2005 Paley Festival: Boston Legal

Customer reviews:

More of James Spader.., 2007-11-21
It was interesting to watch the whole Boston Legal cast on the stage along with the writer and producer but I wish there was more of the actor James Spader talking.

Lackluster Legalisms, 2007-09-27
I love Boston Legal and by the end of August, deprived of my weekly injection of intelligent and creative zaniness, I'll do anything to see a new showcase of the talents of this group of actors and writers. The DVD for Season 3 wasn't available yet, so I ordered this DVD instead. I thought it would be sort of a roast of the series or at least a fun way to get the actors' perspectives on their characters.

I was wrong. The format for this panel discussion was surprisingly banal. I assume someone must have edited the live talk show this was taped from but there were still yawn-making pauses while the microphone slowly traveled from one audience member to another so they could address questions to the panel. The actors were mostly quite amusing but couldn't say anything unless they were called on. The producer and director took themselves far more seriously than I had expected.

This is not a FUN video, although there were a few interesting behind the scenes insights. For example, Renee Auberjonois' character was added because it was felt that at least ONE person at the law firm should look like they took life seriously and were working hard to make sure the executive john didn't run out of toilet paper. Now I understand why they are writing him out for Season 4 but I felt his amazing talents were always underutilized on this show. He got the same backseat treatment on the panel.

If this ever comes up as a "4-for-3" special and you can get it for free, without paying shipping, it would be worth that.