the opportunity.
It is after all, part of both Denny's and Alan's characters that they're willing to do sh*t like this in order to please their clients.
The client wasn't out to win this case, she wanted it crushed before it could see the courtroom because the outcome isn't important, only that the information learned never reach the public eye. So they did just that, which is beyond the scope of their job as lawyers and certainly beyond the ethical scope of that job. But that's part of the reason why the firm retains high-profile clients and why they retain lawyers like Alan and Denny. They're fixers just as much as they are lawyers.
Alan: And isn't it true your Delta Tau Kai name is Flounder?
Witness: Ralf..............
One of the reasons us regular mortals are often disgusted by lawyers is that they do such an excellent job of defending their client even when they KNOW the client is guilty, the way Alan does here. Which is also why so many people hate Alan in this scene. I see this as snapping the neck of a wounded animal: Not all of us could do it. It is disgusting, but in a way humane, because you are not dragging out the torture. And if he didn't do this, some other vultures (lawyers) would have ripped him apart. Because when you are as rich as his client, you find a way to be above law. I think even Alan hated himself for this.
Do wonder if im any good, do u reallllllyyyy wonder👽👽oh my
Is this even legal? I mean, having a meeting with a witness of the accusation, not to mention intimidating him?
Not really.
Alan shore gets in trouble later for doing it
@@arielellington3620 : thanks !
When talking about casting Spader as Ultron in the MCU, Joss Whedon described his voice as "hypnotic" and damned if he isn't exactly right. Spader is a decent actor at best, but the man can monologue better than pretty much anyone in the business
I got chills
the problem here is that this would be called witness intimidation. he'd possibly be disbarred for this
he made sure he was saying that he would to all this in cross-examination. He didnt show up at his house or anything-gray area
@@rabibengali5811 it's not a grey area. He pulled him into a private meeting without his lawyer present and then used threats of things that "could happen" in order to attempt to intimidate him into changing how he would respond to questions in court. If caught, he would be fined, arrested, and disbarred.
@@arthurgangnon3504 He's a witness not a suspect so he wouldn't have a lawyer, he merely stated what he was going to do to him in the court room, which he would have done, thats not intimidation, intimidation would be if you testify I'm going to break your legs
At the end of the day, when the shit hits the fan...we all want Alan Shore on our side.
Miles should have broken Alan's jaw, then asked him how he was going to do all that, since his mouth was wired shut.
Yes, because that's how sane people react to being outwitted.🙄
An honest man would just say “You do what you have to do. I will see you in court, where I will tell the truth.”
@@MrJamberee He was honest. He was just insecure. Miles was a security guard and this was a "Winona Ryder-esque" shoplifting trial. Alan was saying that he would highlight these insecurities on nat'l tv.
OK, I need to hear this speech with the Ultron voice filter now
Voice filter? There was no voice filter when JS played Ultron.
Alan is absolutely vicious!
1:32
*DENNY CRANE*
Too bad Miles didn't pull out his phone at the end that recorded everything Alan said. Then say, "Do you want to meet me at the witness stand before or after the judge hears this?"
I don't care how true-to-life this is. but it is fun to watch
To deliver actual justice, you have to go beyond rules of realms! Unscrupulous people have to be wealth with similar methods to protect the justice and equity sometimes
Is this witness badgering legal in the real world? Great scene, though.
Yeah it is, he is not threatening the guy with physical harm or anything. Just revealing to him how hard Alan will go against him in court. Taking how Sally manipulated the guy, it will definitely be considered dirty but not illegal.
Brutal. Absolutely brutal.
In REal life, this is called witness tampering or witness intimidation which is a 2nd degree felony. Lol
While illegal the main issue is that
A. Miles didn't bring a lawyer or witness.
B. Alan frames it in terms of obligation and job description.
So, while Miles might complain nothing can be proven, and if someone did believe him Alan would simply argue that he explained the process of the Trial and what his own role would be.
@@shinyelf youre an idiot , i was a cop for 13 yrs, all you did was spew nonsense, lmao . If someone did believe him. Lmao . Ok sweetheart enjoy. And live in your ignorant bubble.
I loved Alan but I am also scared of him lol
Dam !!!!!!!! Cold and calculated
Erdington vs Rodgers vs ?
To be continued
Don😎
One of the few times I didn't enjoy Spader's Alan Shore doing his job or like him much after.
Sypher the 297th: I can see that. I can also see Shore doing what he did there to a) do his job and b) do it with the guy only experiencing relatively mild, momentary discomfort and not suffering exactly what he said would happen if he had to do his job in the courtroom. I think, given the entire course of the series, that while he certainly had his faults and his bad days, Alan Shore was far, far from cruel and heartless. It’s as he intimated, he’s that damn good at what he does. The scene’s designed to make us question him as well as the profession and system. For the record, I was pissed at him for doing that to the poor schmoe when I saw it on tv too. It took me a while.
@@MariusRiley He did what he had to do. The legal profession is ugly. Like he said during S8 of the practice "Do not confuse morality with legal ethics. The two are almost mutually exclusive." He served the interests of his client (although technically he intimidated a witness with things that a judge might have shit him down on if brought up in court) but he enjoyed this one. When he did the same thing to Jerry Espenson when he was opposing counsel he most certainly did not enjoy it that time.
@@MariusRiley This scene is probably what won him the emmy in 2005.
Why because he was mean? I realize it was a difficult thing to watch but his performance was outstanding regardless. The character he played was exactly that, two sides of the coin.
@@leonardo47000 Because if you watch the show, the vast majority of the time Allen is punching up. Even when he's unethical or cruel it's against people who had it coming. This is one of the rare times he had to turn his talents on someone not only undeserving but who was way below his weight class.
It is really good at showing him do something both in and out of character.
“Do you wonder if I’m any good?”
No, Alan, I don’t.
This lawyer is very easy to love/hate, depending on if is on your side, or the opposition. If he was against me in litigation, I would probably spend hours trying to find a way to turn him into some kind of disgusting stew. Lol. What a great character!!!!!
Well written show...!
So Danny crane is basically legal talk for Groot!
I STOLE THE SCARF JUST STOP IT PLZ GOD STOP IT 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Great entertainment, a lot of it is Spader of course, who is so good at ‘both’ jobs (acting and lawyering) he makes us forget that a rich lady stole a scarf and will get away with it…
Be still my beating heart 💓
my favorite scene
How do I hire Alan Shore?
If your his client he’s your guardian angel if your a witness against his client he’s a cunning devil
Fuckin' Spacer did such a good job on this show. Episode to episode he could change direction and have you loathing or admiring Lawyers. And all the while, doing it with flair and style.
I never liked the bugger myself. But by Christ he could act.
"Denny Crane"❤️👌🏻
Alan Shore was brilliant, but he was an asshole at times. This was one of those times. He was a character that you both loved and hated at the same time. James Spader is a simply brilliant actor and did a magnificent job in playing this role. This series has always been one of my favorites.
1:32 *Denny Crane*
James Spader is the one living actor that could possibly go toe to toe with Anthony Hopkins. I can imagine him today as a character that is as deep and fascinating and terrifying as Hannibal Lecter.
Actually I think JS is a better actor than Anthony Hopkins. His portrayals are more nuanced and natural. You always know AH is acting but when you watch JS you are so drawn in and it's real and you forget he's acting. This is why, in his long career, his characters have been so iconic.
Part of wishes dembe would show up to tell raymond that elizabeth is waiting to see him in his office
Well, do you feel lucky, Miles?
Well, do ya, Putz?
I want to.make a public confession..I stole the scarf and planted it
The only attorney I like, Alan Shore
Oh Alan, didn't I tell you I was recording this private conversation. When the Bar reviews this recording they'll at least doubt your moral standards as an officer of the court. Your successful client isn't above the law, although you seem to be..... PAY ME!. It isn't hard to write this lawyer crap!
The whole story becomes more and more obsolete as we speak because of the technology leaving noone unattended 24/7.
It's hard not to like the character, Alan Shore, but he sure is a ******* *******!
Was that Kent "Flounder" Dorfman (Stephen Furst) from Animal House?
I think this is an actor named Stephan Lee
I'm not a lawyer, but isn't this witness tampering, and therefore not permissible? 😅
"all those -ity words"... ☠️
If a lawyer did this to me id be in that courtroom no question alans only move was to try and get the witness to back down
Love to have Alan Shore represent me if a cop ignores my fourth amendment.
I watched Boston Legal after Suits, I feel Harvey Spectre was nothing compared to Alan Shore. Denny Crane, Denny Crane, Denny Crane he was just amazing, eat your heart out Groot.
Lake Bell was on this show? Even briefly?
Hot...
"Denny Crane"