Ep 7. Harry on Trial

Harry on Trial is the 7th episode of the second season of the famous American television show Night Court. The show is a courtroom comedy that follows the night shift of a Manhattan municipal court, specifically the presiding judge, the eccentric and witty Harold T. Stone. As the title suggests, in this episode, Judge Harry is the one on trial.

The episode starts with Harry (played by Harry Anderson) arriving at the courthouse earlier than usual, dressed in a suit and behaving strangely, which raises suspicion among his colleagues. Once inside, the judge informs them that the State Board of Review sent him a letter summoning him to a hearing in Albany that day. The Board is investigating some questionable cases from Harry's past, and they want him to come and testify in front of them.

As the hearing proceeds, we are taken through a series of flashbacks, exploring some of the controversial cases that Harry presided over, including one where he let a suspect go because of his excellent piano playing skills, one where he sentenced a defendant to jail time for stealing a farm animal and others. Through these flashbacks, we see that while Harry's unorthodox methods sometimes irk his colleagues, they always produce just and fair outcomes, which is why he has a loyal following among the city's misfits.

As the hearing progresses, it becomes clear that Harry has a lot to lose. If the board finds him guilty of misconduct, he could lose his job, his reputation, and even his freedom. The stakes are high, and the tension in the courtroom is palpable.

Throughout the episode, we see Harry struggling to come to terms with the possibility of losing everything. He confides in his friend and court clerk, Mac (played by Charles Robinson), about his fears and doubts. Mac reminds him of his value and importance to the community and that he holds a special place in many people's hearts.

As the day wears on, the outcome of the hearing becomes more and more uncertain. The board members ask Harry tough questions, and his answers are not always satisfactory. Some of the members press him on his judgement in certain cases, while others accuse him of being too lenient.

As the episode reaches its climax, we see Harry deliver an emotional speech, which encapsulates the themes of the show, justice, and compassion. He talks about how the law cannot always be just, and sometimes, it takes compassion and empathy to make the right decision. He pleads with the board members to consider the human element in the cases he presides over and emphasizes the importance of seeing the person behind the crime.

The episode ends with the board deliberating, and we are left to wonder what the outcome would be.

Overall, Harry on Trial is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that showcases the show's unique blend of comedy and drama. Through Harry's trial, we are reminded of the importance of compassion and empathy in the judicial system and how the law needs to make allowances for individual circumstances. It is an episode that remains relevant to this day and illustrates why Night Court continues to be one of the most beloved and iconic shows in television history.