‘Night Court’ Recap: ‘Wrath of Comic-Con’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

NIGHT COURT -- "Wrath of Comic-Con" Episode 205 -- Pictured: (l-r) John Larroquette as Maltz, Wendie Malick as Julianne -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that the NBC franchise, Night Court, is synonymous with nerdy concepts. After all, Judge Harry Stone was as big of a nerd as they come, since magic has oft been viewed as a geeky thing to want to have in one’s life. Not to mention, some of its cast members are synonymous with some epic, geeky, franchises. After all, a regular guest star in the 1980s, Brent Spiner, would go from playing silly doof, Bob Wheeler, to Lieutenant Commander Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a career defining role, and one of the show’s series regulars from both the original and the new-boot of Night Court, had his own brush with the final frontier. 

For John Larroquette was cast as a Klingon named Maltz in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, shortly before Night Court launched his storied and illustrious career, and that role was of note, since Maltz made quite the demand of Captain James T. Kirk (then an Admiral) in the movie, which is a big deal for any character in the franchise. But what mattered more, is that particular moment only added to the nerdy nature of this franchise through and through, one whose legacy has been resurrected for a new generation… or next generation… by way of last night’s amazing episode of the show. For ‘Wrath of Comic-Con’ brought New York Comic-Con to the courtroom.

Because sometimes nerds aren’t nice and cause trouble and with NYCC descending upon the city, costumes were everywhere to be found and… an old problem blew back into Dan’s life. For Julianne had returned to the court and was still hell-bent on ruining Dan. So, in order to avoid her wrath, he opted to dress up when not in the courtroom, as a Klingon. Named Maltz. Giving rise to the return of the character, while making Star Trek fans (this writer included) as happy as can be. But of course, this was more than fan service, it was also a chance for amazing shenanigans. Since Maltz was smitten with Julianne’s Catwoman con persona. To the point where the duo may have made an intergalactic connection. Since she asked Maltz to activate his love beam and transport her to a land of romance (yes, likely with phrase, ‘jol yIchu'’, off-screen, for you hardcore Trekkers/Trekkies).

But what mattered more, is that John was a good sport and threw some lovely respect to an important role from his past, and while that alone could have carried this episode, make no mistake about it… the show’s trademark heart was present here as well. Courtesy of Abby. For an old friend that well, she hated deep down, came into town and made her life hell. Because Heather was a weird one, plain and simple, and moved to the beat of her own drum. One without filters or care, and well… Olivia made it clear that Abby couldn’t keep on this path, and to be honest about how she really felt about a friend that she kept around out of convenience. Which eventually she did. A move that reminded us to always be honest with ourselves and always take the time to see who really belongs in our life. 

All of which made, for another delightful episode of this delightful series. Because it had the heart we love, and it brought the laughs for certain. Because Dan as Maltz was a true treat and brought about so many laughs, as did Wyatt and Gurgs. For Wyatt’s desire to be part of the Comic-Con magic led to some solid chuckles for certain, and Gurgs’ influence on Christopher Meloni’s one man play, has all of us wondering what Bailiff: The Musical and Bailiff: The Musical: The Movie might look like in real-life. But truly, what mattered most to a fair number of fans that tuned in last night, was the respect it paid to the show’s past, and the career of John Larroquette, since all of that reminded us of what an amazing and nerdy ride this saga has been, and it’s wonderful to know we have so much more Night Court ahead of us. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘Night Court’

Powered by JustWatch