ALLY MCBEAL

Before he started backpedaling and scripted that sui generis if middling gator movie LAKE PLACID (which I thankfully saw for free), lawyer-turned-TV writer David E. Kelley (AKA Mr. Michelle Pfeiffer) was responsible for masterminding several high-profile and high-caliber network series such as CHICAGO HOPE, THE PRACTICE and, of course, ALLY MCBEAL.

The last had me hooked week in week out with its whimsical situations (mostly involving nose-whistling Senior Partner John Cage), stellar performances (from the entire no-slackers ensemble cast) and compelling stories (like the one where they help a terminally ill boy sue God).