\'The Practice\'

The Emmy fave has returned for its fourth hard-hitting season. Although the show did not win as many Emmys as in previous years (it had to give "Sopranos" a break), it is still in award-winning shape. This season, David Kelley's (Ally McBeal) favorite subject, law, is ruling the show. There have hardly been any scenes in the new season that aren't in a courthouse or a jail cell. \nKelley seems to be following a new pattern, focusing on long-term cases and taking the focus off the lawyers' lives. The problem with this is that "The Practice's" players, featuring the diverse talents of Dylan McDermott, Lara Flynn Boyle, Camryn Manheim and Michael Badalucco, might be squandered if they don't get a chance to show their softer sides. Knowing Kelley's work, though, he won't be able to stay out of the characters' bedrooms for long. Expect an intriguiging season from this all-star lineup.