Practice 6.1 FAQ
What’s it called?
“The Candidate.”
When does it air?
9 p.m. tonight on ABC.
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to “Practice” mastermind David E. Kelley.
What does TV Guide say?
“A sensational homicide case rocks Boston in the series' two-hour, sixth-season opener. The defendant is a charismatic state senator (Dylan Baker), who's charged with killing the man purported to be his wife's lover. Pretrial drama centers on the accounts of two key witnesses: the politician's intransigent spouse and his reticent teenage daughter. Later, courtroom skirmishes are interwoven with the sometimes contentious strategizing of prosecutor Helen Gamble and her associate, Alan Lowe (new series regular Ron Livingston); and squabbling on the defense team, led by Ellenor (Camryn Manheim). Marsha: Virginia Madsen. Allison: Emmy Rossum. Judge Finkle: Lane Smith. Walsh: Bill Smitrovich.”
Is this a funny one?
Jimmy has a great throwaway retort for Rebecca during a staff meeting, but mostly it’s dead serious.
Any season-opening surprises?
Not really. Ron Livingston, who will be competing with his “Band of Brothers” series on HBO tonight, has already replaced Jason Kravitz in the opening titles.
How is Livingston?
He’s good, but given an unusually low-key introduction for a new Kelley character.
What’s TV Guide not telling us?
Tonight’s two-hour installment is typically solid, save for a killer final act that puts it right over the top. I defy anyone who hasn’t seen the last 15 minutes to predict the episode’s outcome.
What else isn’t TV Guide telling us?
When the Livington character is teamed with Gamble on the case, the press covering the trial take to referring to the sexy duo as “The Steam Team.” Also, Ellenor hits the wall.
Anything going on with the characters’ personal storylines?
Zero, unless you count the way Gamble and her second chair glance at each other over dinner.
Are Wolfram & Hart lawyers waiting for Angel when he gets home?
What? How did you get in here?? Security!
What’s good?
Dylan Baker (“Happiness”) and his creepily charismatic turn as the Conditesque lawmaker -- and the way that character keeps everybody at Donnell Young in the dark until the final minutes.
What’s not so good?
“Ally” has grown too goofy, and one misses the sharp comedy that used to visit “The Practice.” If only all Kelley’s shows could demonstrate the balance employed on “Boston Public.”
No spoilers at all, Herc?
Just this: the senator’s storyline continues next week.
Herc’s rating for “The Practice” 6.1?
***1/2
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
Swing the crebbil! Swing the crebbil!
