Ep 17. Death Be Not Proud

In Boston Legal season 1 episode 17, titled "Death Be Not Proud," the legal team at Crane, Poole, & Schmidt takes on a case involving a man who is being denied a life-saving kidney transplant by his insurance company. The man, named Mr. O'Donnell, is suffering from kidney failure and needs a transplant in order to survive. His insurance company, however, has denied him coverage, stating that the transplant is "experimental" and not covered under his policy.

Alan Shore (played by James Spader) takes on the case and argues that Mr. O'Donnell's life should not be valued any less than someone who is able to afford the transplant out of pocket. He argues that denying coverage for a life-saving procedure is immoral and unethical, and that the insurance company is more concerned with its bottom line than with the health and well-being of its policyholders.

Meanwhile, Denny Crane (played by William Shatner) is dealing with his own mortality as he grapples with the fact that he is approaching the end of his life. He is suffering from Alzheimer's and is beginning to exhibit symptoms, forgetting simple things and repeating himself in conversations. This storyline adds a layer of emotional depth to the episode, as Denny tries to come to terms with the fact that he may not have much time left.

The case takes a dramatic turn when Mr. O'Donnell's condition worsens and he is rushed to the hospital. The doctors determine that he needs the transplant immediately in order to survive, or else he will die within hours. Alan, with the help of fellow lawyer Tara Wilson (played by Rhona Mitra), frantically work to try and find a legal loophole that will force the insurance company to cover the procedure.

In the midst of this chaos, Denny has a breakdown and becomes convinced that he is dying. He writes a letter to his daughter, claiming that he wants to end his own life before the Alzheimer's takes over completely. This storyline brings a sense of urgency and poignancy to the episode, as the characters grapple with the reality of death and the lengths people will go to in order to preserve life.

As the episode comes to a close, the team is able to secure the transplant for Mr. O'Donnell and he is successfully operated on. Denny, too, is able to come to terms with his own mortality and is comforted by Alan in a touching scene that underscores the deep bond between the two characters.

Overall, "Death Be Not Proud" is a moving and deeply emotional episode that addresses complex issues surrounding life, death, and healthcare. The combination of the high-stakes legal case and the personal struggles of the characters makes for a powerful and resonant episode that showcases the strengths of the show's writing and performances.