Boston Legal Shake-up Adds a Dash of Saffron

Saffron Burrows by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com

Crane, Poole & Schmidt's semi-extreme makeover continues. Joining John Larroquette and Tara Summers as new additions to the Boston Legal cast this season are Circle of Friends' Saffron Burrows (as a sexy 'n' sophisticated litigator/former lover of James Spader's Alan) and Hustle & Flow's Taraji Henson (arriving mid-season as a New York office cohort of Larroquette's).

The Reporter is also reporting that Mark Valley and Rene Auberjonois, half of last month's surprising cast purge, will return for multiple appearances, while Gail O'Grady is set to reprise her role of Judge Weldon for several episodes.

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Jul 2, 2007 9:26 AM

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The Hollywood Reporter says "Larroquette will play Carl Sack, a senior partner from the New York offices of Crane Poole & Schmidt who transfers to Boston. Henson will portray a high-powered corporate litigator out of the New York office whom Sack brings in to help wrestle more political sovereignty within the firm." Isn't that almost identical to the Craig Bierko and Constance Zimmer characters from last season? I realize the show is basically all about Shatner and Spader, but watching them waste talented actors year after year is getting tiresome. They need to stick a fork in this show already.

Posted by somethingreal81

Jul 2, 2007 9:41 AM

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Why is it that the Saffron Burrows character seems like a futile attempt to replace Rhona Mitra's character Tara, who has been sorely missed since she was dumped after the second season? Why not just bring her back, since many fans have been wanting her to return for some time.
Posted by QualityTVFan Jul 2, 2007 10:20 AM Report Abuse

I am glad to hear that at least Rene Auberjonois will come back for some episodes. I still wish that he was coming back full time but I am thankful that the writers are giveing him a proper sendoff, which has been BL's weakest point. I do agree with the previous poster - I would love Tara to come back full time.
Posted by abbeyroad21 Jul 2, 2007 10:36 AM Report Abuse

"...former lover of James Spader's Alan" Is there anyone in Boston who isn't...?
Posted by hawkman217 Jul 2, 2007 10:59 AM Report Abuse

That's a really unflattering picture of her.
Posted by mooshki Jul 2, 2007 12:32 PM Report Abuse

We are reminded every season that Boston Legal is an excercise in dramatic flux. The show which premiered was different from that which had been previewed on the last season of The Practice. The cast, with the exceptions of Spader and Shatner, has been a steady revolving door from Day 1. Candice Bergen seems to have stuck, but no one else has. Even the characters of Alan Shore and Denny Crane are different from when we met them.

Every time a change is announced, however, the critic or writer making the announcement seems to react as if the show is correcting a mistake--can't it simply be that the writers and producers of the show want it to be constantly evolving? I haven't really missed any of the characters who have left, and I doubt I'll miss the ones leaving now. I imagine John Larroquette will leave as soon as people realize anew how overrated he is.

Posted by Staley

Jul 2, 2007 12:51 PM

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I am always constantly surprised that people dont realize this is a comedy. It's Andy and Barney, Ralph and Ed, Denny and Alan. I watch this show for the interplay between the characters, forget the reworn story lines. John Laroquette will just add more to the office dynamic. Can't wait!
Posted by TDIDDY51 Jul 2, 2007 1:18 PM Report Abuse

"...former lover of James Spader's Alan" Is there anyone in Boston who isn't...? I hear he makes videotapes....
Posted by Matt Webb Mitovich Jul 2, 2007 1:23 PM Report Abuse

I'd love to see Betty White back in her role as an office temp! She added a fabulous twist to the show! It would be nice to see Tara pay a 2 or 3 episode visit too!
Posted by dizzer Jul 2, 2007 3:14 PM Report Abuse

Thank God Mark Valley and Rene are returning for a few episodes. It's always strange when a character just leaves, with no mention. Imagine if Hurley all of a sudden just stopped appearing on Lost.
Posted by Marcus Dixon Jul 2, 2007 3:59 PM Report Abuse

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