The Practice

Rhyme and Reason

Summary

Helen asks that a 13-year-old who shot his mother be tried as an adult.

What's the Story?

THE PRACTICE is an award-winning series that mixes drama, quick wit, and dry humor in order to tell a story about the professional lives of the attorneys at the Boston law firm of Donnell, Young, Dole, and Frutt. Led by Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott) -- whose able partners are Eugene Young (Steve Harris), Lindsay Dole (Kelli Williams), and Ellenor Frutt (Camryn Manheim) -- the firm passionately represents litigants in high-profile criminal and civil cases. Among those who add to the drama are supporting characters like loyal attorney Jimmy Berluti (Michael Badalucco) and Assistant District Attorney Helen Gamble (Lara Flynn Boyle). The cases they take on are rarely mundane, and many present complex issues with strong political and moral implications -- not surprising, considering that the show was created by David E. Kelley, who has a reputation for churning out quirky, complicated dramedies like Ally McBeal and Picket Fences. Over the course of the series' run, many of the original characters left, to be replaced by new partners and colleagues, including recent law school graduate Jamie Stringer (Jessica Capshaw) and -- during the final season -- morally challenged lawyer Alan Shore (James Spader).

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this legal drama has strong adult themes, including drugs, violence, sexual harassment, and murder -- both related to the cases that the lawyers deal with and in their own lives. The main characters are all adults, and most of them talk about or get involved in sexual relationships at some point during the show's run. Between the mature storylines and the sometimes-complex legal technicalities that the series deals with, this one isn't for kids. Families can talk about the realities of the legal profession. What do lawyers have to know in order to represent their clients in the best possible way? Is justice always served in the courtroom? Why does it take such a long time for a case to be tried? Why is the law so complex? How do loopholes and other technicalities affect the legal system? Families can also discuss professional behavior in the workplace. What kind of relationships are appropriate with co-workers?