Deborah Chan
Denny Crane, a character in the TV show Boston Legal, is known for his complex and dynamic character arc, which includes a decline in mental health due to Alzheimer's and a same-sex wedding with his best friend, Alan Shore. In the show's finale, Denny proposes to Alan, citing his desire for Alan to have the legal power to make medical decisions on his behalf as his health deteriorates. This proposal, however, raises questions about their motivations, as Alan initially refuses, concerned that it might ruin their friendship. Despite the controversy, the wedding proceeds, with the two pronounced husband and husband, marking a significant moment in the representation of same-sex marriage on television.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for wearing a wedding ring | Denny Crane and Alan Shore get married in the series finale of Boston Legal |
| Denny proposes to Alan to ensure that his property, confidential conversations and friendship are protected | |
| Denny also wants Alan to be able to make his medical decisions | |
| Denny and Alan's friendship has bisexual overtones |
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What You'll Learn
Denny Crane and Alan Shore's wedding
In the final episode of Boston Legal, Denny Crane proposes marriage to his best friend, Alan Shore. Denny's Alzheimer's has been worsening, and he wishes for Alan to have the right to make key decisions regarding his future medical care. He also wants to protect his property, confidential conversations, and their friendship. Denny and Alan's friendship has always had bisexual overtones, and the two have a deep bond, often ending their days with cigars and Scotch on the balcony of their law firm.
Alan initially resists the proposal, asking, "What we've got now is great: why ruin it with marriage?" However, Denny is persistent, stating, "We're committed to each other. Let's make it legal." He adds, "I've always wanted to remarry before I die... and like it or not, you're the man I love."
Their wedding takes place, with a double ceremony alongside the marriage of Shirley Schmidt and Carl Sack. Denny and Alan say their vows, holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. They are pronounced husband and husband, and they share a kiss.
Alan declares his love for Denny in court while fighting an injunction brought by a Gay & Lesbian group who believe Denny and Alan shouldn't marry because they are straight. Despite their professed heterosexuality, their wedding is a celebration of their love and commitment, marking a fitting end to the devoted and dynamic couple.
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Denny's 'Mad Cow' (Alzheimer's) diagnosis
Denny Crane, a founding partner at the Crane, Poole & Schmidt law firm, is a legendary lawyer known for his sharp wit and unapologetic personality. However, as he ages, Denny starts to experience cognitive decline due to what he and those around him refer to as ""Mad Cow" disease, which bears a striking resemblance to Alzheimer's.
Denny's "Mad Cow" diagnosis is first hinted at in the episode "Mad Cows" of Boston Legal, where Alan Shore, Denny's best friend and fellow lawyer, takes on a case involving government Mad Cow Disease testing. Denny's condition becomes more apparent as the series progresses, causing him confusion and distress. His mental lapses lead to an arrest for entering his neighbour's house and getting into bed with her, which serves as a wake-up call for Denny.
The progression of Denny's "Mad Cow" disease, or Alzheimer's, is a significant storyline in the show, impacting his personal and professional life. In one instance, Denny breaks off a marriage proposal as he prioritises his ""blue hour" ritual with Alan, where they enjoy cigars and Scotch on the balcony, reflecting their close friendship.
Denny's fear of growing older and losing his mental faculties is evident. In the final episode of Boston Legal, Denny proposes marriage to Alan, not only due to their commitment to each other but also to ensure that Alan can make medical decisions on his behalf. Denny's declining health is also a motivator for seeking experimental treatments. Before the wedding, Denny and Alan learn they have won their Supreme Court case, allowing Denny access to a promising experimental drug that may improve his condition.
The portrayal of Denny Crane's "Mad Cow" disease, indicative of Alzheimer's, adds a layer of complexity to his character, showcasing the challenges of ageing and cognitive decline, even for those who were once at the top of their game.
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Denny's proposal to Alan
Denny Crane, a legendary lawyer and name partner in Crane, Poole & Schmidt, is best friends with Alan Shore, his colleague at the firm. Denny and Alan's friendship has always had bisexual overtones, and in the two-hour series finale of Boston Legal, the two get married.
In the final episode, Denny proposes marriage to Alan as a way of ensuring that his property, confidential conversations, and friendship are protected. Denny, who is slowly losing his mind to Alzheimer's, wants Alan to be able to make his medical decisions, have his power of attorney, and give him money without gift tax or estate tax penalties. He also wants to protect their friendship, as he knows that Alan will look out for him.
Alan is initially hesitant, saying, "What we've got now is great: why ruin it with marriage?" However, Denny is persistent and replies, "We're committed to each other. Let's make it legal." On the balcony, he adds, "I've always wanted to remarry before I die... and like it or not, you're the man I love."
Alan eventually agrees to the proposal, and the two are married in a double wedding ceremony with their colleagues, Candice Bergen and John Larroquette. Despite facing ridicule and abuse for their same-sex marriage, Denny is happy with his decision, stating, "It's all worth it."
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Their same-sex wedding's impact
In the final episode of Boston Legal, Denny Crane proposes marriage to his best friend, Alan Shore. Their friendship had always had bisexual undertones, and Denny's proposal was motivated by his declining mental state and his desire for Alan to make crucial decisions regarding his future medical care. The wedding takes place, with the two pronounced "husband and husband".
The impact of same-sex weddings extends beyond the couples and their families. Researchers have found that legalising same-sex marriage brings economic benefits in the short and long term. Same-sex weddings contribute significantly to state economies, with money spent on wedding planning, celebrations, and tourism. According to the Williams Institute, legalising same-sex marriage across all states in the US could generate up to $2.6 billion, resulting in $184.7 million in state and local tax revenue and supporting 13,000 jobs.
In the year following the 2015 Supreme Court decision, same-sex weddings boosted local economies by $1.58 billion, generating $102 million in tax revenue and supporting 18,900 jobs. Same-sex weddings also positively impact public health, with a decrease in rates of syphilis, HIV, and AIDS in states where same-sex marriage is legal. Additionally, there is a positive impact on LGBTQ+ individuals, with higher rates of homeownership, earnings, and adoptions. Legalising same-sex marriage also leads to a decline in sexual orientation-based hate crimes and employment discrimination.
Furthermore, legalising same-sex marriage has no negative impact on different-sex marriage rates or divorce rates. Instead, legalisation appears to increase interest in marriage among the broader population, with a slight increase in marriage rates for different-sex couples in states that have legalised same-sex marriage. Overall, the impact of same-sex weddings is overwhelmingly positive, fostering economic growth, improving public health, and promoting equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Denny and Alan's relationship
Denny Crane and Alan Shore are best friends and lawyers at Crane, Poole & Schmidt. They are described as having a close friendship, despite their political differences. Their episodes almost always end with a scene of the two enjoying a cigar and a glass of Scotch on the balcony of the law firm, reflecting on the events of the episode. Denny refers to this as their "blue hour".
Denny and Alan's friendship has always had bisexual overtones. On one occasion, Denny stated that if Alan had been a woman, he would have made him his wife. During the final episode of Boston Legal, Denny proposes marriage to Alan as a way of ensuring that his property, confidential conversations and friendship are protected. He also wishes for Alan to have the right to make key decisions regarding his future medical care, as his health is declining due to Alzheimer's. Alan, though initially reluctant, agrees, and they are married by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Their wedding is a double ceremony, as their colleagues Shirley Schmidt and Carl Sack are also getting married. Denny and Alan say their vows holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. They are pronounced husband and husband and embrace, declaring their love for each other.
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Frequently asked questions
Denny Crane wears a wedding ring because he marries his best friend, Alan Shore, in the finale of Boston Legal.
Denny and Alan's friendship has always had bisexual overtones. Denny, who is slowly losing his mind to Alzheimer's, wants Alan to be able to make his medical decisions, have his power of attorney, have spousal privilege if he gets arrested again, and give him money without gift tax or estate tax penalties.
After their wedding, Denny and Alan face ridicule and abuse for marrying each other. Denny says, "It's all worth it".
