that's saying something

when the New York Times calls something liberal [bugmenot login]....that's saying something

nyt media writer alessandra stanley refers to david e kelley's "boston legal"--specifically, james spader's alan shore character--as decidedly liberal

It's an hourlong sitcom, except when it turns into liberal talk radio: in almost every episode, the hero, Alan Shore (James Spader), shakes off his sardonic detachment and delivers a long, uninterrupted rant about the Iraq war, the credit card industry or the Roman Catholic Church.

taking up liberal causes, makes him a "conventional prime-time hero"--or at least that's what stanley believes--who is awed (by audience and characters alike)

Early in the first season of "Boston Legal," Alan Shore had a soft spot for lost causes, but he kept any semblance of human decency well hidden from his colleagues and clients.
Shore remains icy and cutting, but he has shed much of his wickedness to champion causes. In a recent episode he represented a young woman suing the United States military for the death of her brother in Iraq, lashing out at the administration and a complacent, indifferent public. ( "At least with Vietnam we all watched and got angry.") He lost the case but won over the judge, who agreed with Shore's assessment that the war was a "disaster."
Shore has morphed from someone who was despicable even in his finer moments to a conventional prime-time hero. (The camera keeps cutting to characters staring in awe at his eloquence and moral fervor.)

however stanley warns

But "Boston Legal" could do with less heat and more wit. In Shore, Mr. Kelley has created a character who rivals Tony Soprano or Al Swearengen of "Deadwood." It seems a shame to sacrifice him on the altar of politics. Dishing conservatives, after all, is a revenge best served cold.

disclosure: as with a few too many NYT writers, alessandra stanley has some credibility issues

¶ - nitish @ 4:41 PM