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The Practice

The Practice

19978
ドラマ
公開日
1997年3月04日
国
アメリカ合衆国
制作
David E. Kelley ProductionsDaydreamers EntertainmentDecode Entertainment20th Century Fox Television
デビッド・E・ケリー制作。社会派・法廷ドラマ。ボストンの小さな法律事務所を舞台に、個々の理想に燃える個性溢れる弁護士たちの活躍を描き出す。

About

Quick guide

A Boston legal drama that follows a small firm’s partners and associates as they wrestle with moral gray areas in court and life.

The Practice centers on Bobby Donnell, the firm’s ambitious yet principled senior partner, and his team of young attorneys who tackle cases that often sit on the edge of legality and ethics. Set in a modest Boston office, the series balances courtroom tension with personal drama, revealing how professional success can conflict with personal integrity. With a cast that grows and changes over eight seasons, the show explores power dynamics, ambition, and the cost of standing by one’s convictions.

What to know

  • The series ran for 8 seasons on ABC from 1997‑2004.
  • Created by David E. Kelley, it later spawned the spin‑off Boston Legal.
  • The firm is called Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt in early seasons.
  • Episodes often revolve around high‑stakes legal battles and ethical dilemmas.
  • The show features a diverse cast of young lawyers and a supportive receptionist.
  • The show’s tone shifts between drama and occasional dark humor.

Watch if

If you enjoy courtroom drama that digs into the ethical gray zones of law, is drawn to complex character arcs, and appreciates sharp dialogue that exposes the personal costs of ambition, The Practice offers a thoughtful, character‑driven legal narrative set against the backdrop of Boston’s

Skip if

If you prefer light‑hearted legal comedies, are looking for a fast‑paced action series, or dislike shows that explore serious moral questions with nuanced storytelling, this series might feel too heavy and slow‑burning for you.

dialogue heavymature themesdark tonepolitical themespsychological elementssuspensefulintense actionfamily friendly
Show Premise
The Practice follows the staff of a modest Boston law firm that tackles a mix of civil, criminal and high‑profile cases. At its heart is Bobby Donnell, a senior partner who often faces ethical crossroads while trying to protect the firm’s reputation and his own conscience.
Main Cast
Dylan McDermott stars as Bobby Donnell. Supporting roles include LisaGay Hamilton’s receptionist turned lawyer Rebecca Washington, Steve Harris’s Eugene Young, Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt, and Kelli Williams as Lindsay Dole, who becomes Bobby’s partner and eventual wife.
Storylines
Episodes focus on complex legal scenarios—ranging from murder trials to corporate disputes—while interweaving personal drama such as partnership politics, secret affairs and the firm’s evolving culture as new partners join.
Themes
Central to the series are questions about legal responsibility, the gray areas between law and morality, and the toll that ambition and ethics take on personal relationships within a high‑stakes profession.
Production
Created by David E. Kelley, the show ran on ABC for eight seasons. While Kelley wrote many episodes, he collaborated with co‑writers, keeping the narrative fresh and grounded in realistic legal practice.
Reception
The Practice earned critical acclaim, winning two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Its realistic depiction of legal work and moral complexity earned a dedicated fan base and paved the way for its successful spin‑off, Boston Legal.

FAQ

49 Q&A
What was the deal with the firm's name changes?
The law firm in The Practice changed its name several times. It started as Donnell & Associates, then became Berluti, Young & Associates, and later Berluti, Dole & Associates. It also went by Young, Dole & Associates and finally, Lindsay, Donnell, Berluti, Young & Associates.
What kind of law did they practice?
The lawyers in The Practice mainly handled criminal defense cases. They represented people accused of crimes, trying to help them avoid jail time or get fair sentences.
How did the show handle real-life legal issues?
The show often used real-life legal issues as inspiration for its storylines. It explored complex ethical dilemmas and courtroom drama, sometimes reflecting actual legal cases and debates.
Who were the main actors in The Practice?
The main actors included Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell, Michael Badalucco as Jimmy Berluti, Lisa Gay Hamilton as Rebecca Washington, Steve Harris as Eugene Young, and Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt. Later seasons added actors like James Spader as Alan Shore and William Shatner as Denny Crane.
Who played Rebecca Washington?
Rebecca Washington was played by Lisa Gay Hamilton.
What happened in the first episode?
The first episode introduced the law firm of Donnell & Associates and its lawyers. It showed them taking on a challenging case where a young man was accused of murder.
What was The Practice about?
The Practice was a legal drama series that followed the lives and work of lawyers at a Boston law firm. They dealt with tough cases, personal struggles, and the complexities of the justice system.
Who played Eugene Young?
Eugene Young was played by Steve Harris.
When did The Practice first air?
The Practice first aired on ABC on September 18, 1997.
Who played Alan Shore?
Alan Shore was played by James Spader.
Who played Jimmy Berluti?
Jimmy Berluti was played by Michael Badalucco.
Where did The Practice take place?
The Practice took place in Boston, Massachusetts.
How many seasons of The Practice were there?
There were eight seasons of The Practice.
Who played Richard Bay?
Richard Bay was played by Jason Kravits.
What were some famous cases on the show?
The show featured many memorable cases, including a controversial murder trial, a case involving a celebrity accused of assault, and a difficult defense of a doctor accused of malpractice.
Were there any romantic relationships in the show?
Yes, there were several romantic relationships among the lawyers and with clients throughout the series.
Who played Lindsay Dole?
Lindsay Dole was played by Kelli Williams.
Was The Practice based on a true story?
The Practice was not based on a single true story, but it drew inspiration from real legal cases and the ethical challenges lawyers face.
Who created The Practice?
The Practice was created by David E. Kelley.
Who played Lucy Miller?
Lucy Miller was played by Rona Maguire.
Did the firm always stay in Boston?
Yes, the law firm in The Practice was always located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Who was Bobby Donnell?
Bobby Donnell was the founding partner of the law firm and a main character for much of the series. He was played by Dylan McDermott.
Did the show have a lot of guest stars?
Yes, The Practice was known for having many well-known actors appear as guest stars in various episodes.
Who played Ellenor Frutt?
Ellenor Frutt was played by Camryn Manheim.
What was the relationship between the lawyers?
The lawyers at the firm had complex relationships. They were colleagues who often debated legal strategies and ethical issues, while also forming friendships and sometimes rivalries.
When did the last episode air?
The last episode of The Practice aired on May 16, 2004.
What happened to Alan Shore at the end?
At the end of The Practice, Alan Shore decided to move on to a new firm, which eventually became the basis for the spin-off series Boston Legal.
Did the show win any awards?
Yes, The Practice won multiple awards, including several Emmy Awards. It was nominated for many more.
What happened to Denny Crane at the end?
Denny Crane, a character who became more prominent in the spin-off Boston Legal, was not a main character in the original series finale of The Practice, but his story was continued in Boston Legal.
What was the biggest surprise in the series finale?
A significant surprise in the series finale was the departure of several main characters, setting the stage for the spin-off series, Boston Legal.
What made The Practice different from other legal shows?
The Practice stood out because it showed the messy, challenging, and often morally gray side of being a lawyer, focusing on the personal struggles and ethical compromises.
What do fans think about the show today?
Fans often remember The Practice for its compelling characters, complex legal cases, and realistic portrayal of the legal profession, though some find the later seasons less engaging than the earlier ones.
Was it a serious drama or did it have humor?
The Practice was primarily a serious drama, but it did include moments of dark humor, especially in its later seasons and through characters like Alan Shore.
What was the tone of the show?
The tone of The Practice was generally serious and dramatic, exploring the difficult ethical and personal challenges faced by its characters. It often depicted the legal system in a less glamorous, more realistic light.
Did any characters leave the show before it ended?
Yes, several main characters left the show before its final season, including Dylan McDermott (Bobby Donnell) and Lara Flynn Boyle (Helen Gamble).
Did Bobby Donnell come back for the end?
Bobby Donnell, played by Dylan McDermott, did not return for the series finale of The Practice.
How did the series end for the main characters?
The series finale saw the law firm facing closure, with many of the main characters moving on to new opportunities, including the formation of a new firm that would become the focus of Boston Legal.
Did the show ever deal with ethical dilemmas?
Yes, ethical dilemmas were a central part of The Practice, as the show frequently explored the moral complexities and compromises lawyers face in their pursuit of justice.
What were the main themes of the show?
The main themes included the struggle for justice, the moral compromises of legal practice, the personal toll of the profession, and the complexities of the American legal system.
What was the most memorable episode for fans?
It's difficult to pinpoint a single most memorable episode for all fans, but episodes that featured major case resolutions, significant character developments, or intense ethical debates were often highly regarded.
What actors from The Practice were also on Boston Legal?
Several actors from The Practice continued their roles on the spin-off Boston Legal, including James Spader as Alan Shore and William Shatner as Denny Crane.
Did the show have any spin-offs?
Yes, The Practice had a very successful spin-off series called Boston Legal, which continued the stories of some of its characters.
Were the legal arguments in the show realistic?
While The Practice aimed for a degree of realism, like many legal dramas, it sometimes dramatized legal proceedings for entertainment purposes. The show was praised for its thoughtful exploration of legal strategy and ethics, though.
How did the show portray judges and juries?
The show portrayed judges and juries in a variety of ways, sometimes as fair arbiters of justice, and other times as fallible or influenced by external factors, reflecting the complexities of the courtroom.
Were there any controversial storylines?
Yes, The Practice was known for tackling controversial and sensitive topics, including issues of race, class, and difficult ethical choices faced by lawyers and their clients.
Why did The Practice get cancelled?
The Practice was not officially cancelled but rather ended its run after eight seasons. The decision was made to conclude the series, and it led to the creation of its spin-off, Boston Legal.
Was Boston Legal connected to The Practice?
Yes, Boston Legal was a direct spin-off of The Practice, continuing the stories and featuring characters from the original show.
What was the impact of The Practice on television?
The Practice had a significant impact by offering a more realistic and morally complex portrayal of the legal profession, influencing subsequent legal dramas and earning critical acclaim.
What was the finale of The Practice about?
The finale of The Practice focused on the dissolution of the firm and the characters moving on to new chapters in their careers, notably setting up the premise for Boston Legal.

出演者

Steve Harris
Steve Harris
Eugene Young
Camryn Manheim
Camryn Manheim
Ellenor Frutt
Michael Badalucco
Michael Badalucco
Jimmy Berluti
Jessica Capshaw
Jessica Capshaw
Jamie Stringer
James Spader
James Spader
Alan Shore
Rhona Mitra
Rhona Mitra
Tara Wilson