William Shatnerhas built an unshakable legacy in pop culture, primarily thanks to his iconic turn as Captain James T. Kirk inStar Trek: The Original Series. For generations of sci-fi fans, Shatner’s commanding presence, distinctive cadence, and unwavering confidence helped define the very idea of a starship captain. However, despite his enduring impact, Shatner’s post-Star Trekcareer is woefully overlooked.
James T. Kirk looms largein the pop culture zeitgeist, often referenced or parodied for his dramatic delivery and theatrics. This has, unfortunately, led to a widespread misconception: that William Shatner is more of a cultural icon than a genuinely great actor. The truth is far more interesting - and far more impressive.
In reality,William Shatner’s talents stretch well beyondthe Final Frontier. He delivered one of the most complex, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt performances of his career in a legal drama that earned an 86% score onRotten Tomatoes. His performance as Denny Crane inBoston Legalis nothing short of flawless, and it completely changed how I saw him as an actor.
Boston Legal Features One Of The Best Performances Of William Shatner’s Career
Denny Crane Is One Of The Boldest, Funniest, And Most Nuanced Roles William Shatner Has Ever Played
Boston Legalpremiered in 2004 on ABC, running for five seasons until 2008. Aspin-off ofThe Practice, the legal dramedy was created by David E. Kelley and focused on the attorneys of Crane, Poole & Schmidt, a high-powered Boston law firm. The show blended courtroom drama with sharp social commentary, outrageous characters, and unexpected heart.
At thecenter ofBoston Legalwas William Shatner as Denny Crane- a founding partner of the firm and a self-proclaimed legal legend. Denny is bombastic, unpredictable, and often politically incorrect, but he’s also weirdly lovable. From the moment Shatner appears on screen, it’s clear Denny Crane isn’t the kind of senior lawyer seen in most legal dramas. He’s a force of nature.
Denny Crane so fascinating (and ahighly underrated William Shatner role) is the constant contradiction. He boasts endlessly about his courtroom wins and reputation, often shouting his own name like a battle cry - “Denny Crane!” - as if it were both a mic drop and legal precedent. However, beneath the bravado lies a man quietly battling the onset of Alzheimer’s,grasping at legacy and identity as his mind begins to betray him.
William Shatnerplays these layers beautifully.He leans into Denny’s wild eccentricities without making him a cartoon. One moment he’s shooting a client with a paintball gun, the next he’s vulnerably admitting he’s afraid of losing control. The performance swings from hilarious to tragic without ever feeling disjointed.
For fans who only associateWilliam Shatner with Captain Kirk’s bravado,Boston Legalis a revelation. It shows a performer with extraordinary comic timing, surprising emotional depth, and a fearless commitment to an unpredictable character. In Denny Crane, Shatner found a role that let him go big and small - often in the same scene - and he won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy for it.
William Shatner Stars Alongside James Spader In Boston Legal
The Odd But Perfect On-Screen Friendship Between Shatner And Spader Makes The Show
While William Shatner leadsthe cast ofBoston Legal, he doesn’t carry the show alone. His co-star is the equally brilliant James Spader as Alan Shore, an equally eccentric, highly intelligent, and morally flexible attorney. If Denny Crane is the aging legend, Alan Shore is the sharp-witted provocateur, constantly pushing legal boundaries and challenging societal norms.
What makesBoston Legalso compelling is the unexpected friendship between Denny and Alan.The two share a deep, sincere bondthat defies age, politics, and personality. In many ways, Alan acts as Denny’s conscience - often horrified by his antics, yet unflinchingly loyal. Meanwhile, Denny sees Alan as the only person who truly understands him, even as his condition worsens.
These scenes with Spader and Shatner - so simple, yet so rich - areBoston Legal’sbeating heart.
William Shatner andJames Spader’s dynamic isequal parts hilarious and touching.Their characters often end each episode drinking scotch and smoking cigars on the office balcony, reflecting on the cases of the week and life itself. These scenes with Spader and Shatner - so simple, yet so rich - areBoston Legal’sbeating heart.
Spader’s Alan Shore also brings out the best in Denny Crane. Where others might see Denny as a walking HR complaint, Alan sees a friend struggling with aging, legacy, and relevance. For his part, where others might dismiss Alan as an arrogant narcissist, Denny sees brilliance and loyalty.Their bond is deeply human, and their conversations often tackle real-world topics with surprising thoughtfulness.
Both actors elevate each other. William Shatner’s performance is more grounded whenbouncing off Spader’s cerebral energy, while Spader’s idealism feels rawer beside Denny’s chaotic swagger. It’s amasterclass in character chemistry.Together, they create something rarely seen on the small screen: a platonic male friendship that’s funny, emotional, and filled with mutual respect.
There Are Few Legal Dramas Out There Like Boston Legal
Sharp Satire, Strong Characters, And Emotional Storytelling Are Combined A Truly Unique Way
Most legal dramaslean into gravitas, filling their courtrooms with tension, power suits, and moral ambiguity.Boston Legal, however, takes a wildly different route. It’s unapologetically quirky, deeply character-driven, and often laugh-out-loud funny - without ever losing its edge. It’s this tonal tightrope that sets the show apart.
Created by David E. Kelley - also known forAlly McBeal,The Practice, andBig Little Lies-Boston Legalthrives on unpredictability. The cases range from the bizarreto the shockingly timely, with scripts that are as likely to break the fourth wall as they are to deliver a legal lecture. It’s a show that revels in absurdity while still making pointed social commentary.
William Shatner’sDenny Crane is central to this balance.His chaotic personality constantly walks the line between satire and sincerity. However, it’s the show’s ensemble - including Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt and René Auberjonois (whoalso appeared inStark Trek) as Paul Lewiston - that helps keep things grounded, giving the madness a sharp structure.
A show that’s funny, unpredictable, and unafraid to tackle big ideas while still making you care deeply about its characters.
The writing is bold and clever, oftenswitching from comedy to drama within a single monologue.James Spader’s courtroom speeches, frequently delivered directly to the camera, are among the most memorable moments, tackling everything from civil liberties to corporate greed. William Shatner’s ability to follow these moments with comedic relief or emotional honesty kept the show from ever feeling one-note.
In many ways,Boston Legalpaved the wayfor shows likeSuits,which also blend legal drama with slick humor and character-based storytelling. However, few have managed to do it with the same emotional complexity or social daring. Where other legal shows might play it safe,Boston Legalembraces its weirdness- and ends up feeling more truthful because of it.
For fans of William Shatner,Boston Legalis essential viewing. It allows him to be bombastic, yes, but also nuanced and emotionally resonant. What’s more, for fans of legal dramas, it offers something rare: a show that’s funny, unpredictable, and unafraid to tackle big ideas while still making you care deeply about its characters.
