I must state the obvious. James Spader is huge! He makes Allen Shore appear like the most intelligent man who ever lived, and that's a combination of great writing and even better acting. I mean nobody is that clever, and that’s exactly why I watch this show. Always waiting for the parts where Allen shore says something witty and unpredictable. The closing argument was one of the best monologues I ever saw on TV, second only to the one he did in front of the taxes judges in the 1st season finale.

Other thing that cracked me up in this episode is the mad cow remark Danny Crane made to the judge. I was in a puddle from that moment on.

Rupert Everett is something I would like to see more in this show (He is a funny guy), and the new bitchy lawyer I would like to see less (I don't really know why. Who is she, what is she, is she any good? Nobody told me. Is like they are forcing her and the two interns on me, and they steal screen time from the really interesting characters). Also bring me back Mr. Pool!
Put HIM instead of her so I can give you a 10, and not 9.5.

I agree with other reviewers that complain about new characters apearing 'out of the blue' with no satisfying explanation (Where did she go?), but for me the few minutes where the cellist was on the stand were all that was needed for me to come out of this episode with a big stupid smile on my face. these original touches is exactly why I love watching boston legal ! I do hope, thought, to be able to give higher marks to episodes as the 2nd season progresses. :(

It's really great to have this show back on - I missed James Spader I think he is one of the best actors ever on TV, the awaed he got is well deserved.

p.s. does anyone else think danny crane is a bit TOO much sex crazed??