The Practice

I have just finished watching all eight seasons of “The Practice“. Ā Getting through all of it took me longer than usual, but I still did.

The way I watch TV series is pretty much the way I watch movies and read books – from cover to cover and, hopefully, in one go. Ā If I want to watch a single episode, chances are I will watch the whole season. Ā If I want to watch a season, I will probably watch all available seasons. Ā I don’t know why I am like that and that’s not really important right now.

What’s important is that I found out about “The Practice” after watching all “Boston Legal” and wanting more. Ā There were no more, but there was “The Practice”, which was pretty much a prequel to “Boston Legal”. Ā It was created by the same David Kelley and even featured some of the same characters. Ā The character that I was the most interested in – Alan Shore – was introduced in the last, eighth season of “The Practice”, and initially I wanted to see just that season. Ā But how could I? Ā What if I miss something? What if there is more to be had? Ā I just had to watch all eight seasons.

I can’t say that I regret it. Ā “The Practice” is a very good TV series. Ā There is everything I want from my TV – entertainment, interesting stories, good acting, humor, drama, and characters I can associate with. Ā “The Practice” offers all of that and more. Ā But it wasn’t until I actually got to season eight, not until Alan Shore (played by the excellent James Spader), that I recognized why it took me only a few days to watch “Boston Legal”.

“The Practice”, as good as it is, takes itself a bit too serious. Ā There is a lot of realism and drama. Ā “Boston Legal” is a much lighter TV series. Ā There is more humor, it’s easier on the audience. Ā Both of the TV series provide plenty to think about. Ā But “Boston Legal” does it in a more suggestive way, while “The Practice” pretty much slams you with an idea and demands you make up your mind about it before the episode is over.

Overall, as I said, it is still a very good TV series. Ā If you like good quality TV, that’s something to watch. Ā Especially if you enjoy legal context to your stories. Ā But if you really enjoyed the lighthearted way of the “Boston Legal”, than I suggest you just watch the last, eighth season of “The Practice”. Ā It is very similar to “Boston Legal”. Ā Prior seasons are very different.

Rating? I’ll give it a solid 4 out of 5.