Ep 5. The Bad Seed

The Bad Seed is the fifth episode of the fifth season of Boston Legal. In this episode, the focus is mainly on attorney Edwin Poole's deteriorating mental health. He claims that he is being haunted by the ghost of his dead client, who was a convicted murderer. This causes him to become more erratic and agitated, to the point of being dangerous to himself and to others.

Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt is dealing with a personal crisis as well. Her daughter, Rachel, is going through a rough patch in her marriage and has come to seek her mother's advice. Shirley finds herself struggling to balance her roles as a mother and as an attorney. She also has to deal with the fact that her former lover, Ivan Tiggs, has returned to the firm as a litigator.

In the midst of all this, Alan Shore and Denny Crane take on a case involving a high-end call girl who is charged with murdering one of her clients. The duo finds themselves at odds with the prosecuting attorney, who is determined to nail their client, and with the victim's family, who are seeking revenge.

As the episode progresses, tensions mount and the various plot points converge. Edwin's condition worsens, leading to a shocking revelation about his relationship with his late client. Shirley's dilemma comes to a head, forcing her to make a tough decision. Alan and Denny's case takes a surprising turn, leading to a dramatic conclusion.

Overall, The Bad Seed is a tense and gripping episode that showcases the series' trademark blend of drama, humor, and social commentary. It tackles complex issues such as mental illness, family dynamics, and the criminal justice system, while also delivering compelling character arcs and memorable moments of wit and satire. Fans of Boston Legal will not want to miss this installment.