Academy Award winning actress Kathy Bates makes her first foray into series television as the star of Harry's Law a new legal drama from the mind of prolific creator David E. Kelley.  Kelley is no stranger to creating dramas with a sense of humor and a quirky outlook on life – as evidenced by his past cult favorite shows such as Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, and Boston Legal, among others – and Harry's Law promises to be no different.  We spoke briefly to each of them about this new series, which has proven to be a bright spot on NBC's primetime schedule.

USTOWNHALL SPEAKS TO KATHY BATES and DAVID E. KELLEY: 

USTH: Will we be seeing any of Harry's personal life reflected in the show?  Would you want your character to develop a romantic interest, or do you think that would hurt the show or your character to have that?

KATHY BATES: There is actually a show that we have a storyline where we get to meet one of Harriet's old boyfriends played by Richard Kind who's a wonderful, wonderful actor. And so, we get an element of that in this season, actually.

And I've been sort of dreading the day when David starts to come in with some kind of romantic relationship. It keeps happening all around me. And I'm afraid one of these days the ax is going to fall on my head.

So I don't know what's going to happen. I'll tell you, that's never been my bailiwick as an actress. So, I would really be a fish out of water.

USTH: David, you've done so many legal shows in your career. What do you feel that Harry's Law brings to the genre that has not really been done so much in the past? What makes this show different from all the legal dramas that you've done?

DAVID E. KELLEY: Mainly, I think we're going to be dealing with more of the Alternative Dispute Resolution than what we've seen in most cases.

As the series evolves, we are – it's not conventional trials and court room cases. Harry's scurrying into court to get motions to get court orders to facilitate transplants.

She's got a case where she is settling gang disputes. We see her tank a trial on purpose. I mean, this is the anti-lawyer in so many ways. And yet, at the root of it is her fundamental core of justice.

Above: From the February 21 episode, "Bangers in the House" [Photo Credit: NBC]

I think what the series really explores is how justice and law don't always coincide. This series is as much about the people and the street that they live on as it is about the courtroom. So it will probably feel a little grungier than past series, but very, very character driven.

Most of my series tend to be character driven but maybe this one even more so. I hope that kind of answers your question.

And lastly, I think the element of class warfare will be present throughout this series.

(l-r) Cast of Harry's Law: Aml Ameen, Brittany Snow, Kathy Bates, Nate Corddry

USTH: Thanks to Kathy Bates and David E. Kelley for speaking with us.  Harry's Law airs Monday nights on NBC.