Image Credit: Lewis Jacobs/NBC
Last night, the doors of Harry’s Law and Fine Shoes shut for the season. For those who missed it, Adam and Rachael finally made out and Josh got nearly nekked in public, again. And Jenna said this: “You were embarrassed of a public display of affection for me? Is it because I’m super white?” (Since the actress’s last name is Snow, I find this to be particularly poignant.)
A few weeks ago, EW’s Ken Tucker wrote a piece inquiring whether Harry’s Law is the worst David E. Kelley show ever. As last night’s season finale proved yet again, the show’ writers are seriously lagging. I mean, do they know they’re writing for Kathy Bates? Bearing in mind what she does to authors she does like, can you imagine what she’ll do to those giving her bad material?
The main problem with the show is that the characters all feel, well, very David E. Kelley. Having spent the last two months holed up in my apartment watching the first four seasons of Ally McBeal on HuluPlus, I feel qualified to make such an accusation. (I promised myself I’d stop after watching after the pin-thin, pouty-lipped lawyers of Cage & Fish stripped me of my self confidence by the third season, but then Robert Downey Jr. popped up and… sigh, I’m only a mere mortal.) Harry’s Law isn’t just guilty of shilling clichés like mini corn dogs at Costco; it’s guilty of perpetuating Kellichés. Complicated work romances? Check. Mid-court breakdowns? Check. Usual post-work watering hole? Check. Hey, look, there’s Camryn Manheim!
Despite (or perhaps because of) its failure to dodge these obvious Kellichés, Harry’s Law is gaining a steady audience. Why? Because it is appealing to my mother. (That’s a lie. When questioned about Harry’s Law, my mom said, “I’m old and I don’t even like it.”) But it is appealing to my roommate’s mother. (That’s not a lie. My roommate walked in on me watching the finale last night and exclaimed, “My mother loves this show!”) And there is understandably a large audience who wants to support a strong female character past Eat Pray Love midlife crisis stage.
So Harry’s Law has good ratings, although at this point it’s unclear if it will be renewed for a second season. I’m rooting for the series to get it together, but what do you think, viewers? Does Harry’s Law just need more room to grow? Has anybody else noticed the only plot key word for Harry’s Law on IMDb is “Interracial Relationship”? Is the bar from Harry’s Law in fact the Martini Bar from Ally McBeal dressed in wolves’ clothing? When does Vonda Shepard show up?? (Sidebar: apparently, the show films at a Cincinnati bar called Skyline Martini Bar. Coincidence?.)
And most of all, should these underdog lawyers be graced with a second year? What would you want to see from Harry’s Law and Fine Shoes next season?
Summed up my issues exactly. How do you make a show starring KATHY BATES boring? By assuming audiences love hearing long speeches on politics and such that make Aaron Sorkin sound conservative. A shame as good cast but the Kelliches (Great term!) mar what could be fun.
Living in Cincinnati, this show is painful to watch. The creators essentially pulled out a map of the US, pulled out some darts and blind folds, and threw the darts at a random city. It looks nothing like Cincinnati. Even better is when they use 10-15 year old stock footage of Cincinnati intercut between scenes. Let this lazy, crap show die please. Kathy Bates needs to go back to The Office.
I completely agree. I can get a more realistic view of Cincinnati by playing an old episode of “WKRP in Cincinnati.” The idea of Kathy Bates’ character as the “savior of Over-the-Rhine” is so patronizing it makes my blood pressure go up. And the Cincinnati police and prosecutor’s office should sue for defamation.
Okay, I just read an article on Cincinnati.com where Kelley talks about how he happened to decide to set “Harry’s Law” in Cincinnati. The story says, “Kelley saw Cincinnati only once, laying over between flights while in college about 30 years ago.” Well now that explains all the inaccurate depictions of Cincinnati, since the airport is actually located in northern KENTUCKY, nowhere near downtown Cincinnati!
They tried to send a film crew there to get new footage, but they refused to go.
Cincinnati, I feel your pain. Imagine what it’s like to live in San Francisco. Sometimes, a third of the shows in prime time seem to be in SF. But do the lazy LA writers ever bother to see how we dress, how we speak? How things are done differently here than in the south? How hard is it for characters to get on 101 rather than THE 101. It’s easy, people. Honestly, if they don’t come from the city they’re writing about, they should have to live in it for a month or two.
It happens. “The Good Wife” for example never gives a true “Chicago vibe.” At least “Chicago Code” is actually shot in the city so it feels real.
I feel the same way watching Body of Proof supposed to be set in Philly.
sounds like “Harry” does to Cincinnati what “The Mentalist” does to the Sacramento area. It’s comical. They have no clue.
No one really cares whether the show is in Cincinnati or Chicago or Dallas…it’s a good show. Kathy Bates is a great actress and makes the show worth it all. Love it.
Oh people no matter where the show was shotits the real life views that count. Now if it was shot in stilwell where I live now that would have been a joke cause this is all a joke here. Now if we had a show filmed here we would have to have the fbi, irs,atf,federal marshals and the national guards here to protect the people shoting the film. Cause it would be the law,attorneys,judges county commissioners all the people suppose to be keep pease & order that they’d have to be after. So don’t gripe about a seen that doesn’t look like your city try living here.
if you do not like the show change the channel there are some people that do like it
I don’t watch the show to see footage of Cincinnati…lol.
you people who don’t like this show, go elsewhere- it’s the best lawyerly show since LA Law. It’ll be a shame if the series isn’t renewed for next year with so much mindless television airing-
In all honesty, I REALLY hope that when “Harry’s Law” comes out on DVD, that they use your blurb: “It’s the best lawyerly show since ‘L.A. Law.’”
morono
I totally agree i love this show…
To be fair, I only watched two episodes. But with two episodes, I can honestly say, it is not “the best lawyerly show since ‘LA Law.” True to Kelley form, the court room scenes are a joke and lack all realism. Is it somewhat entertaining when lawyers argue out of order, say inappropriate things and insult a judge? Yes. Do said lawyers win in real life? No. They are dressed down and held in contempt of court. Get a tooth brush.
The two episodes I watched were somewhat entertaining. But with the talent on the show, it should be much better.
Damages was much better.
Are you all looking at the same show. I Love it…
My husband and I as well as many of the people we go to church with love “Harry’s Law”.
Agreed. Love the show. So glad to have a less heavy law show. It is refreshing. Definitely has room to grow, but I already love the characters.
Love this show, Harry, Jenna, Malcolm, Adam, Puck, Tommy, Jamal, all fit together in all of the episodes. The script, the locale, plots and subplots are just entertainingly funny, riveting, lovely to watch. I can’t wait to go home from my workout and have fun watching this show. Anything is missing is this show it’s the vulgarity, boring and predictable detective shows, inaccurate hospital shows. Bring back Harry’s Law please, my wife and I just love this.
You got that right .comut I didn’t like la law. Bring harry’s law back
You’re right. I am praying for this show to come back next season. It is one bright spot on NBC. I hope it returns for more that one more season!
I love the show, can’t wait until it comes on each week. With so much garbage on TV, it is refreshing to watch something clean and funny, and with a heart!!!
Harry’s Law is an excellent show because it points out many truths in our legal system. Can’t imagine why people prefer mindless sitcoms that have canned laughter to cue in their responses. We need to realize the show has some serious lessons involved in it.
Absolutely love the show!!! Thank god for dvr…FONDLY A LOYAL VIEWER IN NJ.
I totally agree, I LOVE the show and I don’t really care where it is filmed. I love Kathy Bates in it, and I think all of the characters gel nicely. I really hope that they bring it back for another season, and many more to come. I think it is only just getting into it’s stride and there is a lot further for it to go yet.
The show is worth bringing back to find more of an audience. It was addicting after viewing more episodes. Parenthood, the 2 L&Os, Chuck were worth keeping, so should Harry. Plus, Chase was good and it’s gone, NBC needs one hour scripted shows anyway!
of course it will be renewed! we r talking the 4th place network w/ no hit shows.
Agree. Had high hopes for this one because of Kathy, but wow what poor writing. Its like a mish mash of incohesive banter. And the characters just do not click even after so many episodes. Disappointing
That’s just it it was like real life anyway in my world. It was so real it wasn’t like all the fake shows people r used to seeing.
I like Kathy Bates as an actress. I’ve watched some episodes of ‘Harry’s Law’ online because it come on at the same time as Hawaii Five O. They should have never hooked up the 2 office mates romantically. Their love plot seemed ridiculous and not because they were interracial. I imagine many whites in middle American turned their televisions off, when they saw a black man making out with a white female.
How can you say this in one sentence: “Their love plot seemed ridiculous and not because they were interracial” and then this in the VERY NEXT sentence: “I imagine many whites in middle American turned their televisions off, when they saw a black man making out with a white female”?
You make no sense, you just sound racist.
As a white in middle America, the only thing that disturbs me about that kiss is that there is no real chemistry between the characters to make it realistic!
As a white in middle America, the only thing that turned me off was the idea Jenna’s childish, psychotic behavior would be attractive to anyone. I there is a season 2, the show needs to lose a little dead weight. I was hoping Harry was going to accept her resignation, thus ending this silly romance and further develop the far more interesting character of Malcom
I have to agree with your comments, Charles. Why do they always have to ruin a perfectly good program by starting interratial affairs. Not all of America wants to see that. We DID enjoy the series very much but will probably not continue watching if it’s renewed in the future.
Personally, I love the show. Hope it goes on for a while. That said, I’m not happy that it’s time slot is now paired against Castle on Mondays, but I’ll watch Castle on reruns.
my husband and I love this show we did not want monday to be the finale
kathy bates is terrific I hope the show is renewed
In my ordinary person opinion, it is the best show on all networks. May not be exactly how Lawyers work but, it should be. More heart and less bargaining.
AGREE
Harry’s Law is one of the BEST shows on T.V. I WANT IT BACK!!
I take a nap and wake up for the show because I absolutely love it and I love Kathy Bates. She’s been great to watch from MISERY to now! I hope the show continues. JUST DO IT, Hollywood! Kathy II
Agree…love it
I saw about 20 minutes of the second episode, and it was unbearably stupid so I shut it off.
On the one hand, Kathy Bates probably shouldn’t be wasting her time on such terrible material. On the other hand, I don’t imagine that network TV execs falling over themselves to give actresses north of 60 years old (no matter how awesome they are) the chance to headline their own show.
I’m actually pretty shocked that NBC hasn’t renewed this since it appears they need ANYTHING that has a ratings pulse, and this seems like it’s been a decent hit for them.
Then what about Betty White? She’s very far north of 60. Veteran actresses seem to be all the rage these days. I do agree the writing is beneath Ms. Bates incredible talent!
Mr Holloway, I don’t believe you are qualified to make such a comment when you admit to only having watched 20 minutes of the first episode. This show is absolutely great and I, along with a number of my friends, are really sorry to see the season end last night. I really hope they bring it back for many, many more seasons.
Personally – I like the actors in the show- especially Kathy Bates- so I am willing to give it a second chance. They have major potential with some of the characters that they’ve introduced towards the latter end of the season to expound. BUT a law drama is a law drama is a law drama is a law drama. Get over it. Story lines are going to overlap. I don’t see anybody complaining about Law and Order? I mean really? It’s the same thing every week. I’m into the show for the characters.
I would like it to renewed (and I’m in my 20s…not 60s…or menopausal.)
I’m complaining about Law & Order. Especially LOLA when they let Skeet go. What a shame.
Um, Law and Order was cancelled over a year ago so i guess someone was complaining about it
I think the main reason the show was gaining raitings is because it was on every Monday at 10, no “encores”, no changes in the day and time slot. Unlike most shows that are on now with their ever changing days and times and mid season breaks you need a map and a compass to watch tv.
Thank you Erin! I wish the networks would read your post. You didn’t mention when they stick reruns in the middle of a season as Good Wife recently did.
Huh?
Well madcaamia nuts, how about that.
Oh, erin, from your mouth to a TV executive’s ear. Make it easy for us to watch and we will show up! As sunrise mentioned, don’t throw the show into a month of reruns just as we’re all getting involved and enthralled. It makes us resentful.
If the big four networks really want to increase ratings: 1) present the best quality shows you can–no pandering. 2)put them in a good timeslot and keep them there. That way it becomes part of our routine. 3) stop 4-6 weeks of reruns. (that means you, Glee) We stop watching and sometimes we forget about the show or get mad and the show and won’t come back.
I agree with much of what you say Erin and others. I/We really enjoy this show. It gives an oft unexplored way of looking at things and Kathy’s character always display that wonderful balance.
We too get pretty annoyed with the constant change in programming. Hey networks(s) just ‘pick a day, pick a time and run it every week from October thru April at that time’. How hard is this??
My mom likes this show…
I saw the pilot and thought it was crap. Saw no reason to watch any more of it.
Ditto
Has anyone noticed how racist david e kelley has become? The white girl stating how she will “train” the black man??!! The episode that ended with “in the ghetto”. oh great bwana please save us . the solution to all black problems can only be solved by David e. kelley. if only we were smart enough to heed his enlightened world view. would that such a day arises. hail st kelley, the savior of all black people everywhere. amen
Oh, pul-eaze! Get over yourself.
Furrealz? That’s marevluosly good to know.
He didn’t mean it in a racist way. You took it that way, but there was no obvious intent. It was a man/woman thing; not a black/white thing. I hope you’re not this overly sensitive in real life.
I just love Harry’s Law. I never really cared for Kathy Bates so did not intend to watch, but once I watched the first show I was hooked. I love the way the characters interact with each other and the compassion shown to the people they represent. The show isn’t just about Cinncinati-its about people and their lives. I think it is one of the best shows to come on in years. Please, please put it on next season.
Yah and about the Cinci thing – who really cares except perhaps the peeps who live in Cinci? Tons of shows and movies shot in my town. I don’t get all bent if it doesn’t accurately reflect the reality of the surroundings. Sheesh. Get over it folks.
I really liked this show and tried to watch all the episodes which became impossible. It was scheduled for Mon but I also that weeks reruns on Fri and Sun.
I really hope they renew it for another season.
If you watched the show you would know she said she “trains all her boyfriends” it has nothing to do with color.
@John; you make an interesting point. I think, the series could have done without the interracial relationship because there’s no chemistry between the 2 characters.
What is wrong with the writer, this show was one of the best shows on tv, Cathy Bates, is the reason I watch it….The first three or four episodes was simply the best and something happen and the show is so boring….I can’t undstand what happen…Me and my sister would wait each week for a new episode, now not so much….Please stop the love story lines, it’s also killing the show…Go back to what is use to be….Please.
I watched one episode where an old lady robs a convenience store and is pronounced not guilty simply because of how desitute the woman was. This angered me as I found it an insult to my intelligence. How unbelievably stupid.
Plus a lawyer working out of a shoe store? Really? I know that any lawyer show today has to have its own quirk to put a new spin on it and such, but a lawyer working out of a shoe store? Yeah, sure.
Why not just have each courtroom battle be settled with a massive pie fight?
“Why not just have each courtroom battle be settled with a massive pie fight?”
Please don’t give him any ideas.
Mickey…….funny post!
Thank you Shirley. Here’s a chocolate cream pie for your compliment. SPLAT!!!!
If viewers want a show about a lawyer working out of an unusual location, please shelve “Harry’s Law” and bring back “Ed”! A bowling alley lawyer trumps a shoe store lawyer any day of the week.
Oh how I miss Ed!
Mickey… that episode you mentioned about the lady who robbed the convenience store and got off was my last episode too. It kind of disgusted me.
Flyer…Thanks for bringing up “Ed”. That was a good show that ended too soon.
Wow, we still talk about Ed in our family. Crazy that we still miss that show. Whenever we see Cavanagh, we shout, “Ed!”
I LOVED Ed! Remember the $10 bets? Really great little show. I’m trying hard to like this but its hard.
I love this show. PLEASE don’t cancel it. There are only a handfull of good shows on TV. Kathy is thoughtful and real and not afraid to show her imperfections. I wait all week for this show.
I have no idea why the critics hate this show so much while they would praise craps like Jersey Shore, Real House wives, American Idol or DWTS.
Lesson learned: Never listen to the critics!
I know the shows you mentioned are popular with fans, but really? “Critics” are heaping praise on “Jersey Shore” and “Real Housewives”?
Yeah, pretty much.
Agree, scripted drama is much preferable to reality shows.
I love Kathy Bates, I watch the show to give her support, but I can’t stand the ghetto black character with the ball cap, whatever his name is? They should get rid of him, he adds nothing
to the show.
Why do I watch this show? In a word (well, two) Nate Corddry.
agreed freddie!
Ditto. And for Jordana Spiro, I still miss My Boys and I’m glad she got on another show.
That’s the first reason to NOT watch the show. He’s playing a cariacature not a real person. He’s beyond bad.
Ditto. I started watching for Nate Corddry after becoming a huge fan of his from Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and stayed because despite some cliched writing, I like the earnestness of this show.
Articles like this are an epxamle of quick, helpful answers.
Second season please…considering some of the alternatives, Harry’s Law is great! To us far superior to a two hour reality show with one hour of commercials.
Yikes, that’s not very high praise.
LOVE THE SHOW !!!! PLEASE BRING BACK FOR SECOND SESSION.
I love this show. The first episode was on FX or something like that. I added it to my DVR record list. Next thing I knew, it was on NBC. This is the ONLY NBC show I watch except the Tina Fey show and Community.
Please do not cancel this show. It is wonderful to watch attorneys that are working for people instead of a big paycheck!
My husband and I catch Harry’s Law on Hulu online and we enjoy it. I love Kathy Bates now and forever.