The Practice Christian Review

If television had a soul, it would reside in the stories that make us think beyond the screen. The Practice, with its stark exploration of law, ethics, and humanity, is one such show. Created by David E. Kelley, this courtroom drama doesn’t just entertain—it pries into the cracks of morality, forces us to question our own convictions, and leaves us mulling over the tension between what is right and what is real. Let’s step into this messy, morally gray world and see why it still resonates with viewers, especially from a Christian perspective.


The Messy Business of Ethics

Ethics are tricky. The law, as portrayed in The Practice, is not a shining pillar of justice but a sprawling battlefield, where truth often gets tangled in strategy and survival. Kelley, a former attorney turned storyteller, knows this terrain intimately. His lens doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the legal profession—it lays bare the compromises, the quiet sacrifices, and the soul-deep questions that accompany each decision.

For Christians, this focus on ethics is more than a narrative choice; it’s a theological challenge. How do you serve justice in a fallen world? The show forces us to sit with uncomfortable questions. It dares us to consider whether the ends ever justify the means or if truth can truly triumph in a system so rife with imperfection. The Practice doesn’t answer these questions for us, and therein lies its power—it invites us into the wrestle.


Bobby Donnell: A Character Study in Tension

At the center of this ethical storm stands Bobby Donnell, played with gritty conviction by Dylan McDermott. Bobby is not your archetypal TV lawyer. He’s not the smooth-talking hero nor the cynical antihero. Instead, he’s a man torn between his idealism and the relentless grind of his profession. Bobby’s faith in justice is admirable, but it’s his moments of doubt, his ethical missteps, and his quiet anguish that make him relatable.

For viewers grounded in faith, Bobby’s journey offers a sobering reflection. His struggles mirror our own—how often do we fall short of the standards we set for ourselves? Bobby’s character reminds us that even the best intentions are not immune to the weight of compromise, a truth that’s both humbling and, in a way, reassuring.


An Ensemble That Feels Like Family

It’s not just Bobby who holds our attention. The Practice boasts an ensemble cast that feels achingly real. Each character is given room to breathe, to fail, and to grow. They’re not just legal archetypes; they’re flawed, complex individuals.

Lindsay (Kelli Williams) brings a sharp intelligence to the team but wrestles with her own insecurities. Eugene (Steve Harris) is a voice of reason but carries the burden of being both a lawyer and a father. And then there’s Jimmy (Michael Badalucco), whose moral compass often wavers but whose heart is in the right place.

These characters don’t always get along; their clashes are frequent and fiery. But that’s what makes them compelling. They remind us that community—whether in a law firm, a church, or a family—is messy. It’s full of disagreements and disappointments, yet it’s also where grace and growth happen.


The Courtroom as a Theater of Truth

One of Kelley’s greatest gifts is his ability to turn the courtroom into a stage for both drama and philosophy. Legal tactics are exposed with meticulous detail, making the audience privy to the inner workings of the justice system. But these moments aren’t just about the law; they’re about the people behind it.

The courtroom becomes a crucible, revealing not just the truth of each case but also the character of those arguing it. For Christians, this is a fascinating lens. The Bible speaks often of justice—of advocating for the oppressed and upholding what is right. But The Practice shows us how hard that is to achieve in a system designed by imperfect people.


Idealism vs. Realism

Perhaps the most compelling tension in The Practice is the clash between idealism and realism. The firm is constantly teetering on the edge of financial ruin, forcing its lawyers to make tough, often morally ambiguous choices. It’s a balancing act: how do you stay true to your principles when the world seems to punish you for them?

This struggle hits home for anyone trying to live out their faith in a complicated world. We’re called to be salt and light, but what does that look like in the face of systemic injustice? The Practice doesn’t provide a roadmap, but it does offer a mirror. It asks us to examine our own compromises and consider how we can better align our actions with our beliefs.


A Christian Lens on the “Engaging Sleaziness”

One critic described The Practice as having an “engaging sleaziness,” and it’s hard to disagree. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of its characters or their profession. There are moments of moral failure, of selfishness, of outright sin. But these moments aren’t glorified; they’re examined.

For Christian viewers, this honesty can be both refreshing and challenging. It’s a reminder of the brokenness that exists in all of us and the grace that’s needed to overcome it. At the same time, it’s a call to do better—to seek justice not just in our actions but in our hearts.


Why It’s Worth Watching

The Practice is not a perfect show. Some storylines are predictable, and the pacing occasionally falters. But these flaws are minor compared to the richness of its themes and characters. This is a series that doesn’t just entertain—it engages. It invites you to think, to wrestle, and to reflect.

For Christians, it’s an opportunity to grapple with the intersection of faith and justice in a world that often falls short. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a rewarding one.


Final Thoughts: A Rare Gem in TV Drama

There’s a lot of television out there, but few shows manage to balance entertainment with thoughtfulness as well as The Practice. It’s a show that challenges its audience without alienating them, that portrays flawed humanity without losing hope in the possibility of redemption.

Rating: 8.5/10
For its rich writing, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, The Practice earns high marks. It’s a reminder that even in a broken world, the pursuit of justice and truth is always worth it. And for Christian viewers, it’s an invitation to reflect on how we can better live out our faith in the midst of life’s complexities.

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