Ep 11. In Dreams

In the 11th episode of the second season of Ally McBeal, titled "In Dreams," the central character, Ally, battles with her sleep disorders. She suffers from a trauma-induced condition that makes her unable to differentiate between reality and her dreams. Her dreams usually intertwine with the experiences she encounters while awake. Her condition starts to take a toll on her personal relationships, and she is worried that her friends, especially Richard, might distance themselves from her.

Ally is conflicted about seeking medical attention for her condition, and she tries to handle everything on her own. As a result, she develops an obsession with a new client, who she dreams about every night. She is surprised to find out that her client has a similar problem of sleepwalking, which he masks by wearing a tracker on his ankle. Ally quickly connects with her client since they share the same condition.

In the meantime, Elaine and John represent a father who was fired from his job after he was caught cross-dressing. The father had lost his job, and Elaine and John find it difficult to convince jurors that his cross-dressing has nothing to do with his work ethics. They work hard to prove that their client was good at his job and his dismissal was unjust.

As Ally's dreams drastically increase in intensity, she becomes more concerned about her condition. She tries to ignore her sleep disorder and focus on her professional and personal relationships.

Later on, Richard confronts Ally about her need for medical attention, and she finally agrees to see a doctor about her sleep disorder. Afterward, Ally organizes a theme party for the whole office, which she hosts at her home. During the party, everyone starts sharing their dreams, and the conversation leads Ally to discuss her condition.

The following day, Ally sees a doctor who hypnotizes her to help her recall traumatic events from her childhood. As the hypnosis progresses, Ally finds out about a specific event that has been the root of her sleep problems, and the real reason she is dreaming about her client.

The episode ends with Ally having a dream, which she wakes up from only to find that it was not a dream but a reality. A significant shift happens in her relationships as she slowly embraces the idea of seeking medical help.

Overall, "In Dreams" is an exploration of Ally's life and her struggles with her sleep disorder. It is a journey of self-discovery, and she learns the importance of addressing her condition, rather than ignoring it. The episode is witty, dramatic and evokes empathy from the audience. It is a compelling story that portrays the complexities of life, relationships, and the human mind.