Boston Legal Season 4 Episode 20 Patriot Acts

Alan Shore and Denny Crane take on the case of a National Guardsman who was fired from his job after failing a drug test. They argue that he was taking medical marijuana to help relieve the symptoms of his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that he developed during his deployment to Iraq. The case becomes more complex when they discover that the man's psychiatrist, who prescribed the marijuana, has been arrested on drug charges.

Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt deals with an ethical dilemma when she discovers that one of her clients, a tobacco company, has been hiding evidence of the harmful effects of its products. She struggles with the decision of whether to continue representing them or to abandon the case.

Additionally, Jerry Espenson takes on a case involving a man who believes that he is a superhero. The man, who goes by the name of The Stick, has been arrested for vigilantism and Jerry must convince the court that his client is not mentally ill, but rather a hero who is trying to make a difference in his community.

As the episode unfolds, the lawyers at Crane, Poole & Schmidt must navigate difficult ethical and legal issues, while also dealing with personal challenges. Alan Shore grapples with his feelings for a woman from his past, while Denny Crane struggles with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to fighting for justice and upholding the law.

Throughout the episode, the writing is sharp and witty, providing moments of both humor and drama. The performances of the cast are outstanding, particularly James Spader as Alan Shore and William Shatner as Denny Crane, who bring humanity and depth to their characters. The show also raises important questions about the use of medical marijuana, the ethics of representing questionable clients, and the boundaries between mental illness and heroism.

Overall, Patriot Acts is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of Boston Legal. It showcases the show's strengths in tackling complex legal and social issues with humor and intelligence, while also providing engaging character development. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this installment, and newcomers will find it to be an excellent introduction to the world of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.