Harry's Law

Harry's Law is a legal drama introduced by NBC for their Monday 10pm time slot. Starring Oscar winner Kathy Bates as Harriet Korn, the show debuted on January 17.

Bates plays a patent lawyer who tires of that legal niche. Through a series of quirky circumstances, she buys a foreclosed shoe store and opens her own law practice. Producer David Kelley brings this show to the television screen, as he did with hits such as Boston Legal, Ali McBeal and The Practice.

Harriet's Law and Fine Shoes is now open for business. Harry's assistant Jenna, played by actress Brittany Snow, answers the phones, greets visitors and sells the shoes that were abandoned in the store. Fellow lawyer Adam Branch hits Harry with his car early in the first episode, then is inspired to join her firm. Actor Nate Corddry handles the role.

The first episode revolves around the court cases of two young black men. Malcolm Davies has been arrested for buying cocaine. A college student showing great promise, Harry must find a way to keep him out of jail and in college.

Meanwhile, the firm is approached with an offer of "protection" by an enterprising neighborhood thug. Harry, not surprisingly for a David Kelley production, is armed and makes a counter offer. Protection for free legal services. That results in a trial where lawyer Branch must find a way to prevent a conviction for killing a holdup man with an unregistered firearm.

Bates is terrific in a role we are unaccustomed to seeing her play. Her role balances very serious issues with light hearted recognition of the faults of the justice system and the people in it. Her approach to this character reminds me of her role in the made for TV movie, Ambulance Girl.

The entire cast seems integrated in the first episode. A premier normally shows a few rough edges where the cast needs to work together more. Not so in this debut. Based on the first show, viewers will have a lot to entertain them over the next several weeks.

The show is opposite ABC's hugely successful Castle, which may not bode well for this second season replacement. In the age of DVR's and VCR's, it is certainly worthwhile recording the show you cannot watch live. And Harry's Law is a show worth watching.