Ally McBeal v. Not Ally McBeal

I've been watching old Ally McBeals this week. I just discovered that they play it in the afternoon on some cable network called Reelz (??). What a treat! The show has held up rather nicely, even though it's been 13 years since it premiered. (Can it be? How old am I?)


One of my favorites things about the show is Nelle, played by Portia de Rossi. It's a great character. She's gorgeous, but is never reduced to the status of sex object because she's also a competent, well-spoken professional.

But it's Ally's show, and everything has to work in relation to the protagonist. This is why Nelle is so perfect. She is the physical manifestation of all Ally's insecurities. Where Ally is awkward and erratic, Nelle is poised and precise. And making the beautiful Calista Flockhart look like just-your-average-girl is a feat that could only be accomplished by putting her next to de Rossi.

In any type of story, it's important to have a strong mix of characters. On television, it's essential. It's the beating heart of a series. We love Ally because she is insecure and flawed, and it sure is fun to see the sparks fly when she is on screen with Nelle. It's a great source of drama (and comedy) throughout the series.

If anyone would like to purchase the complete series set of Ally McBeal for me, I would be okay with that.