Ep 7. Attack of the Xenophobes

In Boston Legal season 4 episode 7, titled "Attack of the Xenophobes," the team at Crane, Poole, and Schmidt find themselves tackling a case involving a hate crime against an immigrant. The episode begins with Jerry Espenson receiving a letter from the Department of Homeland Security requesting a meeting. Jerry, who is on the autism spectrum, is terrified and certain that he's in trouble for something. However, he soon learns that they want his help with a case involving the shooting of a Pakistani man.

The victim, Hani Jibril, was shot by a group of xenophobic neighborhood watch members who believed he was a terrorist. As a result of the shooting, Hani's wife and kids have been left without a provider, and the community has been left deeply shaken. While Jerry at first struggles to find the courage to go to court, he ultimately musters up the strength to do so. He is helped along the way by his friends and colleagues, who offer him support and encouragement.

The case takes a surprising turn when the defense team argues that the shooting was actually a justifiable act of self-defense. They claim that Hani was acting suspiciously in the neighborhood and that the shooter, who had a prior history of physical assault, believed that Hani was reaching for a weapon when he was shot. This argument causes tensions to rise in the courtroom, and the judge must work to maintain order.

Meanwhile, Alan and Denny take on a case involving a man who is suing a pharmaceutical company after his young daughter dies from medication intended to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The man claims that the company knowingly sold a defective drug that caused his daughter's death. While the case seems straightforward at first, it quickly becomes more complicated as the defense argues that the drug was FDA-approved, and that the man's daughter had underlying health conditions that caused her death.

Throughout the episode, Boston Legal explores themes of xenophobia, prejudice, and the need for justice. Through Jerry's story, the show highlights the challenges faced by those with autism and the importance of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background. Through the case of the pharmaceutical company, the show grapples with issues of corporate responsibility and the risks and benefits of new medications.

As always, Boston Legal also delivers plenty of witty banter and surreal humor. Alan and Denny engage in their usual antics, with Denny lamenting about how the world is "going to hell" and Alan quipping that they should "get front-row seats." Meanwhile, Jerry struggles with the social cues of dating and finds himself in an awkward situation with one of the attorneys at the firm.

Overall, Boston Legal season 4 episode 7 is a powerful episode that tackles important issues while still maintaining the show's trademark wit and humor. The episode is a must-see for fans of the show and for anyone interested in thought-provoking legal dramas.