DVD Review: LA Law (Season One)

DVD Reviews, Reviews, Top Story

Legal shows have always been a staple of TV. Most of them followed the Perry Mason mold with the action centered around a single trial. A few would try to give their legal eagle a little extra backstory. But the hook of the show was always the final verdict. LA Law mixed up the formula with a series that delved into the inner workings of the law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. The ensemble drama resembled the workplace mixture of personalities that creator Steven Bochco had with Hill Street Blues. Bocho co-created LA Law with Terry Louise Fisher. While it had a rocky ratings start coming after Miami Vice on Friday nights, LA Law became a major hit when it took over Hill Street Blues‘ Thursday 10 p.m. time slot. LA Law: Season One has the first of eight that graced NBC from 1986 to 1994.

The Pilot film opens up letting viewers grasp that this is not a staid legal series. Right off the bad one lawyer at the firm is nearly shot to death while another turns up dead at his desk. This isn’t Perry Mason‘s law firm. Even with the tragic end of a partner, the firm can’t cancel all the meetings. Arnie Becker (Corbin Bernsen) is the dashing horndog that’s always ready to help divorce a couple that has a hot wife. Roxanne Melman (Susan Ruttan) is his semi-suffering secretary. While you’d image Michael Kuzak (Shameless‘ Harry Hamlin) would be a wild guy, he’s mainly interest in fellow laywer Grace van Owen (The Partridge Family‘s Susan Dey). Douglas Brackman, Jr. (Alan Rachins) is the ruthless member. Stuart Markowitz (Micheal Tucker) is the teddy bear. Ann Kelsey (Jill Eikenberry) still believes in the nobility of law. Abby Perkins (Michele Greene) is a fresh lawyer ready to make the green. Leland McKenzie (Richard A. Dysart) is the father figure. There is a new face in the office when Victor Sifuentes (Jimmy Smits) gets to fill the dead guy’s slot. There’s so many lawyers, it seems hard to squeeze in the clients.

“The Pilot” is a double length episode that starts off with major drama and a bodybag in the office. The most stunning moment in the episode is when a lawyer complains that her take home pay is $50,000. That’s almost poverty level in today’s Los Angeles. But less than 20 years ago, it was merely middle class. “Those Lips, That Eye” has Abby move up the ladder right when she needs a good lawyer to split from her nasty husband. “The House of the Rising Flan” allows the firm to get tangled in a legal scam. “Simian Chanted Evening”has Arnie enter entertainment law. He’s sniffing starlets. Michael has to take a drastic step to stop Grace from marrying the wrong guy. “The Venus Butterfly” is the episode that got casual fans talking about the show.

“Sidney, the Dead-Nosed Reindeer” becomes a gruesome Christmas special when a lawyer has the most extreme objection moment. “The Douglas Fur Ball” has way many romantic moments go bad in the office. “Beef Jerky” has a man busted for stealing a bull’s most precious bodily fluid. “Fifty Ways to Floss Your Lover” has Grace take a bullet because of a client. “The Grace of Wrath” makes Grace a client as she goes after her shooter. “Pigmalion” ends the season with Ann and Stuart getting legal about their relationship.

LA Law: Season One has all the stylish notes expected from a legal series made in the mid-’80s. The focus on the law firm over the cases sets it apart from the legal thriller that came before it. The show doesn’t completely ignore the needs of the clients. The cases are interesting, but not as much as the behind the scenes moves of the legal minds.

The video is 1.33:1 full frame. The show appears to have been shot on film, but edited on standard definition video. This cuts into the resolution. The audio is Dolby Digital mono. The levels sound great when the trunk is shut in the opening credits. The episodes are Closed Captioned.

The Lawyers (63:08) lets the actors discuss their legal characters. The stars are eager to talk about their time including Jimmy Smits, Harry Hamlin and Susan Dey.

LA Law Story (68:37) really delves into the series. How the show started and the early weeks on the air are covered with cast and creators contributing to the narrative.

LA Law: Season One brings the legal fun to DVD. The series hasn’t been given too much action in syndication lately so the episodes feel fresh. Season Two is scheduled to be released on May 20.

Shout! Factory presents LA Law: Season One. Starring: Harry Hamlin, Susan Dey, Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins, Jimmy Smits, Michael Tucker, Susan Ruttan and Richard A. Dysart. Boxset Contents: 22 episodes on 6 DVDs. Released: February 25, 2014.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.