Ep 1. Head Cases

Boston Legal is a legal drama television series that premiered in 2004 and ran for five seasons. The show follows the lives of lawyers working at the prestigious law firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt in Boston, Massachusetts. In the first episode of season one, titled "Head Cases," viewers are introduced to the main characters and the unique cases they are presented with.

The episode begins with Alan Shore, played by James Spader, arriving at Crane, Poole & Schmidt as a new hire. Shore is a brilliant lawyer with a reputation for bending the rules to get the results he wants. He is immediately tasked with defending a man on trial for assaulting a police officer.

The accused is Denny Crane, played by William Shatner, who is also a senior partner at the firm. Crane suffers from senile dementia and has been prone to outbursts and erratic behavior. The assault in question occurred when Crane was mistakenly pulled over for a DUI and believed he was being attacked. Shore convinces Crane to let him handle the case, but the courtroom antics that follow prove difficult to control.

Meanwhile, the firm's other senior partner, Paul Lewiston, played by Rene Auberjonois, is dealing with a sexual harassment claim against one of the firm's associates. Brad Chase (Mark Valley) is accused of making inappropriate remarks to a female co-worker, but he denies any wrongdoing and believes the claim is retaliation for him rejecting the woman's advances.

Lewiston assigns Shirley Schmidt, played by Candice Bergen, to investigate the claim. Schmidt is a tough, no-nonsense attorney who takes her job seriously but is not above using her feminine wiles to get what she wants. Schmidt uncovers evidence that the woman making the claim is lying, but the situation is complicated by the fact that another female associate witnessed Chase's behavior and supports the claim against him.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn more about the characters' backgrounds and personal lives. Shore is revealed to have a troubled past and is battling his own demons, while Crane's condition worsens, causing concern among his colleagues. Schmidt deals with her own personal issues when her ex-husband shows up wanting to rekindle their relationship.

The episode concludes with the two main cases being resolved. Shore manages to secure a not guilty verdict for Crane by claiming he was suffering from a PTSD flashback, while Chase is fired from the firm for his inappropriate remarks. The final scene shows the characters at a bar, toasting to their victories and preparing for the next round of cases.

Overall, "Head Cases" sets the tone for the rest of the series by introducing viewers to the unique world of Crane, Poole & Schmidt and the colorful characters that inhabit it. The combination of legal drama, humor, and complicated personal relationships make for an entertaining and engaging episode that will leave viewers wanting more.