So last night was the premiere of a new legal series on NBC, “Harry’s Law”. I saw some commercials and quite frankly I was looking forward to this new show. While I’m not an attorney I have several friends who are and I spend some of my spare time observing courtroom proceedings. I also like Kathy Bates and David Kelly.

I enjoyed the show and its quirkiness until the courtroom scenes began. One of the most memorable scenes in a legal movie is the courtroom, “You’re out of Order” scene from the movie “And Justice For All.” While it is a bit exaggerated it is a fairly accurate reflection of the frustration that legal professionals often experience. Well, one courtroom scene last night tried to imitate that scene. I say tried because it was such a pathetic, laughable attempt that it certainly was not any form of flattery.

On top of that the courtroom scenes with Kathy Bates had about as much to do with an actual courtroom as a fish does with a bicycle, (thank you Gloria Steinem). I understand that when you get to the level of Mr. Kelly, and Ms. Bates, you have some leeway and can use your show as your soap box. The scene was a debate of drug legalization and it’s potential to solve the problems of the criminal justice system. In my experience even the most inexperienced judge would have stopped this debate by the third sentence, they would not have let it go on for the ten or fifteen minutes to which we, the viewers, were subjected.

I have no argument with entertainment. I love escapism. But, I do take exception with a show that purports, or at least appears, to be based in reality and then runs so far afield that it almost reached the realm of science fiction.

While I may give “Harry’s Law” a second look it will not be on my must view list.