Actor James Spader impressed viewers with his eccentric performance as Raymond “Red” Reddington in the crime-drama series The Blacklist. However, before becoming synonymous with the role, Spader first became a household name on television with his performance as the ethically challenged attorney Alan Shore.
During an interview, Spader reflected on his time on The Practice, where he debuted as the character before leading his spin-off series Boston Legal. At the same time, Spader discussed his on-screen chemistry with Star Trek veteran William Shatner. Here is what Spader had to say about working with Shatner on the series.
The Blacklist star James Spader talked chemistry with William Shatner in Boston Legal
James Spader was cast as Alan Shore for the final season of The Practice, before starring as the character in the spin-off series Boston Legal. In the series, William Shatner played the role of Denny Crane, a senior attorney who serves as a mentor to Spader’s character.
During an interview with Oh No They Didn’t, Spader was asked about their working relationship with Shatner since the duo had spectacular on-screen chemistry. Spader admitted that the chemistry between him and Shatner was formed right away.
I don’t think Bill had any expectations or preconceptions about me and I certainly had none for him. I was not particularly familiar with Bill’’s work and I don’t think he was familiar at all with mine.
Spader made the above statement, revealing that the chemistry between them was instant because the two did not have any preconceived notions about each other’s work.
Furthermore, Spader revealed that neither he nor the Star Trek legend had any idea where the characters end up in their respective arcs in the series. However, Spader felt that it worked to their advantage, resulting in both the actors delivering one of their career-best performances, winning them Emmys in the show’s very first season.
James Spader revealed the real-life inspiration behind Boston Legal character
In the same interview, Spader discussed his portrayal of Alan Shore, revealing how series creator David. E. Kelly conceived the character. As a result, the actor was asked whether Spader used his personal experiences to form certain aspects of the character.
There’s some of me, there’s some of David and I think there’s a healthy dose of the influence of the world in which he’s operating.
Spader made the above statement, explaining that the character was an amalgamation of different real-life experiences that stemmed from him, Kelly, and aspects of the legal world.
Furthermore, The Blacklist star revealed that the character was originally conceived to be a disruptor when he was first introduced in the parent series. However, when the network communicated interest in a series focused on Shore, the makers quickly made his friendship with Shatner’s Crane the grounding aspect of the spin-off, which was only bolstered by Shatner and Spader’s chemistry.
Boston Legal is streaming on Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
