‘Night Court’ Recap: ‘Pilot’ & ‘The Nighthawks’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

NIGHT COURT -- "Pilot" Episode 101 -- Pictured: Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone -- (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC/Warner Bros. Television)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Night Court’.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that we live in some supremely cynical times and understandably so. After all, war is raging once again after but a short period of peace, and the government is filled with politicians that don’t wish to serve the people, but instead outdated ideologies and concepts that the people have said time and time again they don’t want in their lives. Not to mention, we’ve just seen rotten behavior from people over the past couple of years, at a time when we should have been united against a common and unseen foe. All of which has us wondering if this is the new normal in the 21st Century, and if we should be simply adjusting to a sour world where everyone is in it for themselves. 
​
Thankfully though, there are plenty who feel that the answer to that pondering is, no. That we shouldn’t just give into the darkness in what is likely a temporary time in American history. For there have been flickers of hope regarding the ugly. For that war is opposed by the majority and elections have taken a turn for the better in the past couple of years and people are starting to recognize that we can’t just be rotten toward one another all the time. We have to believe in each other and try and lift each other up, and that is starting to spread, even into our daily entertainment. Which for a time was also quite gritty in nature… and for proof that popular culture is leaning into positivity… then look no further than Night Court on NBC.

For this ‘new-boot’ of a classic, embodies that positive concept by simply following up on life after the Honorable Harry Stone left the airwaves in 1992. For when we return to Night Court in ‘Pilot’ and ‘The Nighthawks’, we are immediately introduced to Judge Abigail ‘Abby’ Stone, Harry’s daughter. Who has decided that following in her father’s footsteps would be a wonderful honor, wherein she could potentially do good for the world. For she believes that there is more to people than the black and white concepts that the law applies to them and using that view could in fact, make the world a better place. But she has her work cut out for her, because her team is a little jaded and understandably so.

---

NIGHT COURT -- "The Nighthawks" Episode 102 -- Pictured: (l-r) Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone, John Larroquette as Dan Fielding -- (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC/Warner Bros. Television)

Because this court is busier than ever really, and that puts her team to the test… to the point where the public defender quits without giving it a second thought and that… is where this story begins to explore its central theme. Because in order to get what she feels is a balanced court that truly gives everyone a chance to tell their story, she turns to an old family friend, Dan Fielding. Who, after leaving Night Court has fallen on some tough times. For he’s loved, he’s lost, and he’s jaded from what he has seen of the world, to the point where he’s not even sure the system works. Which is why he offers a little free legal advice to the people he serves subpoenas to, since that keeps him busy, and he is equally as skeptical of Abby’s offer to return to Night Court as a defender.
​
But out of kindness and as a favor to his old, departed friend, he gives it an attempt, a slightly salty one at that and that’s when Abby really works her own form of magic. Because she consistently speaks to how everyone in this courtroom deserves a fair shake, and that a man that has seen both sides of the coin and understands balance and what’s right and what’s fair, should fight for them and help them and give them the chance to correct a wrong and wouldn’t you know it? Eventually her words reached Dan and he agreed and did his best to do more as a defender and a person. And that… is a beautiful way to subtly speak to our need, to do more in this life and believe in people and what they are capable of…  and work to bring the best out in them. So, we can begin to shed the cynicism that has seemingly gripped our world. 

Of course, that makes it sound as though Night Court has transformed into a drama in its second iteration, but that’s simply not the case. Because between those beautiful moments, and even during… there are jokes to be found, the kind that work and make you laugh out loud heartily. Making this… a phenomenal ‘new-boot’ of this franchise. Because it is filled to the brim with dynamic and eclectic characters, and they are fun, and the show is fun. Plus, it is meaningful and heartfelt and that is just wonderful to see. Since it speaks to how much love went into creating this series and well, now that Night Court is back in session… it will be interesting to see what other uplifting and downright hilarious moments await us, from a series that is determined to lift our spirits up and inspire us during these trying times. Until next time.

---

Powered by JustWatch