Ep 13. Dan's Parents

Dan Fielding, the womanizing and flamboyant prosecutor of the Manhattan Municipal Court, is the focus of this episode of Night Court. In the thirteenth episode of the second season, entitled Dan's Parents, Dan prepares for a visit from his parents, whom he loathes with every fiber of his being.

The episode begins with Dan trying to avoid his parents' visit by lying to his assistant, Mac Robinson, that he has to attend a conference in Atlantic City. Mac sees through the lie and offers to help Dan prepare for his parents' arrival. Harry Stone, the judge of the night court, overhears the conversation and decides to make Dan's life a little more interesting. He appoints Dan to preside over a case involving a married couple who have been arrested for disorderly conduct.

As the case unfolds, Dan realizes that the couple's arguments are very similar to the ones his parents have been having for years. His father, a retired general, is constantly critical of Dan, whereas his mother tries to smother him with love. Dan is torn between his desire to please his parents and his need to assert his own independence.

While Dan is dealing with his familial issues, the night court is buzzing with other cases. A taxi driver is brought in for running over a pedestrian, and a man is arrested for stealing a watch from a jewelry store. The court is also visited by a woman who is seeking custody of her two children, whom she left with her ex-husband when she went to jail. Meanwhile, Harry is trying to keep his courtroom running smoothly despite the chaos that surrounds him.

As the night wears on, Dan becomes increasingly agitated by the thought of his parents' impending arrival. He confides in Mac about his fears, and Mac tries to reassure him by telling him a story from his own childhood. It turns out that Mac had a tumultuous relationship with his father, who was an abusive alcoholic. Mac tells Dan that he eventually learned to forgive his father and that he believes Dan can do the same.

At this point, Dan's parents arrive, and Dan is visibly uncomfortable. His father immediately starts criticizing him, and Dan's mother tries to intervene by showering Dan with affection. Eventually, Dan explodes and tells his parents how he really feels. He tells them that they have never shown him any love or support, and that all they have ever done is criticize him. He tells them that he doesn't need their approval to be happy, and that he is going to live his life on his own terms.

After this emotional outburst, Dan's parents seem taken aback. His father tries to defend his past actions by saying that he was just trying to toughen Dan up for the real world. His mother expresses regret for any pain she may have caused Dan. Eventually, the family is able to reconcile and Dan realizes that his parents do love him in their own way. The night court's cases are resolved, and the episode ends on a heartwarming note.

Overall, Dan's Parents is a touching episode that explores the complexities of family relationships. It is a reminder that even the most dysfunctional families can find a way to heal. The Night Court cast delivers strong performances, particularly John Larroquette as Dan Fielding, who is able to convey both the character's outward bravado and inner vulnerability. The show's writers deliver a well-crafted script that blends humor with heartfelt emotion. All in all, Night Court Season 2 Episode 13 is a standout episode that is sure to leave viewers with a smile on their face.