‘Night Court’ Recap: ‘Broadway Danny Gurgs’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

NIGHT COURT -- "Broadway Danny Gurgs" Episode 207 -- Pictured: (l-r) India de Beaufort as Olivia, Lacretta as Gurgs -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
There are few things more difficult in this life, than having to watch someone we care about, process grief by way of loss. Because when that happens, we seem them genuinely suffer. For they have now lost someone that meant the world to them, and their heart is broken, and their soul is heavy, and seeing that take place… devastates us. Because to some extent, there is little we can do. For that person must process grief in their own way and stepping in might stunt that. So, we sit back, wait, and step in the instant they need help, even when their grief… is related to some very strange and selfish seasons, because we are their friend, and we care about them.

If anything, that very odd and very specific example of support is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central storyline of this week’s episode of Night Court on NBC. For ‘Broadway Danny Gurgs’ saw Olivia being a touch more morose than she usually was during the week. Mainly because… her favorite doorman died, and she was beside herself and at first… Abby had concerns about her grief being false. Simply because she knew that Olivia befriended that doorman to have her mail delivered to the building he worked at. To provide her with status and Abby didn’t think it was right to fake grieve over such matters, and at first… there was no lesson to be had. Just Abby’s search for a confession from Olivia.

But as she pushed for that… she came to realize… that Olivia was in fact, hurting and hurting badly. For she got to know that doorman and truly became his friend and confidant and his passing… devastated her. And rough intentions or not, Olivia was at a point where support was necessary. Of course, Abby HAD to step in, and course correct when Olivia went for another doorman and attempt at status, because that was just repeating bad behavior. But despite that, she was there for her friend, because she knew Olivia needed real emotional support. Which led to a touching moment at the funeral for this fallen Manhattan hero, wherein Abby helped a friend who could not process so much pain in a beautiful manner. Because that’s what friends do. 

Which really did bring about a lovely storyline and growth for Olivia. Albeit small, but baby steps, you know? And oddly enough, that wasn’t the only story here that spoke to friendly support. For back in the courtroom, Gurgs was struggling with justice being served hard against her Broadway hero. Because Dan would not give him a proper defense, in part because they had their own past, and Dan wasn’t budging. But when it became clear how much it meant to Gurgs to have a hero go free, and when Dan realized he could help her fulfill a lifelong dream by helping the guy get off the hook… he went the extra mile for his friend and gave her some memories for the ages. Because that’s what friends do.

All of which made for a touching tale to say the least. One that spoke to how this group has grown over the past couple of years, and care for each other deeply. In a manner that was of course, as funny as can be. Because man, Olivia’s plan and association with that doorman was messed up and brought about some good laughs. As did Gurgs and Dan’s storyline. Since both Lacretta and John Laroquette just indulged their comedic chops. Not to mention, Richard Kind was the guest star this week and that man is a comedy legend and brought the funny and well, it was just nice to see this series lean hard into its core after toying around with the formula for a little while, and it will be interesting to see what other beautiful lessons await us on this series, as season two continues along. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘Night Court’

Powered by JustWatch