William Shatner: Is Denny Crane going to lose the cigar tonight?

Tonight, the season premiere of TV's Boston Legal will air and there will be Mr. Shatner portraying the quirky character, Denny Crane.  

Over the years, not too much has changed about the facade of William Shatner. A lot of us hope that people will still be able to recognize when and if we make it to 77! 

William Shatner has been one of the most colorful characters ever! He is, of course, most famous for his portrayal of Captain Kirk of the Spaceship Enterprise on Star Trek. But, it is enviable that this man has not been stereo-typed. He has written books, starred in several series,  motion pictures and commercials. He has stars on the Canadian Walk of Fame as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame! He is a legend, no doubt!

Oh, did I forget to mention that William Shatner was born in Montreal, Canada? Canadians are always happy to see their own gain fame in the United States. 

In 1977, I had the experience of meeting William Shatner at the Metropolitan Kennel Club Dog Show. The show was sponsored by Loblaw's (Supermarkets) and Bill Shatner had been doing commercials for them. 

"At Loblaws, more than the price is right. But, by Gosh, the price is right!" (So, now you know that being a spokesman for Priceline.com is not a stretch for him.)

He had a fine Doberman Pinscher with him and I must say, that seemed like a suitable breed for him. After all these years, William Shatner is still a Doberman!  I checked the intro part of the American Kennel Club Standard for this breed so you will see exactly what I mean, with the possible exclusion of "obedient".  

[The AKC Standard states that the Doberman is a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.]

Well, sometimes all I have caught of Boston Legal is the last five minutes where he and his partner, Alan Shore (James Spader) are on the balcony, sipping scotch and smoking cigars. It looks as though tonight, he is about to lose the cigar! 

I occupied myself with knitting when I quit smoking in 1978 but I suspect that will not be Denny Crane's answer to quitting! Must dial it up tonight!

(I would be remiss if I did not mention that Denny's boss is portrayed by Candice Bergen, who has also endured well over the years.)