Ep 2. The Hostage

The Hostage is the second episode of the third season of the American sitcom Night Court, which focuses on the life of a judge and his colleagues who work during the night shift at a fictional municipal court in New York City. The episode follows the judge, Harry T. Stone, and his crew as they deal with an unexpected hostage situation in the court.

The episode starts with a man named Jack Griffin entering the court as a plaintiff in a civil case. He is armed and demands that the judge, Harry, and his fellow colleagues settle his case before anyone can leave the building. He wants his case to be heard and if it's not, he threatens to kill everyone present in the court.

Harry tries to talk him down and calm him down but he refuses to listen to him, and things go out of hand when he pulls a gun and starts firing randomly. He injures a few people before Harry takes quick action and manages to disarm him. After that the police arrive and they arrest the man.

Once the court resumes its normal operations, Harry finds himself struggling with post-traumatic stress following the hostage situation. He has difficulty in sleeping and seems to be haunted by recurring nightmares about the event. His colleagues observe his change in behavior and are concerned about his mental health. They try to provide support and offer to help him in any way they can.

In the midst of all this, the judge has to deal with a few more cases that come his way. The first one involves a woman who claims to have a supernatural ability to communicate with her dead husband. Harry tries to persuade her that her abilities are not real and that she needs to move on and find closure.

The second case involves a man who is charged with a minor traffic offense. He pleads guilty and expects to pay a fine, but Harry decides to intervene and give him a lesson in safe driving. He orders the man to accompany him on a patrol car for a night and observe how crimes can be prevented by following the traffic laws and regulations.

Meanwhile, Harry's colleagues continue to watch over him and try to help him recover from his traumatic experience. They invite him to a game of poker and offer him some friendly advice. They also organize a therapy session for him, which he reluctantly attends.

The episode comes to an end when Harry decides to face his fears and return to the courtroom. His colleagues offer him words of encouragement and support as he steps up to the judge's bench. He delivers a heartwarming speech, encouraging his fellow colleagues to stay strong and brave in the face of adversity.

The Hostage is a gripping episode that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. It explores the themes of trauma, loss, and resilience, while also providing a glimpse into the daily lives of those who work the night shift. The story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it a must-watch for fans of Night Court.