Ep 4. Dan v. Dating

Dan Fielding, the lecherous assistant DA, takes center stage in Night Court season 1 episode 4, entitled "Dan v. Dating". The episode kicks off with Dan's date storming out on him after he makes a inappropriate (and hilariously crude) joke about a certain part of his anatomy. Frustrated by his inability to land a girlfriend, Dan takes his fellow court employees up on their offer to set him up with someone from their respective social circles.

The results of their matchmaking prove disastrous, as Dan is paired with a woman who is too old for his liking, too conservative, and in one case, too interested in her pet python. In between mishaps, Dan finds time to flirt with court reporter Lana, who does not return his advances.

Despite his string of failed dates, Dan remains persistent in his search for love. He even seeks advice from Harry, who tells him to be more confident and not to settle for someone who isn't right for him. The advice seems to pay off, as a woman comes into the courtroom and catches Dan's eye. However, she is mixed up in a bizarre case involving multiple personalities, and Dan finds himself in over his head trying to keep up with her changing personas.

While the main focus of the episode is Dan and his dating woes, there are several subplots running throughout the episode. In one, Harry has to deal with an absent-minded professor who accidentally brings a chainsaw into the courtroom instead of a briefcase. In another, Bull gets scammed by a con artist posing as a stockbroker.

Overall, "Dan v. Dating" showcases the fast-paced, zany humor that Night Court would become known for over the course of its nine-season run. Even when dealing with serious subject matter like multiple personality disorder, the show is able to infuse a sense of silliness that sets it apart from other courtroom dramas. By mixing high-stakes cases with wacky hijinks, Night Court proved to be a fresh and unique addition to the TV landscape of the 1980s.