“We did the first take, which was okay.
Not great… but okay,” O’Heir wrote.
“I knew I could do better.
Credit:Jon Kopaloff/WireImage; Jim Spellman/WireImage
After the second take, the director said, ‘Great.
What do you guys think?’
I took that as his saying that it was good enough and that we could wrap this thing up.
Jim O’Heir as Jerry Gergich on ‘Parks and Recreation’.Colleen Hayes/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
I knew I wasnt fully content with my performance, but I also knew that everybody wanted out.”
“Spader looked at me, then leaned in tight.
‘What do you think, Jim?
William Shatner and James Spader on ‘Boston Legal’.Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Were you happy with the take?’
‘It was okay,’ I said.
I couldnt lie to James Spader.
Dude is so intense, in the best way,” O’Heir wrote.
Finally Spader asked, “‘Want to do it again?'”
O’Heir continued: “‘I would, but were kinda under the gun here, no?’
The director heard me say this; his eyes widened.
And then maybe another time after that.’
‘Dayum,’ O’Heir thought.
“The director snapped awake.
The crew got into place.
Action was called.”
And just like that, O’Heir got his extra take.
Boston Legalwas created by futureBig Little LiesmastermindDavid E. Kelleyas a spinoff of his popular proceduralThe Practice.
“I should say that this was one of the last scenes we shot after a grueling 10-day schedule.
As it was, we were already behind.
If he flubbed this one, the rest of the episode might sink along with it.
“Loose Lips” was only the eighth episode ofBoston Legal’s first season.
It proved key in announcing the legal procedural’s unflinching courage when addressing controversial subject matter.
