Watch Philly
- 2001
- 1 Season
-
7.3 (408)
Philly was a legal drama television series created by Steven Bochco and aired on CBS from September 25, 2001, to May 28, 2002. The show revolves around the character of Kathleen Maguire, played by Kim Delaney, who is a defense attorney in Philadelphia. Kathleen is a tough lawyer who is not afraid to stand up for her clients, even if it means going against the establishment. She is a single mother, and her personal life often intersects with her professional life, causing emotional conflict. Her relationship with her mentor, Ezekiel "Zeke" Borns, played by veteran actor Robert Harper, adds another dimension to the show.
The office of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney & Kuzak from the famous legal drama L.A. Law is the backdrop of the show. The law firm has expanded to Philadelphia, and Kathleen runs the office. The other attorneys and staff members in the office include Will Froman, played by Tom Everett Scott, who is a former Assistant District Attorney and works as an associate at the firm; Danette Andredes, played by Kyle Secor, who is a fellow attorney and Will's love interest; and Arnold Spivak, played by Rick Hoffman, who is an eccentric and sleazy paralegal.
The show explores complex legal cases, which often have social and political undertones. In the first episode, Kathleen fights to save a mentally ill woman from being executed, despite opposition from the District Attorney's office. She also takes up the case of a man who is falsely accused of murder but is sent to death row due to racial bias.
Philly combines legal drama with a character-driven narrative, where the personal lives of the characters play a crucial role in shaping the show's events. Kathleen's relationship with her ex-husband, Kevin McClain, played by John Doman, and her daughter's teenage angst provide a contrast to her legal battles. There are several stand-alone episodes that deal with topical issues such as gun control, child abuse, and police brutality.
The show's strengths lie in the performances of the actors, with Kim Delaney giving a compelling portrayal of the lead character. She brings a vulnerability to the tough-as-nails persona of Kathleen, making her character relatable. Tom Everett Scott provides a good foil to Delaney's character, bringing a much-needed lightness to the show. Rick Hoffman's Arnold is a character that you love to hate, and he adds a touch of humor to the show.
Philly's production values are impressive, with excellent cinematography and a great soundtrack. The show's opening credits, a montage of Philadelphia landmarks set to the sound of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'," is a standout feature.
The show's ratings, however, were not enough to keep it on air for more than one season, despite critical acclaim. The show's creators, Steven Bochco and David Milch, had previously worked on the highly successful NYPD Blue and Hill Street Blues, so the expectations were high. However, it failed to garner enough viewership and was eventually canceled after 22 episodes.
In conclusion, Philly is a well-made legal drama that deserves more recognition. The show's focus on character development and social issues sets it apart from other shows in the genre. The cast members are excellent, and the production values are top-notch. Though it only had one season, the series is a must-watch for fans of legal dramas and those who appreciate good storytelling.
Philly is a series that ran for 1 seasons (22 episodes) between September 25, 2001 and on CBS