The new season begins when Ally feels more hostile towards Neil Porter, while things get really complicated. In those moments, Neil represents the issue of the first amendment by a popular radio talk show host, Howard Stern, as it appears that the charge will be difficult given that he is accused of inciting a hostile business atmosphere through his vulgar speech, which complicates the course of events in the company.
In its present, second season, McBeal has turned into the sort of squirmy embarrassment its detractors said it was all along and those of us who found it an amusing divertissement always hoped it would never become.
Instead of being a moderately off-kilter drama with comedic elements, the show has become a wildly off-kilter comedy with dramatic elements. It's still an entertaining show. But it has fallen victim to the "can-you-top-this?" syndrome.
You know a character has gotten into your consciousness, or under your skin, when you talk about her as if she were a real person, and even a friend. I can't quite take it that far. Something about Ally McBeal bugs me.
Some of the show's serious turns this year explored new ground -- Cage's realization that Ally is only happy in her fantasy world -- but other times "Ally" rehashed old topics ad infinitum.
