REVAMPING THE PRACTICE

The Practice exec producer David E. Kelley had a lot of explaining to do at the Television Critics Assoc. press tour on Tuesday. For starters: Why did he pink slip half of the legal drama's cast, including Dylan McDermott, Lara Flynn Boyle and Lisa Gay Hamilton? ABC's decision to slash the show's license fee was a factor, but that wasn't the only reason. "Creatively, I knew that the show had to be reenergized," he said. To that end, Kelley confirmed that in addition to James Spader, Sharon Stone would guest star in at least three episodes "toward the beginning of the season." For more from Kelley, including his admission that wife Michelle Pfeiffer is a closeted Joe Millionaire fan, read my minute-by-minute press tour diary.