If you didn`t watch TV in the late 1990s, it`s almost hard to explain how famous David E. Kelley was. Kelley sold his first script for the legal drama From the Hip while still practicing law, and was hired by Steven Bochco as a writer for L.A. Law, whose hit Hill Street Blues had already made him a brand name himself. Within a few years, the two men were equal: they created Doogie Howser, M.D., together, and Bochco handed over control of L.A. Law to Kelley. It flourished under his supervision. Kelley, who is known for writing his scripts on yellow legal stamps, is not just a prolific writer, but a distinctive writer, enough for even a random viewer to wonder who exactly invented this kind of thing. Like L.A. Law killed a main character by bringing her into an open elevator shaft, Kelley`s name was on the script. The first show he created himself, Picket Fences, won the Emmy for Best Drama for the first two years in a row. (Kelley`s L.A. Law had won three of the previous four years.) After the release of Picket Fences in 1996, Kelley created the hit series Ally McBeal and The Practice the following year.
The first, a comedy set in a Boston law firm, was best known for its eccentric characters and unusual storylines, while The Practice offered a more serious look at the legal profession. The Practice received the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 1997 and Ally McBeal won the award in 1998 for outstanding Comedies. Both shows won in their respective categories in 1999. Kelley not only served as an executive producer, but also wrote most of the scripts. Kelley created and subsequently worked as a writer and producer for Boston Public (2000-04), on high school college, as well as for two other shows about unconventional lawyers, Boston Legal (2004-08) and Harry`s Law (2011-12). This was followed by the sitcom The Crazy Ones (2013-14). Kelley wrote his first drafts with a Bic ballpoint pen and a yellow legal stamp. He usually writes scripts in two to four days, working first without collaboration and finding it faster and easier than trying to explain what he wants to others. [4] Kelley sows his plots with burning political and social themes. One method is to introduce provocative legal cases. The episodes covered the full range of contemporary themes, from the guilt of tobacco companies and gun manufacturers to suicide aids.
[39] Another way is to support the character`s social relationships with serious explorations such as feminism, sexuality, and divorce. [72] Instead of lessons, Kelley strives to “raise moral and ethical questions without simple answers.” [13] He avoids a didactic narrative by not losing sight of the public`s desire for entertainment. [73] He notes: David E. Kelley (born April 4, 1956 in Waterville, Maine, UNITED STATES), American writer and producer, best known for creating television series set in the legal profession and populated by eccentric characters. Notable shows include Ally McBeal (1997-2002), The Practice (1997-2004) and Boston Legal (2004-08). In May 2008, Kelley signed a contract with Warner Bros. Television,[53] and later wrote a script for another legal drama titled Legally Mad in a comedic manner. NBC ultimately turned down the series. NBC would impose on Warner Bros. a $2 million fine for Kelley`s scripts. Kelley was the creator and executive producer of Harry`s Law, which premiered on January 17, 2011 on NBC.[54] The lead role was played by Kathy Bates in the title role.
[55] [56] The show was cancelled in 2012, although it was the network`s second most-watched drama because its audience was too old, as the most desirable demographic audience aged 18 to 49 was very low. [57] Boston Legal on ABC, which was established in 2004, gave continuity and success to the Kelley franchise. It was a spin-off of his longtime legal drama The Practice and followed attorney Alan Shore (a character who became the star of The Practice in the final season, played by James Spader) to his new law firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt. The lead roles were also played by experienced television actors Candice Bergen and William Shatner. Popular with less than spectacular ratings (#27 for the first season, [44] 46th for the second),[45] the series has been an “Emmy favorite” during its tenure, winning seven times and nominated more than 25 times. The show won the Peabody Award in 2005 for its signature political commentary. The practice was considered more specific than L.A. Law or Ally McBeal in her presentation of the law.
The importance of legal strategy, sometimes to the detriment of truth, has come true.