Boston Legal 2x07: Truly Madly Deeply
I thought this episode showed a perfect way to respond when someone divulges something that's a bit irrational. When Alan tries to explain his clown phobia, Denny just says affectionately, "You do have issues, don't you?"
I wasn't succeeding in empathising much with Alan during the (very well acted!) courtroom scenes until I replaced clowns with caterpillars. Then it all became clear. I'd be hard pressed to act normal in a room with one of those writhing masses of furry caterpillars, and could pretty much rule out cross-examining or touching them. Last time there was one near my house, I got in my car and repeatedly ran them over, and I thought that was reacting quite well. I considered simply fleeing the property, never to return.
Here, have a scene to brighten your day. This is one of my favourites so far, from the ending of 2x22. On Denny's balcony at night:
Alan Shore: Sounds like paradise, actually-living on an island, a much simpler life.
Denny Crane: Especially if it’s an island where the natives run around on the beach with their boobies hanging out.
Alan Shore: [laughs] Yes. But I was thinking on a much more elemental level. A place where my biggest concern would be carrying water on my shoulders or where the simple act of thatching a roof would dissipate the voices in my head.
Denny Crane: And the hardest choice you have to make is what you’re going to have for lunch. What did you have for lunch today?
Alan Shore: [bemused expression] Flounder. You?
Denny Crane: Steak sandwich, onion rings.
Alan Shore: Hmm.
Denny Crane: Alan, you know, one thing you sometimes forget is: no matter how hard your day, no matter how tough your choices, how complex your ethical decisions-you always get to choose what you want for lunch.
Alan Shore: [very sincerely, smiling] Daily, I am amazed at your inexhaustible ability to just live.
I was confused at first as to why Alan would be so very fond of someone with such different views, but that seems to be the reason. It's pretty much what he says about Denny to the Supreme Court in the finale, too.
I wasn't succeeding in empathising much with Alan during the (very well acted!) courtroom scenes until I replaced clowns with caterpillars. Then it all became clear. I'd be hard pressed to act normal in a room with one of those writhing masses of furry caterpillars, and could pretty much rule out cross-examining or touching them. Last time there was one near my house, I got in my car and repeatedly ran them over, and I thought that was reacting quite well. I considered simply fleeing the property, never to return.
Here, have a scene to brighten your day. This is one of my favourites so far, from the ending of 2x22. On Denny's balcony at night:
Alan Shore: Sounds like paradise, actually-living on an island, a much simpler life.
Denny Crane: Especially if it’s an island where the natives run around on the beach with their boobies hanging out.
Alan Shore: [laughs] Yes. But I was thinking on a much more elemental level. A place where my biggest concern would be carrying water on my shoulders or where the simple act of thatching a roof would dissipate the voices in my head.
Denny Crane: And the hardest choice you have to make is what you’re going to have for lunch. What did you have for lunch today?
Alan Shore: [bemused expression] Flounder. You?
Denny Crane: Steak sandwich, onion rings.
Alan Shore: Hmm.
Denny Crane: Alan, you know, one thing you sometimes forget is: no matter how hard your day, no matter how tough your choices, how complex your ethical decisions-you always get to choose what you want for lunch.
Alan Shore: [very sincerely, smiling] Daily, I am amazed at your inexhaustible ability to just live.
I was confused at first as to why Alan would be so very fond of someone with such different views, but that seems to be the reason. It's pretty much what he says about Denny to the Supreme Court in the finale, too.