McKenzie overcomes his fear of aging, as well as a little vanity, in successfully representing a client in an age discrimination case; Van Owen is devastated when a witness she has forced to testify against a gang banger is slain, and the woman's young son murders the gang member who ordered his mother's execution; Rollins defies the direct orders of McKenzie and Brackman not to prolong a property settlement conference in a divorce case, but Becker is elated when Rollins's tactics yield a lucrative settlement for their client; Kelsey politely rebuffs Markowitz as he bears gifts and apologies about the prenup, until he finally wears her down and gets her to admit that controlling and manipulative behavior is another thing they have in common; Brackman's sanctimonious pontificating about the sanctity of marriage to litigants in the court room doesn't carry into his own behavior in his chambers with Vasek.
If you're searching for a gripping legal drama that challenges the boundaries of ethics, morality, and personal conviction, look no further than *The Practice*. This American television series, created by David E. Kelley, aired from March 4, 1997, to May 16, 2004. With eight seasons and a total of 168 episodes, *The Practice* offers an in-depth look at the lives of defense attorneys working at the fictional law firm of Donnell Young Dole & Frutt. The show deftly balances humor with serious themes, exploring the moral complexities that come with defending clients in high-stakes cases.
In Season 1, viewers are introduced to an ensemble cast led by Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell and Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt. Each character brings their own unique perspective to the practice of law. For instance, Eugene Young (played by Steve Harris) often finds himself grappling with personal issues while trying to protect vulnerable clients from abusive partners or oppressive systems. The interplay between each attorney's professional life and their personal struggles creates an engaging narrative that hooks viewers from the very first episode.
One notable aspect of *The Practice* is its commitment to addressing contemporary social issues through its storylines. From domestic abuse to corporate malfeasance involving big tobacco companies, Season 1 tackles topics that are just as relevant today as they were during its original airing. In Episode 1, Bobby defends a young girl charged with drug possession while Lindsay faces off against her former law professor in a case against a tobacco giant—a plot that highlights both legal strategy and moral ambiguity.