Ally McBeal, the legal comedy-drama series that aired on Fox from 1997-2002 might seem bland by modern standards but at the time was a lightning rod for controversy. With much of the controversy stemming from everything from the risky content that it showed to the hyper-sexualized mini skirts that the female lawyers wore.
Opponents of the content glorified on the show was a bi-partisan coalition of evangelical preachers and feminists decrying Fox's blockbuster hit as nothing more than appealing to the lowest common denominator. Yet, that didn't stop legions of fans from watching, as for a time it was one of the highest-rated television shows to ever appear on Fox. So, let us count down the top 10 best characters appearing on Ally McBeal.
Nelle Porter
Nelle Porter arrived on the scene in season 2 as the romantic love interest of John Cage. A hard-nosed Boston lawyer, known for her rough demeanor, Porter comes in with high expectations of one day becoming a partner in the firm.
While, at first, she is not received well by the other associates in the firm, she quickly finds her place and eventually becomes one of the more popular characters in the show. While Porter's relationship with John Cage didn't make it past season 3, her friendship with Ling Woo is what fans will remember most.
Elaine Vassal
Ally McBeal's spunky assistant had a propensity for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Her constant meddling in other people's affairs is a point of frustration by the other characters but, eventually, they accept her for who she is.
Elaine was known for her sexual prowess and promiscuity which brought a form of comic relief to situations. An attention seeker by nature, Elaine will do anything to be the center of attention. Her vivacious nature makes her one of the more popular characters, as she brought a burst of lightheartedness to every scene she was in.
Georgia Thomas
Georgia Thomas the disgruntled wife of Billy Thomas was always a thorn in the side of Ally McBeal. Georgia played the main antagonist and obstacle for Ally McBeal throughout much of her time on the show.
She was married to the man, Ally had never really got over and because of jealousy related issues, Georgia sought to ruin Ally. When it was clear that Billy was still in love with Ally, Georgia tried to save her marriage but, ultimately failed when Billy comes to terms that Ally is the woman he truly loves.
Renée Raddick
Renée was Ally's best friend and closest confidant. While Ally's love life was all over the place, Renée's could only be described as off the rails. She always fell for the wrong guy at the wrong time, causing her to rely heavily on Ally for emotional support.
For much of the show's run, the two were practically inseparable, even sharing an apartment. Even though there were times when the friends went through rough patches, they always found a way to reconcile their differences, remaining best friend's even after Ally leaves Boston.
Ling Woo
The seductive Ling Woo was one character who truly never cared what anyone thought of her. Ling has a short fuse and doesn't mind letting everyone know it. Her vicious nature was part of her appeal, as there were only a few times she showed restraint with what she said or did.
As for her personal life, her relationship with Richard Fish borders on disturbing if not obscene. While Ling is power-hungry and vindictive most of the time, she lacks a certain level of introspection, as she is sometimes confused as to why people think she is mean.
John Cage
John Cage along with his best friend Richard Fish created and run the law firm that Ally McBeal works for. At the beginning of the series, John is shown as an anti-social but kind boss. Ally and John soon strike up a friendship, sharing personal details that normally wouldn't be appropriate in a boss-employee relationship.
Even though, John has a shy demeanor in person, when in the courtroom he is a charismatic and charming speaker. As a young lawyer, Ally grows to look at John as a mentor figure with a brilliant mind for the law.
Larry Paul
Larry was the second love of Ally's life after the death of Billy. He was a smart, funny and handsome lawyer, who not only had the passion to win cases but to win her heart. After breaking up with her boyfriend, Ally began a whirlwind romance with Larry, with the two feeling the relationship was serious enough to contemplate marriage. Even serious enough for Larry to do a duet with Sting for her.
Though, sadly it just wasn't meant to be as Larry Paul exited after just one season, leaving Ally McBeal heartbroken and alone for a second time.
Richard Fish
Richard was by far one of the oddest characters on the show. Unlike his friend and fellow partner, John Cage, Richard was quite vocal, even when it was best to remain silent. His ethical standards when it comes to how he treats his employees, especially the female ones, borders on flirty up to sexual harassment.
Compared to the other lawyers in the firm, Richard showed himself to be incompetent, with only basic knowledge of the law. That said, he was the face of the firm and did a good job of marketing its potential and capabilities to clients.
Billy Thomas
Billy Thomas was the one true love of Ally McBeal's life. He was a kind and gentle man who showed compassion to anyone he met. While never fully being over Ally, he did marry Georgia and was happy for a time. That time ended when Ally appeared back in his life and their once failed relationship resumed.
Struggling between being faithful to his wife or following his heart, Billy straddled the fence most of the time. Until right before his death from a brain tumor, declared his love for Ally.
Ally McBeal
As the titular character on the show, Ally is a promising lawyer, who has a history of tragic love affairs. After taking a job at the law firm Cage & Fish in Boston, she is reunited with her former love interest Billy Thomas.
Throughout the show, Ally fought to conceal her love for Billy, only to finally give in and pronounce her feelings for the married man that she still loves. However, fate was not kind to her, as shortly after Billy declares his love for her, he passes away from a brain tumor.