ALAN SHORE AND SHIRLEY SCHMIDT TAKE THE ARMED FORCES TO COURT FOR MALPRACTICE, AND JERRY ESPENSON'S SISTER NEEDS HIS HELP IN LEARNING THE IDENTITY OF THE FATHER OF HER SON � WHO WAS CONCEIVED VIA ANONYMOUS DONOR � ON ABC'S "BOSTON LEGAL"

Annie Potts Guest Stars as Jerry Espenson's Sister, Joy

"The Bad Seed" � Alan Shore and Shirley Schmidt take on the armed forces when a man's brother dies in a local military hospital due to malpractice. But a friendly wager Denny Crane makes with Alan regarding the outcome of the case could cost Alan his job. Meanwhile, Jerry Espenson's sister, Joy (Annie Potts) � whose son was conceived through an anonymous donor -- asks him to get a ruling which would allow her to find out who the father is to determine if her son and his girlfriend are related, on "Boston Legal," MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"Boston Legal" stars James Spader as Alan Shore, John Larroquette as Carl Sack, Christian Clemenson as Jerry Espenson, Tara Summers as Katie Lloyd, with Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt and William Shatner as Denny Crane.

Guest starring are Annie Potts as Joy Espenson, James Rebhorn as Attorney Wade Mathis, Chuck McCann as Judge Byron Fudd, Matt Winston as Ryan Chism, Roma Maffia as Judge Victoria Peyton, David Sullivan as Jason Canfield, BJ Wallace as Henry, Emilee Wallace as Fiona, Nora Dunn as Attorney Cynthia Rhodes and Kent Faulcon as Owen Patterson.

"The Bad Seed" was written by Lawrence Broch & Susan Dickes & David E. Kelley and directed by Bob Yannetti.

"Boston Legal" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound and Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning.

A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.