‘Night Court’ Recap: ‘The Hole Truth’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

NIGHT COURT -- "The Hole Truth" Episode 303 -- Pictured: (l-r) Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone, Nyambi Nyambi as Wyatt, Betsy Sodaro as Bert -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the latest chapter in the Night Court saga on NBC, it’s delightful new-boot, truly embodies the best aspects of the franchise. For it offers up tender storytelling that has depth and wonder, something that was a staple of the original series, and it of course… is downright hilarious, like what came before it. Courtesy of quality jokes and quality writing that allows for us to enjoy some good laughs in these trying times, and as evidenced by last night’s episode… it also knows when to do something that the classic series was also good at. Which is, to just sometimes let loose and embrace the comedy and embrace the zany.

For the franchise is littered with episodes that are just off the wall funny and well, a problem in New York City allowed for ‘The Hole Truth’ to bring forth some wacky comedy. For the Big Apple was in the midst of a sanitation worker strike and the garbage was piling up, and well, that meant trash and weird behavior was everywhere to be found, the kind that Julianne wanted to take advantage of. Because she knew a few things about trash, such as how the right kinds of medication when expired, could offer up wonders untold for people that don’t quite like the company of other people, like she and Dan. Since it could dull one’s sense of smell and allow them to walk about a trash filled paradise, one that was empty because everyone was staying indoors to avoid the stench. Which was an idea that Dan loved and that allowed for these professional frenemies to bond. 

But while they were going about their scent-less tour of the Big Stinkle, Abby was dealing with quite the twist in the courtroom. Because it was surprisingly clean and that was because the janitorial staff, led by an individual named Bert, had a special method in which to dispose of the garbage present in the courthouse. In that, in the depths of the courthouse, was a giant freakin’ hole. One that was an abyss of sorts and where all the trash went. Which of course, took Abby off guard because logic dictated that it had to go somewhere or could cause a problem and well, challenging the hole’s wonder, set Bert off and prompted her and her team to join the strike. Which brought about mountains of trash in the courthouse and desperate times for all. Where Flobert and Gurgs devised some unique plans for getting the garbage out. The kind that involved balloons and hope.

Not to mention it strained Julianne and Dan’s newfound friendship and it also left Abby curious. Because in reality, she didn’t really say anything all that mean or nasty, so she believed that something deeper was happening here. As though there was undue stress on Bert and well, what better way to find that out… than by digging through Bert’s trash? Wherein she learned that Bert’s prized alligator, Todd, died, and well… she wondered if perhaps a nice gesture would solve the crisis at hand, and that prompted Abby to honor Todd in a beautiful manner. By holding a memorial for that wonderful alligator, wherein Todd was tossed down the hole, as that gator always would have wanted. Which made Bert quite happy and prompted her to end the strike. Which brought balance back to the courthouse if only for a moment. Mainly because Todd snapped a power line on the long way down, causing a citywide blackout.

But what mattered more was that unity was back in the courthouse and Dan and Julianne found a new way to enjoy a bustling metropolis without people around, since they could wander the darkness, and all of this brought forth, one hilarious and wild and wacky episode. Because this one was just plain over the top, and it was amazing to say the least. Because every single moment and twist and decision was as funny as can be, and it also doesn’t hurt that Betsy Sodaro, this week’s guest star, brought a special energy and quirkiness to Bert that helped sell the wild nature of one fun story. One that reminds us that this series can do it all, and it will be interesting to see what other wacky adventures await us in Night Court, as season three of this magnificent series rolls along. Until next time.

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