Title: Boston Legal TV Podcast: A conversation with David Dean Bottrell, the actor portraying Lincoln Meyer, wiht host Dana Greenlee. Season 3, Episodes 2-9; published March 25, 2007; 68 min.

" Sequence is yeah once we got their big cost the next -- speaking to -- within ten Britain. --"

" Forestry city as the -- of Boston vastly -- work your connected to Boston legal radio. That's the unofficial and right now very occasional experience of Boston legal that we do via audio right into your ears. -- course that's the daily Kelley produced television show broadcast here. That's saying you can see him with the public plants at fox and of course this talented folks. As David E Kelley productions I'm in agreement in today's Boston legal podcast is a specialist. At a beloved sort -- an enduring character -- character is amazing the man is wonderful. He's he's a veteran of eight episodes so that's fully first third of the 20062007 season. And you can know him a lot better in just a few minutes today let's listen in on his inaugural seen in Boston legal it's just."

" Most giving us a lot of this judge ideal neighbor who I had actually heartbreaking what happens I know I'll senator how fondly as I'm sure of how this will do. Neighborhood obviously without. It's tragic what happened."

" I think tanks creepy. Neighbors like liar"

" called it we're talking to not Lincoln minor today. Welcome David deemed a Trout."

" Thank you thanks to return to be here."

" All it's a wonderful to have you know I'm sort of -- UN from a busy weekend I'm sure yeah. Dear activities such as writing producing legend have a day offer our demonstration -- no day off."

" I'm Patricia knows best to stay off -- you know I do take weekends off and this is a relatively low key weekend and it's great to talk you guys."

" That's -- is gonna get kinda hectic if we come up into April I understand"

" hopefully hopefully so it's looking that way right now ostrich it's very very exciting actually I guess we'll talk all about that stuff later on I guess."

" Why did yes we will damaging your relaxing in your home in sunny southern California -- a terribly sunny today it's pretty pretty cloudy here today Powell both cut -- can be a relief it is springtime. So it it's like Niagara Falls appear in the Pacific northwest rockets it now the first thing I have to call attention due to everybody is wrapped right now your -- This is you David talking to me we all know you in a slightly different persona. Right a different kind of voice right we thought yet to Justine does although little bit of Lincoln just just a random sentence"

" I -- I'm sorry listen yes sure we had had to get some interviews on the radio maybe it -- it was a month and a half ago. Frequently that would come up they would say you know hold on about the accent and I would say. Want access to what you're talking about"

" well then hit ethnic -- it -- just like possibly turn it on. Cuba."

" The accident. Actually is based on somebody that I used to work for it was not originally -- that in the script it's something as a walked in the door with at the audition and everybody sort of but it was funny I years ago when I was a student. I used to do catering and party ending and I used to park and for this guy in New York who came from. This cluster of people I'm terribly sure really exist anymore that they were -- old money why sort of walks B group of folks and say. And he had is you know cohorts actually did have that kind of odd to. You know east has them Katharine Hepburn accent they really look like that. And so I'll people and written into art imitating Katharine heparin -- actually wasn't it actually did mr. I would fax sounded like -- effort."

" Yeah it's not even a caricature of a voice that it's evil --"

" Asia it is a real boys or at least it used to be at a -- night I was sort of elderly centuries probably not with us anymore yeah new. It's ridiculous of this I do very imperious. Safe to considerably in his own world it was quite wealthy and and I guess I stole a little bit of that when I went into -- Burlington."

" As you go around bar -- and waiting in and basically mocking him behind his back at."

" They'll go to Texas to anything BI despite a it is. -- at him in years and when he auditioned for Boston legal came up. The original character descriptions said something like creepy as -- to Truman Capote kind of character and I don't. I happen to do it Truman Capote imitation and cycle when -- going to do we could do. And I and I happen if slash on this guy and I thought welds were shot and so I just trusted it sort of around my living room it seemed like it kind of worked in. And I went in to audition four and every last pasta and the next and you obviously Lincoln."

" And you have a corner on the boys because the other people are trying to do Truman Capote high pitched or whenever the -- sounded alike with his -- your little sea of uniqueness."

" It's certainly worked out I'd have to say pretty they're ready -- amused."

" Well I understand let's let's get right into you mentioned the audition and I I'm dying to know. How a guy and we we -- preface this but. Your guy that was in acting bout 17 years ago right projected decade decided to step behind the camera and do our writing and producing directing. And somebody. Teased you hard enough or pull you right out of retirement retirement of acting."

" Yeah how that happens you know I had been an -- years ago I was -- stage actor primarily -- just. -- very steadily for a long time and I just got a little disillusioned with a lot of style that came along with being an actor I tried my hand at writing and I had. Good luck so right around. I guess around 1990 I think I sold my as the first thing ever wrote it so hard to have beginners luck and it's in Atlanta. And then it sort of happened I didn't really make it can't just decision and certainly it was a writer. What was that project sentinel a British stage play I was actually out here in California doing a little bit of TV work and I I just wrote a stage play and then I went back to New York and it was a play called dearly departed with an -- and it had a a modest run off Broadway it it never exactly packed houses but it got terrific reviews we got great write ups and yeah and the -- realizes that it was a comedy comedy about funeral a small town. And and then that's actually -- to be writing a second play which got produced about maybe a year later in New York which also got little attention army that said. Attention but no money. Which is also the playwright's dilemma how to conduct run around going to be getting calls from Los Angeles and I cannot -- I flew out and for what I thought was going to be a three month job and that led to another job which led to another and I just wound up living out here working as a writer in LA. And occasionally once in awhile people that I knew who were each other writers who would show runners or sometimes casting directors who remembered me from my my days in New York. Which cost a lot and so occasionally -- like the last 15 years or so I would. Do some small thing at a TV show and sometimes I didn't even have to audition for because it was quite literally that's small it was like man number two yeah. And so I would come in and say my cute funny lines on a sitcom. You know get my last in the that was about an it was a pretty easy paycheck to select -- and to do respond to go back to that but I I didn't really. Ever plan on returning to acting I didn't think she added I stopped thinking of myself as being an actor and when this came up actually I wish in the middle look at I I've had written and directed a short film which is being very popular about festival circuit. And I was actually about to leave town to go to Palm Springs for festival when the phone rang. And it was -- from who's the capture direct -- Boston legal who I've known for a hundred years and she said he would come in and audition for this this is -- little strange little role and it's just one scene in one episode and now it's no big deal and at least fun."

" I visited before the festival exactly exactly exactly and I think you know I I really don't what to do that but thanks anyway I'm really busy right now I'm leaving town for the weekend and it just it just wouldn't be convenient and thanks for thinking that he turned it down I did -- and god bless sir she was persistent and -- like my -- in early it'll all work out. And so I agree -- to you know you don't want you more."

" This is putting -- Thursday and I came in on Friday and tutored a word should be give me an early. I didn't quite relate to show ice within a little bit of state of chaos because everything added two characters and they were. Having to reissued a lot of episodes and jumble lot of plot lines in the and so it is whoever did this role had to -- start work immediately. And when I went into the room to audition generally they're not a lot of people present in an audition but when I. -- in the room to auditioned for Lincoln direct hundred people there they missed been picking people in the room. So it is a little little startling basically what I owed -- where people that are. I think it's because everybody had to -- start work right away like you know I think the customer was literally in the recruitment. Did you and so you know who'd ever going to because stemming. So there were a lot of people -- room and I guess it luckily and build -- was directing episodes he's glad primarily dealt with and and they like the edition that was funny and yes you do it again and we played around with a couple things and they just kept laughing they just kept laughing at everything that I was doing and so I left the audition and somebody came out and said can you. -- town for a couple of our. Can you -- hang around an -- neighbor to the show is taped in Manhattan Beach which is maybe 45 minutes outside of LA proper it is also right in the rush hour in all that that you want to just hang out in the -- in Manhattan Beach for a couple hours it would be a good idea OK taste you can fill your time at beach for two hours and they called and said can you go straight toward a wild delegated illustrate a wardrobe and then. And then I was literally on the show on Monday morning at like the crack of dawn."

" For at this -- your one's seen probably the ones you used in that you auditioned with."

" Yeah yeah exactly and then but if there was a slight change -- because suddenly I realized what -- by the time I got there. That they were they were -- at Lincoln and for a second episode. And then a and then suddenly it just it started to snowball from Aaron -- two weeks he was back he's back he's back -- to suddenly became very inter goal to be to murder case. And -- like art Allison the witness and then became a suspect which I'm sure they remember -- also -- Scott little Marcia Cooper murder case yes."

" At that point you're in for a couple episodes. How we did did you doesn't get another bunch of sides the next week or --"

" Abdullah literally -- we get the call each week might be in the middle of taking -- that are never get a call. Sang our you know we need to make sure that your -- people keeping the following week. I pretty -- time. That I was gonna go. For the run of the Marcia Cooper murdered because -- clearly become a suspect after I think the third episode I knew it was going to be out there -- to this particular trial. And there but just you know actors myself and -- Holmes in Katie -- Owen Ethan Phillips and Curtis Armstrong and arms Sherman we were told he was like a ticket to Christie murder mystery were we right. Yeah we knew we were going to be around for the link to that trial."

" With a little sub family of -- technically you actually and want to pass up I'd probably on the four episode of that maybe third or fourth I got a call. -- from I did Achilles opposite -- out of that was available to stay on the show after that for a while and that was you know I I was just doesn't. And terrible yes of course I would love to and them in the medical sprung up on the whole. -- going on that crime spree."

" Meet a plow and meanwhile -- of course and forget festivals we what's happening to available managers -- under propelled into. It's sort of got on the back burner a little bit hacker."

" Well you know it it just fortunately getting about having made movies it's that are goes on and does its thing whether you're around or not -- gates had that's a little short film but I made last year. I wrote and directed it and it's had a very blessed life it it debuted at DM HBO costly festival about a year ago period which is big deal comedy that's what happens in Aspen, Colorado it. He just did really well there and suddenly it's sort of compliment festival circuit and it is now been. I believe that's a hundred -- vessels we've been -- and we've won. Actually just one -- 13 to ward last weekend for best short film so it's been it's been great."

" Congratulate and thank you thanks very much credible and -- them good residuals from that well you know I."

" That the film festival circuit doesn't really pay anything back -- the good news is it's very rare for a short film to wind up being. Purchased registered to that we work and so we were we were purchased we put on a compilation. A short films they got released in January and so now beginning to get a little little bit of money for that so I'll probably break even in the."

" That's all you can -- makes absolutely -- in his helmet fantastic the Lincoln you know as is going to help you a little -- carry over from that that's her. That's your bread and batter."

" Exactly it's been amazing and that that little short film is actually sort of I mean it was a they have wanted to do for a long time now as a result of that it looks like -- am going to get a direct this feature that I wrote so it's it's been a great blessing -- home yet been fantastic."

" I want to jump back into Lincoln want to get married aliens that are coming up in your future projects an amendment but sure it just so everybody doesn't forget what we can sounds like -- play another soundbite in this wonderful. I -- really sort of spells out the contradiction that is link in his early different things depending on situation sure."

" I don't know why she got a restraining order against you that was the husband's idea I think he felt that it threatened -- you know fine. The infatuation she was drawn to me it was never consummated of course I'm deeply Christian."

" Judge Cooper was seen factually we -- you it's not something I feel comfortable talking about."

" I think that he's deeply Christian -- later he's as you know she was biblical with Scott -- And and he is predicament that I -- we know that the direction had to perform like that sir. What is Lincoln's back story why do you think he is the person he is is this what he wants everybody to think."

" I the world you know there but there wasn't much back story written there were a couple of references. That -- like I had occasion you'll see a first draft of the script -- later on it it changes and in one of the first straps of one of the episodes later on. Certainly can refer to having come from wealthy family. And that's his mother was very wealthy and that she passed away now he was very well. Which is pretty much what I kind of assumed all along was that that Lincoln was -- you know I had some box because clearly he's not capable of holding a job."

" He was created during the deposition as well tactically and he."

" Lives in -- 8000 seems you know do we want to do so I my assumption would always be just came -- we're very wealthy and very eccentric background."

" All right and Christian attack yet and you know in a fifth -- that the act of the gods sort will strike -- happen. Now well we've we've kind of coverage that. You've been on for this extended art this eight episode arc which was more than you expected prince -- let -- in on that Thursday and I just wanted to note that -- the longest reigning guest star apart from Betty white has been in 14. And this -- are you go as you said Fran a trial witness to the plan be suspect to your countersuit and you became that serial wacker he actually -- know what it felt like. And hand. And did you became the final scene the kidnapping scene which I hope by now everybody has seen. Yeah also we were treated to the vocal styling is Lincoln -- So if all those wonderful different emotional ranges -- what do you think is your favorite scene or episode -- and."

" You know I packets you know right when I was leaving the show I always I had a quick conversation -- build -- we were shooting the very last day when I was leaving. And I and I told them which is so the truth it's one of the most fun things I've ever done in my life was to -- possibly of that link at -- just because. We just to do so many different things during those eight episodes and David Kelly is such an imaginative writer. And so many of territory would get a script I couldn't quite believe -- you know where we're we're going their next witness. And I know that when we started out. I I dissident are probably just -- this brutal kind of neat quirky creepy you know character. And I never suspected that people I mean I sort of that people would think he was creepy. But I didn't know -- people would eventually come to really still fond of him which is really in the oddest part is I've gotten so much mail from people who really probably avoid can pursue a breeding and you know -- I remember when we were I think you're -- I think -- episode called we already shot the episode which Halloween episode which I think was culture free up. Solidarity in the can -- the next one and I got a call saying that David had give Kelly watch the episode and wanted to add a scene. And so they were going to messenger over scene that night and we were uneducated like the crack of dawn the next day and put it into the two country upset. And so at the scene came and I looked at it and it lies. This scene that if you my remember this it was when Greg be Erica and I capital scene in the hallway where where I I'd say you know I had feelings. And it was so poignant and it would Sosa added it was so unlike anything. That I had seen or expected to do you know -- character adapt to that point and so kind of you know brittle and comedic. It is really touching and and we shot at the crack of the Sox don't -- how -- And and lo and behold they they put it in the Pacific they turned it around I think it was an episode like six days later the episode aired with that scene and it. And it was a very different. Take it and he he releasing applicants at least seemed like he was on top putting all these other things anyway as crazy Ian unpredictable and funny and you know -- cost stake. And relentless he was also sort of you know human and sad to it was very surprising in the may consider -- battle that at the end when night when I had kidnapped -- And so -- greats. You know screen experience because we got to -- go all over the mass applicant who seem to be this -- not particularly real character -- first. Became so that strangely had a real avenue has started to believe that such a person could exist after awhile and I hope I globally it was really highly."

" I really liked I think that was clinical dozens of Lincoln and actually let's this is playing right now because it just seems appropriate. Thinking."

" We still -- amount. It comes to making an offer of settlement with the job."

" And who's against you. I'm not surprised. Watching you heard that Lincoln. In her. Anyway I do what they took the PP seemed sad. Soon the loan against. We must have been -- me. What's going on -- This -- and do it. This is used to pay attention. Feeling so yeah. Those things to say about me and corporate. Thanks -- hope. I was just doing whatever it is in my class. -- personal."

" Very nice."

" But influence me. And you know following that scene in it was Paul part of the -- being a suspect in touch you have to just. Well without America's is isn't one of my favorite seasons the Cuban league -- meg going at to please lineup US suspect number four -- right. Now I saw a Saab the direction that we as viewers simply Lincoln poses. I don't try to try to draws attention to himself and at one point they did say -- ask you to strike -- right they referred to -- and that speaker -- but the rest easy -- I had him. Little bit about that and then also tell us about the surprise. Moments it probably no one private Ian all right."

" Right well pay the debt they I have to say the people bought some legal that you were so kind to me and so supportive because. I had not done this in a very long time and I'm I'm very grateful that the world sort of got progressively larger. That was able to sort of gaining confidence as we went. And occasionally I would sort of turn to whoever was directing your equipment wanted to produce is -- set in and I would say why. It's simple little big -- a single to left field here. And they were very encouraging me to say no I don't know it's great it's great go go go to the ball -- what it and that was certainly one of those days and we we shot the lineup seen they just the simple do it everywhere they do and you know and and with the will stop if we think it's you know way off are we got beat but why just go forth and so. We just -- return to think what America and of the poor actors who were -- on the other side of the screen had never seen it before we shot it. And so there were coupled and just where they were -- cracking up on the other side that they are having difficulty you know to be good composure -- when it was poses. But basic guilt for and so are dead and it was hilariously funny and them when we were shooting. -- came out of -- and he capped one of the extras on that children to let me let me step -- It's -- he stepped in right behind me we went into the police lined up somebody build a Leah was in the lineup. And -- unbelievably nobody noticed that person. Not even the doctors and Stephen the other asked no police -- it first the bill -- standing behind me in the lineup. And then they actually sent it to the network. With built appearance also there and nobody noticed that the networking and sell it makes it just tastes pretty musharraf Cox."

" Who do you think it was it may be meant to go all the way it's --"

" I I it was -- originally intended to admit it was going to be an inside joke yeah originally and then blooper just exactly and then no one noticed if you look very carefully that episode you'll see that the guy behind him mysteriously disappears and is replaced by -- But it's to -- steps."

" And it really great in actually anybody is listening wants to see that go to Boston nest with a dot org. And click on the link in the sense that lead to an episode I believe -- yeah that's right. And then and we have a shot -- just built standing and excited and I suspect number five and -- Communist star am sure sure I just the Lincoln has signature lines and I just want to run through a couple of them several of them. And I know that they were penned by David E Kelly and his -- writers on some occasion. And am I correct in saying you were not allowed to come up with ideas are where you actually."

" You know it -- extremely well written and if it doesn't really need a lot of help promote it you know I'm I'm actually speak it as a writer myself I'm happy that they tend to try to you going to police that they do you tried they do encouraged the actors on that show. Two Q do the lines pretty much exactly as written room because if they're wonderful lines and it and sometimes -- the rhetoric and say that sometimes it is important the way line is written -- it to me it does need to come out the way it's typed on the page."

" If they need to pay off later on today in exactly the first I said I'm a PP well it right. It would out every extreme team they were."

" They were for the most part they were they were pretty they encouraged us to draw suddenly encouraged to -- It's just a lot exaggerated them."

" Help -- Arnold value if I had a great -- to the letter -- fired treatment. -- said that I now anyway you did a great job with that your talent show three with all the mannerisms and so and that's where you thank you very much like his one of."

" Lincoln's Mark for any signature line to see them doing it through the."

" I'm a PP. You're peeping Tom. -- that that continues on infect the later in trick or treat you mention the Halloween episode right. Mr. --"

" He implied I was just."

" Pacify a freak who should be registered as a six and -- I committed no such as fans and even if -- That which I most certainly have not to suggest that I'm Sheila I'm not Iraq. That Gracie J woman reported in front of millions of people and I was damage to America's peeping Tom correct and then open and notorious PP. Why when I would -- I used to write quickly now from the old to compete. And she night tapping a PP an even if she didn't it doesn't get decent knowledge of people a right to of that that I make him. I mean look at me judge I'm -- pitched."

" Perfect attendance indignation and does exist to it. And such Dixon oh my goodness you -- definitely give -- rent for his -- what it thank you -- both all reported that moral outrage. I've got PP it's -- constitutional ID"

" that particular episode at intermission we added it seemed to hand -- there was this of his second scene it was also added which is a beautiful scene between James spader and Christian Clements and where -- you know the other -- which where they're both facing the camera they're sitting on the same side of the table. And it's very poignant also aware James spader is telling -- I mentioned that most probably agreed to lose the case. And it's very very Sweden and because those two -- were asked added they had to do quite good editing on the existing -- And that little -- and were armed depending myself in front of the judge actually I was probably maybe twice as long as it turned out in the columns and so we actually lost some material out of that which is also quite funny but you would never know that just watching -- episode."

" Oh they just kills now want those hours marries -- deleted yeah. So my just I'm glad to hear me thank you for teasing me badly."

" But there a couple of very funny things of that when that that just -- sort of by the -- to go with committee it was kind of an actually it its it is dipping it went -- were so wonderful that it was an easy call."

" Now editors have a hard job but they do they do -- you don't just go through and do one take I imagine there's different angles and I --"

" Do -- a few times -- actually has been particularly when there're a large number backers involved it gets. It you know quite complicated that the courtroom scenes are particularly involved. -- different people in and even a relatively short if there's if there's like there's one thing that was -- terribly complex scene it was an -- to it really -- there -- some like by the lesson understanding. But Meehan and -- in. Marker telling what everybody possible everybody was then you're also standing in front of the receptionist stand yeah and it just took. Quite a -- time because of the camera has just been around -- to her -- eventually catch everybody. So it it can take some time in Boston legal has a very definite visual style they always do. Some shots that are government steady cam or they're done had held. And they they do these things where the camera simply whips around from one things matter it's have been looking a person's face or it's it's just focusing on their hand or something they're doing. It would up to their face or someone else's space and it is it is too -- camera work involved and do an answer yet we -- quite -- he takes in everything."

" Wow net that senior talking about I think I've got the right when I wanted to play it because. It also. Caused quite a bit of intense speculation on all community -- this scene where -- You have been writing is coming in to prepare for the Daryn let them out there's going to be this deposition -- on the the catering coming. Kentucky yes and visited trick or treat and surely is they're talking to brad -- catching up on the case you know what's what's up with we -- you know who's going to represent him right right let's just play it now I wanted to ask you about something happened right at the end here."

" Who's representing this charming man that's the most fun part of awful I'm representing myself -- heightened -- I can all join me -- judge Cooper's deposition refreshments for the cost beside. It's all too delicious forward it's come to pain."

" I'm 20 minutes. Has the year as music that's that in theater here you're giving direction to the receptionist right picture and I think I'm. Bader which Paris as a challenge for who I don't think you had any actual dialog scenes well now. Here's the onetime -- in the room with you and thank you spent hours and hours right and he gives you this you actually bounced -- he's. Looking at you like right at this guy and it's actually it as scary stare. And we all thought oh my -- were talking enough for him this something is coming up on the youth coming up that he sees right through the man"

" yeah you know I got to get some letters asking me about that -- really yes. You when you're shooting these things. A sudden you have no idea. The cameras looking at that particular moment or how it's going to wind up being edited in the end and all I've really remember from that day wise -- Strike sent metal piece everybody I was used to go to the receptionist and improvise with horror. Until we went out into the -- officially stated out -- well yes as an overnight asserted dictating how these things -- heard you know and you know what I wanted to do and clean cut through a battle whatever -- sank. I didn't even really know what the camera was on at that moment as it turned out it was on -- staircase had to -- When the -- was Caribbean where -- be -- staring Amir had no idea. To -- about what -- residents that applies that was happening there I think it was just you know David. I mean when most interest things about the show I think is that David doesn't always know what he's going to do from what I gather and I think he you like to keep a lot of doors open you know plot wise and I think that was yet another sort of opportunity -- innocent who knows what he might think up next week in my in box. -- and and like admire prosecution of creating at the moment there are so that in case he did write to him later this he would make sense to be some connection to concede he gestured to leave you know fueled up trap doors opening urinary every episode."

" And a good time to actually David talk a bit about your. Colleagues that you acted with and everybody wants to -- in army has their favorite person there wants to hear your take is. On working opposite some of them and -- a lot of your scenes -- with Shirley Candice Bergen a -- crack. And Craig -- like you said yeah and I'm interested in mutate from both wanted to actually play. This one scene with Shirley you've. Lincoln has become taken with her she blamed partner and pleasant the eyes in the and he loves these older. Dignified women -- including attention for a moment bella and I just I'm not a doctor with -- So I do want to play a little bit of sinister Lincoln when -- called churn of the many faces of Lincoln this is jammed with his own very unique way of asking -- out an anti"

" you real financial printing for a date I certainly hope he's with me Lincoln will be doing here. FiOS special relationship has stall chatting don't issue I had brief thought that. Into my mind always comes back to you and other anyone's ever told you this before Lincoln but it -- pretty -- Ukraine must not play -- I feel you inside could sustain a deeper connection. See this thing is you don't need a lawyer the police don't consider you with us."

" About little comfort. What if someone else we're just trying to get it."

" Persuade you to get a bike with he shed if you could not would it help if I have a pistol. How did I -- is where movie we have one of those ominous cold play right about now."

" When you going. He's walking out of here with me call me from without incident. You know I need to get on the -- special. Two nice days with me yeah. After -- role."

" And you have a gun in your hand."

" Boo -- scary the -- The lighting in that scene in and some of the scenes in your basement or. You know very ominous -- absolutely you're in -- literally man has a as a director in a person makes films probably appreciated that I."

" Dead again actually I'd love to actually be ensured that -- where it was sort of Lincoln's when he fewer resources stalking surely -- the office that was very creepy."

" Now lance that's just a little bit about Candice Bergen and do you guys like kill each other we just professional seniors came in did you scenes"

" you know I am so happy that everything timed out schedule wise to wait they did -- ties. The first time I I mean I had met -- in the hall layers in the coffee station or some -- I naturally spoken with here. I didn't say good morning low I haven't really worked with her -- I think it was two country episode and the opening scene it's -- Arco and her and me in her office. And I was so glass I think Craig -- Erica was in this scene because I was scared to death modifications such I mean everybody eats it out of and a pair ridiculously but I I just love her and it. I was totally intimidated to actually asked -- seemed to disperse them. And that was very it Craig was there because. I got a lot of things with Greg by that point I was very comfortable with him. And -- she's completely charming and and if she hadn't actually which is asking me questions about what we're -- the accent that you just to just so -- and -- him. Without by -- funny and all that's always been an intro. And so then we came back and shot seem right kidnapped her and and we spent an extremely well -- it's -- learn the -- that you can -- She couldn't have been sweeter and you know in addition receptors which tied to a chair for the entire you know 60 hours -- what -- what were down like could I was a little difficult for her but appreciate it didn't have quite the trooper about it. And in -- everything that you had imagined her to be she is the very classy it's very smart very gracious person and only in very interstate in the world and it shouldn't and other people and she's she's very private bridges and volunteer a lot about herself. But I step toward her attention for the best I gotta tell -- you know. In my very limited experience of doing guest shots on TV shows. Sometimes you wanted to situations that are not so terribly comfortable where where it is tension or people worked at a for a long time -- it likes to put it that much anymore and I found -- possibly going to be wanted to help these places I've worked. In terms of everybody being you know seeing them and pleasant and professional and but he didn't seem to get along in India agenda the primary gender is to make the show good. They're proud of the show they want to show to be good in -- it has a funny way of sort of neutralizing any sort of ego issues and so people come there are happy to be a work. Want it and and everyone was gracious Everett was luckily every was so friendly and nice to me and I -- everybody and I think the first scene -- shot with Julie Bowen she was. Terribly sick and I -- we shot it. And and the like we were like standing in the wings ready to launch was clearly terribly -- just like bent over not well. And I I would whisper due to -- stopped -- tell them which are not able to do this is not an umpire and we would cute -- which like Portuguese that we could do it. And then we went our second having to a actually going to bark like -- second insurance holding legal pad and she wrote on it I'm pregnant don't tell anyone."

" had committed. I am soon."

" I -- just say -- on anybody. And -- actually went -- announcing that it shall I guess a little later but who."

" Few who knew -- it is suitable for you were so thought I was so this is more about you and why. Everybody felt so good toward used because you -- not to -- downs -- you know you -- would you like muted intercede on your behalf of practice. And it was so grateful."

" Seems that -- extremely sweet and funny funny. -- and -- were the later became you know public knowledge which is pregnant but I received -- the success meter competent to that moment and start I'd never betrayed etiquette I'm -- all -- she -- interest in any amendments -- you know -- it was -- You know unfortunately now on the show anymore but he he added. Very possibly one of the funniest people I've ever met in my life -- in in a in -- Robin Williams. But like ADT's sort of incredible this way. He's ultimately deliver Mac and the bill shatner is also incredibly funny at a very different -- all of the costs kind of way he's one of those guys -- or say something. And it takes you to be put to realize that we joke ha ha ha this is just doesn't want to."

" And then you know he's not looking for the reacts and they could."

" But -- an environmentalist and a sister -- interest in guy. And I think it was great concert was a scream."

" You know how we ask Constance -- and along with her."

" Yeah again this is -- love -- Mark Sally Sally was terrific he'd had a Dresser Mexican plays the guitar."

" What do you I really could have been a --"

" Absolutely typical of anywhere and not always great I didn't really work very much with games to James -- is also very very nice I eight he he. -- was asked her. The trick or treat episode or something like that he -- to cost me. At home because he'd seen the episode and and -- that I had done much dominated and I thought that was very very nice to have well did you take -- do that and."

" So it is true every actor in Hollywood has everybody else in their phone book. Right temperature as well -- actually found out after a."

" I don't hesitate in my phone book but but James you know got my number production office it was kind enough to call me and I thought that was a very very nice of them."

" He -- a -- EM although the cast out here just a few words about the credence because. You're writer how was it working for you know sing in the words of one of the trinity television writer have did David Kelley ever make his presence known on the center."

" I'd never met Davis and I gather that's not terribly unusual -- I think even to people who have been on the show for a long time to probably count on one hand the number time it met David can it be a pretty reclusive guy but my goodness I mean districts were always so he detaining and so surprising and I I really come to appreciate that since I left Boston legal because I've been asked to audition -- and there are prodigy yeah. And when that happened and I'd gone and it seemed Scripps -- been below certainly disappointed in the quality of them I got spoiled working over Boston legal where this script throws a terrific so it it was it was great and I I do know that you know in case. The majority scripture written possibly go to work couple. I think of the a couple of the -- I worked on it were one of I think Janet Blake he worked on -- they had writers Aaron there was another when it's someone -- sort of I can't remember who now but it and there was there was one time we were in the that would bind is needed something rewritten there wasn't quite working in the right except came in into the marks coolest job and exit the scene where I called William shatner large Marge which just."

" Larry and that didn't have a -- Kelly dozen other writings which were writing staff can't talk but lords science and an --"

" There is they're just they were amazing and I ran into on the Janet actually at an event not a blogger gently heat and which has below we talk about about the show in about. I didn't -- there really sure exactly you can sometimes. You know things are polished and support -- staffing is. But the name on the page doesn't necessarily reflect the word that your reading and she told me that -- that at least in my case that I guess David had written. I pretty much you know 99 point 9% of what Lincoln had had written by David. And if it was -- yet at a certain point it was a little intimidating because. He yards out as an actor hired into it and then I realized at a certain point data was writing these. Scenes and with. -- mind based on your interpretations Lincoln woods has played just funny because if it seemed like that particular apartment my imagination and then a couple of other -- or 12 or other -- expressed the same thing it's sick it's like he's sort of gets. He's such a wonderful writer that part of what makes a wonderful if she does kind of pickup what an actress of the strong points are so what they're wedeman is. And then starts to right two got -- them and this is just noticing -- getting better and better and they were more more fun to play and it was just wonderful too wonderful experience to producing staff also in the directing staff has just you know. Just a guitar -- professional considerate and encouraging and personally like me I I relied pretty heavily on him -- I went pretty much every director that we -- and said. Feel free to tell me anything because I am very much as the new kid on the block here and I would love to hear anything yet to say and and I just had an -- I think every -- was it was encouraging it was just really wonderful it's a great time."

" Are -- directors and looking at the list where the veteran directors you know you've of course built only a couple of times and yeah. Steve Rabin has done a bunch and -- Antonio has done so much in television I mean -- like 30 years or something happen"

" well -- set to charming guy got to China has really. Really much beloved by the actors as well he was really really but I stepped -- wonderful spirit lives."

" Now what innocent I just hit the clock right now because we're anytime I want it definitely. Get to one more scene which is the ending and and then tackle bit about what you gonna do the future herself as David hunter and but to add one thing that I -- When you said the directors gave you the direction of having fun I immediately thought at the door. Serenading surely because only get a lot of and I can just imagine if it really was David Kelly he's he's the twisted mind that thought up the chipmunk on them should come out of Lincoln's -- I felt -- I want to play both China do you think twice in the upset but I just have time for one so here's clearly did just before. Well as these swat team has converged are sure. Yeah."

" Okay I'm gone --"

" This yeah I have to ask if someone told me and asked. Sure do you play the ukulele I don't pretty though it. Ha ha -- an -- just a little stunt."

" Liz there was no there was a wonderful guy -- who plays the ukulele for -- and that was prerecorded and mountain and we did little -- to before we shot anything. And there was a little speaker on this that sort of hidden behind me to -- the Chapman and I just sort of fake my way through X."

" Can't and he you can record your knees -- just went down notes I'm -- all around the sunlight on the side I'm just the ukulele part prerecorded and it was a very fine -- now what you -- when you opened the -- the script that day when you saw what you're the you're going to be singing did you how did you feel about that."

" He's only cost me -- about it had a -- the disparity was just screaming with laughter it was such a funny idea and so have we I was forewarned what is going to be and originally they were two other christmas songs I can't remember what they were now but it was -- sort of traditional -- assault -- I was saying and then it was changed to the Alvin the chipmunk song. And when they sent me the MP three to -- it -- The person they sent me was by -- shepherd. And I wondered if maybe they used to -- Allie mcbeal at some point I crossed my mind that remember that maybe they did but anyways that was the first person that I heard. -- I I believe it was David's idea that you have and I don't know that for sure but it's certainly what's funny in the episode and and scream."

" Who has at at this. You of course had Doolittle stock work as well I'm coming up the last few scenes of an electric has amassed -- episode. Yeah I'd date we don't know if they'll be more will trust her finger -- You rich feeding her and she had -- you in the -- so you acted like somehow have this blood country fingers and right -- I'm sure that was fun as well as a little bit about body slamming when you took the -- the bullet but right crossbow. Four -- watching that to this morning and here you are like kind of liked staggering back just a moment."

" Yeah yeah -- B they had betting thing is whether this is one of those funny miracles -- camera work and that. It tendered his head is really not all that terribly close to mine just the way that the camera is positioned. And at the time that we shot it I I thought if -- and you know I actually had expressed that. And Candace had interpreted it works fine because she's been in front of the camera to teams like 20 years old and and she knows much better than -- what's going to -- what doesn't and and it looked of course fantastic -- talk television. And then at the -- was obviously we you know we cut away which is the miracle of editing it was a kind of way and then do whatever you do. And -- they -- to beat me up for my to my hand away. Andy -- that was a long night we were having some technical difficulties with the arrow so I don't really remember how many thousands of times we had a -- attributes to. It would allow some states I will say that's out the arrow for whatever reasons would not. Come out rates it it was -- was coming out of a weird angle and said it didn't look like it was going through me so we had to do do you party takes about but we eventually got it but it was kind of a long evening."

" And then had to drop on your knees probably clocked -- over and over expect --"

" Yes they did I sure did and that if that was is there -- lawyers say what is really difficult evening that. So we have like a damn mess and I I upset about the my toes -- sort of public. Reporter might yield it was a good kind of an awkward angle that I understand how to do it. So we did eventually get a take it looks really good I thought it looked like an error related go through me it did it was a miracle to tedium. If this plus until increasing Jane was also a little. Hard to do it well and we thank god -- a stunt man extra came in and helped us what the end that. That was by external light ganymede actually tried that it was a Robert shovel I really really didn't like getting -- Children but very game -- along with -- bad man I was making me very nervous I was very -- step meant finally took over."

" Of course the final scene -- all worried everybody was worried that Lincoln wasn't going to make it look yeah -- And I was so happy to hear it's gonna play what happened as them we are on the outside of Lincoln's house. And surely comes out and then we see Lincoln thank goodness he has a few final lines. It's when it's --"

" Memorial I'll start -- any new. Remind remind."

" What were you thinking when you delivered those lines set aside dramatically he though."

" Thank you thank you you know I I all of Lincoln's sort of -- in this thing has been. Just wanting to be had noticed -- I think he desperately wanted to go to trial for murder. It to be a star and and there. Did -- 11 hour history sort of came true -- being wheeled out of his house the resilience of you know swat team members and reporters in people and he was sort of the center of attention at long last. And so he's being wheeled out and I actually Bob before they -- me afterthought. -- would love this moment even that we shot in the chest he would love this moment he would be happy to be patter when looking at them. And so that's what I've played it I sat opposite sort of applicants stream comes."

" Refusal to his staged death boys yeah clicked into exactly. They just you know happy to have the attention on him and finally at long Smith and of course. I've done dated all intimately and he you know it it."

" In the original scene when we shot it I when I was shot in the chest. I actually said to Shirley and -- don't worry just to flesch wonders in my carport collapsed. And then that they took that out and just have stayed at the end all. Did they give it to but he is -- when you look at it it doesn't look like I'm dead it actually was a good choice I can only. They're afraid mistakes it was like oh no link instead these injured they were not."

" it just because you know you have different level. WAV files around on your computer had to play the flash within -- Monty python may have mr. king Arthur that that okay -- the kind of complex. It stupid route if that -- Well that's. We wanted to take good retrospective look at all laid at the and we only really kind of scratched the surface on the -- I want to remind everybody is listening to that. That if you go to Boston equivalent org. I've accepted it probably breaking dozens of copyright laws each defense David scenes in eight episodes and then strung them together so you've given all they've -- all the time. Our the great all boil down to an hour of your. We were obsessed and I want to run through a bunch of things that you are working on some of the staff that is coming up so we have a way to reconnect with you outside of Boston legal shook her I know you mentioned available men that's the short film that's -- What 14."

" 14 awards 13 right now 13 -- hopefully and the dvd came out it did it came out in January -- compilation of short films which is. In -- enough. Called available men so -- not to remember early news is likely that title since these are and the title -- entry and it usually have fun."

" Personally great and that can be purchased from your website when she tells about your website I was really nice let's."

" Oh thank you thanks eight you can purchase adopt a web site it's David -- curled up consulates pretty easy to remember. All or it is actually available on Netflix and it's also available blockbuster it's it's all over the place."

" But it makes you get Illinois that's what exceptional well actually I should I should actually despite support your local so early that you let slip back up and -- support to local filmmaker you have to freedom by. And that's I give them away and again -- in tiny towns are and that's compilation I think like seven or something what a deal yeah exactly exactly -- finally names and production company that's -- oh yes yes my my production companies Coke which are -- an entertainment you -- predate fits this is accurately -- my attitude about their business oh this you didn't make a comment at the top of the hour you said. You are trying to set up a powerful Hollywood enter into business they just"

" it's I -- what they do and I'm asking be doing that and it's it's gone really well the moment and it's it's it's great I just a very grateful to be able to do what I'd like to do."

" You know I am going to ask this I will preface it by saying I know he will lie to me anyway -- have done -- hit if it's true. Have you heard any rumblings from Boston legal you back on the --"

" you know I I actually have not heard from the folks -- have a right into them a couple times socially 8 you know I am open -- come back at some point -- this. The -- and to make spot legal great show is that they don't really. Operate with a game plan if they sort of operate on some story like today they come up with these great stories. That involve the existing characters like you know Caledonia and Charlie you know that. And then then at that point they -- a disciple what character would best serve that's a story. Whether that's Christian Ahmanson's character Jerry your whether it's pretty white character or my character or or a Meredith Eaton character to that matters -- time basic appreciative to serve didn't show the first to which -- is what makes it so great. And so there's no I don't think there's any you know guarantee that any that will be back and less organized you know. Be for the good of the show and I think that's actually a great thing and there are not many episodes left tissue to this year so. I think it's unlikely he'll be back this year but who knows maybe I'll be back next here you never know if."

" Picked it up then and of course if there's a season for there will be a season five. Let me go to Tyson's syndicate -- and so yeah."

" Let's hope so that the great I would come back sometime it was so much fun and and you know I'd the nice part about Lincoln is he's just so you know relentlessly annoying I'm sure -- something new. Why do that he's going to have to escape from whatever mental institutions and best."

" Oh yes I hope yes I hope it was in the general population Democrats that would be dead but I thought. -- would advocate but I Richard -- of mind that whole trial again but maybe they were all trial"

" again I could you know could be I would actually you know on the one hand I felt sort of sad to go because it was so what you find that had so much adored it but this same time I I I do think David Kelly has a great sense of wind said brings them into an -- you know and went to give things or rest. And so I I I do trust his judgment on that in and I I think it's great to be back I would love to come back some time but I I'm going to leave that entirely different date is hands and it it's been very exchanging them and I have not. Ever in my life been any form of celebrity I have never been recognized on the street or. Interviewed -- we're being mean to be right now it's that's never happened before. And Boston legal limit -- Certainly brought all that into my life and I can barely leave my house without somebody stopping me just say ago I entered Lincoln -- and it's been remarkable and I didn't really didn't know any that was coming when we were shooting it. So it's been a wonderful surprise and and politeness said having been away from acting for a very long term I can't imagine a more fantastic way to re enter it. And I don't know I'm going to be doing any more acting or not mean no one -- be anything yet Brian but it it was wonderful it was a wonderful surprising really rewarding thing to do and I couldn't have done it on a more. Class C well written well produced beautifully acted show I mean it it's such. We're so lucky to have it -- and David is really. In my opinion changed the face of television in the last 15 years and finally we actually quite a bit for what he's done. And not of their a lot of they're remarkable certainty right now but I honestly do believe he paved the way for them and even steal everything that we which cute sometimes on Boston legal and I would think to myself can really produce on the air."

" And then turns out. It would be on the air -- be edited. So you had where he's just a little bit more of an ABC was willing to you know put on the air and -- that -- that they always try to push scalpel they always try to put something not sir there was one scene where I was talking about might sort of sexual fantasies about great -- changed and -- and when we were when I was talking kept thinking. He species analysts say they -- since they couldn't."

" Think of relative of course that would have been a pattern there you -- you know first of all you have sexual fantasies that certainly is well -- leads to. Sinister activity abroad would have been good -- I can make you get it big -- and make you give up business pages and."

" Saluted their -- an -- every -- of the recycling years ago no I don't. A momentous and USA and quickly as I don't know if you know this I. I am just happy to say that legion has made such a huge Mark climate that actually the top title that's that the Tut episode entitled Lincoln. But -- November 26 was the highest rated. Most viewers watched that episode -- while I was actually in the only four other episodes were watched more out of three years while and that he had averaging four point 47 million. -- we have to go all the way back to January 2005. For -- for another one that was watched more and that leads me to say that there has been clamoring the voices. Within -- fan community that we can that you'd David actually not only get -- should should be right up there with the -- nominations for outstanding guest actor thank you don't carry much you must cement or whoever does this -- needs to happen because -- you know. -- that I just sat there and looked at -- DB last night figured out that. Since 1990 excellent 1010 years nine years David E Kelly. Series guest actors have won the Emmy. Nine out of -- ten years I forget it. Guess acting so everybody Fram Christian commits them last year of course shatner insurance down one at the in 2004. And like people for the practice so between Boston legal practice he's catalog from that that."

" It's amazing I mean it's it's truly amazing and I and I. I I will say this is again something that I really really do admire David -- is that. -- undertaken the the job of the guest actor and really elevated it -- in the industry. And made it into something that it was not before and and created these the possibility for these these are ongoing plot line involving guest actors we can we can come in -- having brigade of time and and you know act in usually that network is also delegated to people who are names. And date which shows are great because there is a mixture and you have people like make him allowing their people like delta Burke. Annual people like -- and myself and Meredith -- and who are most certainly not celebrities who get to command and ladies wonderful roles and had actual story lines and play. We'll seem to have real relationships with the other characters and and and and show which is. He is a fairly new development actually TV used to -- you just kind of he served as a full scale. -- distorts our and then you've got off basically and now it's it's a much different thing it really -- meets a guy like in the last three episodes that I was on the show. I would sort of like be pinching myself thinking. I miss -- onscreen as much as any irregulars in the deficit I'm like I'm like in the air. Yeah in the lives of these characters and were actually where we're putting up these real I think it's not just. You know if its artistic gimmick and and that's a -- David really created and and he's written it sort trolls for somebody actors over the years I'm not really surprised to hear that statistic actually that he has. To that particular category has done so well with the or David Kelly's shows have done so well in that category."

" And the fact that he wrote you your character as being like said that sensitive seen in the hallway and he had that it was a full Fletcher fleshed out character yeah. Yeah and you remember back in a practice and an if you sign with them. There was a serial killer he really reminded me of the -- and Michael Emerson -- forgot to map best -- category."

" Yes yeah yeah yeah I remember that actually and it's it's funny I I ran into Leisle Jordan who is the actor who is I think this character you're not quite there would have. And not very anyplace. And then -- PMs of July ago and so we were sort of I don't really know are now well we'll percent of you know conversing about Boston legal battle plan and he was saying that the same thing that I had which was he got all this work on David Kelly -- he's going to -- them he's never met"

" you are also bitten came from the same. Keep potters funding -- characters because you know he was it he whacked with a frying pan you lack the the shuffle that you. That is wonderful I'm glad you got to meet immigrants UN for -- portrait on it right last try to forgot about my guest guest and comedies it."

" Exactly exactly what -- you for that vote of confidence tonight I. If you know fingers across Spain about those things and potential -- something like that."

" Yes and then I'll be seeing you on the red carpet in September -- and service is costing him. Thank you."

" Hope -- let's let's hope that's -- and it's it would be my honor to beat us and no matter what happens uptight at Boston legal was a great -- it really was I I can't think of a nicer thing to have happened in 2006 --"

" I ninth -- nicer thing that'll happen in 2007 is whenever you're working on right now just leave us with an idea of what you've written lightly or -- cocaine production in --"

" Yeah yeah I I have been working as a screenwriter here in LA for about 15 years or something like that and I've been very blessed to work it's steadily. On many projects some of which got made and some didn't but I always made a living which I'm very pleased impressed that. And -- recently sorted decided to change my name. Title little bit and isolate myself as they say are here and start to attach myself to start my own work as the director. And I optioned a book last year with a couple of friends and -- it's a book called how to cook your daughter. Cleary ominous title mr. memoir by Jessica Kendra. I was very compelling -- thought -- was really beautiful book and I guess today it actually I finished it actually while we were shooting Boston legal. And it looks to bring to make it and I wish I could give you more details passed about but until some of these things become absolutely finalize -- It's too little premature to be announcing things that it does look very positive right now D director. I would be direct here yeah it's my script and also it would be directing it and we have to. -- an -- who -- an actress and it's going extremely well and I I am. I'm looking forward to doing it later this year that's the game plan right now and what's it becomes -- we finalize rebels and that the big Blair promised."

" Well we'll go to your website which again once you've given out and I'd dated dean -- this fascinating that's -- yet thank you thanks it's it's very exciting and it's. At a senate and it's been progressing very quickly lately end and so -- cross the continued that way am. Hopefully we'll have more good news soon -- and who knows maybe we'll feature of America."

" It's about. I'll be waving at you from my living -- David thank you so much for the whole hour it's been -- stay longer and I really appreciate it."

" You bet you bet that's been my pleasure to and please give my best everybody DO web site. A mistake -- found a bottle it was they are."

" Please do drop by sometime that we you know how we all basically faint dead away if you ever posted something and I. We've let you have your own thread -- fantastic fantastic I'm glad. Thank you David you yeah. And thank you for listening to another one of the Boston legal podcast what we call Boston legal radio. We're trying to do some more periodic guest star conversations from time to time. If you want to look a little more in depth to David's representations Lincoln -- in the it episodes we just talked about be sure to go to Boston -- legal dot org and click on art video episode clips page. And you'll see two videos that cover all -- up the votes of just David scenes. An hour's worth and also -- to our podcast page -- click on show notes for this podcasting and see some supplemental information as well as what we've covered in order recovered in this podcast. On appoint you over to the Star Trek link on the Boston -- people dot org web site there we have -- who has done a fantastic job for three seasons now detailing the similarities in each and every episode of Boston legal as they relate to the various universe is of star tracked. Which can be fun and sometimes a little mind stretching once there click on the Lincoln happens one and you can see. Her great comparison of Lincoln mired to be ubiquitous cute John Clancy who has been a lot of the Star Trek episodes next generation. And the similarities between the two -- picture of them side by side where they -- like. And your interest and I sure hope you art to check out his film available man I just talked about. It's available all kinds of places including its website but also go to Amazon.com click on the storm leaned. At the Boston a single dot org web site. Now take you to Amazon's Boston legal store where everything that you purchased three fair sum up your purchase amount welcome back to that web site to help. Maintain it keep it running. Right now we have featured. Available man and that Amazon's offer him -- 20% off that was a good deal. You probably don't need to be reminded of this but possibly goes on every Tuesday as the United States."

" Forget to two men he remembers count although it has been renewed for parkinson's that's great news. And as we do do do for another podcast we'll let Lincoln and his ukulele. Take us congress must this must tie and his."

" I am full -- news."

" So too delicious -- way it's"