Ep 24. Deep End of the Poole

The episode "Deep End of the Poole" is the 24th episode of the second season of the legal drama TV series Boston Legal. The show is set in the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt located in Boston. The show is known for its satire on modern American society and its humorous approach to law proceedings.

In this episode, Alan Shore, played by James Spader, takes on a new client: Catherine Piper, a woman who claims that her late husband was murdered by the United States government. Shore believes that the government is trying to cover up the killing by claiming that it was a suicide. So, he decides to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the government.

Meanwhile, Brad Chase, played by Mark Valley, is assigned to defend a man who is accused of murdering his wife. However, Brad discovers that his client had an affair with his sister-in-law, which complicates the case. He also has to deal with the prosecution's attempts to use his personal life against him to weaken his credibility.

In another part of the episode, Denny Crane, played by William Shatner, is fighting with his ex-girlfriend, Denise Bauer, played by Julie Bowen, for the custody of their frozen embryos. Denny and Denise had stored the embryos for future use when they were together, but after their breakup, Denny wants to use them to have a child with another woman. Denise opposes this and asks the court to give her custody of the embryos.

The episode also deals with the issue of should lawyers ethically compromise for their clients. The firm's senior partner, Shirley Schmidt, played by Candice Bergen, is finding herself in a compromised position with one of the firm's biggest clients. She must decide whether to give the client what she wants or stay true to her ethical standards.

As usual, the episode is filled with humor, drama, and legal eagle action. The dialogue is witty and sharp, satirizing the legal profession and contemporary American culture. The actors deliver a stellar performance, and the chemistry between the characters brings life to the show.

In conclusion, "Deep End of the Poole" effectively captures the essence of Boston Legal. It is entertaining, thought-provoking, and a must-watch for fans of the show. The episode is successful in advancing the various ongoing plotlines, while also maintaining the show's signature combination of drama, satire, and humor.