Roush on Boston Legal, James Spader and Mad Men
Question: I realize you are disappointed with the many Emmy nominations for Boston Legal and even more disappointed with James Spader's win. But really, your diatribes against the show are beginning to sound like a vendetta! Why not accept that appreciation for any show is highly subjective? Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's devoid of value.— Sandra
Matt Roush: I hope I made the case in the above response that while I am indeed very critical of this show, which comes with the territory of what I do, I also realize that many people take great pleasure in its silliness. (No one could possibly take it very seriously.) If I and others have had a bull's-eye on it lately — believe me, I'm not alone here — it's only because the Emmys put it there by giving it an outrageously undeserved nomination for best drama series. I'm happy to ignore it, though as usual I will revisit the show again this fall, given the latest cast turnovers. I'll watch in hopes of being entertained, but I expect once again I'll be grinding my teeth over Denny Crane's and Alan's leering at every skirt that walks in the office. Give me
Mad Men any day, which at least puts its sexism in dramatic, adult context and doesn't expect us to cheer along.
