Ep 8. Harry and the Madam

Harry Anderson returns as the witty and lovable Judge Harry Stone, presiding over the chaotic and hilarious cases of New York City's night court in season 2, episode 8 of Night Court. In this episode entitled "Harry and the Madam," Harry finds himself in a sticky situation when he unknowingly hires a prostitute to be his court stenographer.

As the episode begins, we see Harry struggling to find a replacement stenographer after his previous one quit suddenly. Desperate for help, he turns to a woman he meets at the local diner who appears to be a skilled typist. Unbeknownst to Harry, the woman is actually a prostitute named Mary Beth, played by special guest star Henriette Mantel.

When Mary Beth arrives at the courthouse the next day, Harry is immediately charmed by her quick wit and humor. However, he quickly realizes that something is amiss when the other employees start questioning why a known prostitute is sitting behind his bench. Hilarity ensues as Harry tries to defend his hiring decision and keep up appearances, all while dealing with the increasingly absurd cases brought before him in night court.

One of the standout cases involves a man who claims he's been possessed by the devil and takes several people hostage in a convenience store. As the man is brought before Harry, he begins speaking in tongues and causing chaos in the courtroom. Meanwhile, Mary Beth struggles to keep up with the rapid typewriting required for such a strange case.

Throughout the episode, we see Harry's staff come to his aid as they try to discreetly remove Mary Beth from the courthouse before anyone discovers her true profession. There are many humorous moments as they try to hide her in various locations around the building, from the janitor's closet to the jury room.

As the night drags on, Harry's frustration with the situation grows, culminating in a hilarious scene where he confronts Mary Beth directly. The dialogue between them is quick and witty, with Harry trying to maintain his professional demeanor while Mary Beth uses her charm to get out of trouble.

Ultimately, the episode ends on a high note as Harry's team successfully removes Mary Beth from the courthouse without anyone discovering her true occupation. As Harry bids her farewell, it's clear that he has grown fond of the quirky and charming prostitute. The final scene sees Harry typing up the night's proceedings himself, a clear indication that he's not quite ready to trust anyone else with the job just yet.

Overall, "Harry and the Madam" is a classic episode of Night Court, showcasing the show's signature blend of humor and heart. With fantastic performances from the cast and a witty script, it's easy to see why this show remains a fan favorite decades after its original run.