Ep 20. Flo's Retirement

In Night Court season 3 episode 20, titled "Flo's Retirement," the lovable and sassy court clerk Flo is preparing to retire after years of service to the justice system. As she announces her retirement to Judge Harry T. Stone and the rest of the Night Court crew, everyone tries to convince her to stay, but Flo is ready to move on to the next chapter of her life.

The episode starts off with Harry trying to come up with the perfect retirement gift for Flo. He enlists the help of his court colleagues to brainstorm ideas, with everyone throwing out suggestions. Dan suggests a gold watch, but Harry thinks it's too cliche. Meanwhile, Bull suggests a gold watch encrusted with diamonds, but Harry thinks it's too extravagant. Ultimately, Harry comes up with the perfect gift, but it's a secret, and he won't reveal what it is until later in the episode.

As the day goes on, Flo's friends and family start to come to the courthouse to say goodbye to her. Her sisters, Loretta and Olive, come to wish her well and reminisce about old times. Her ex-husband, in classic sitcom fashion, also shows up and causes a bit of chaos. And even the court's regulars, including rich snob Arthur, grumpy old lady Mrs. Munson, and the eccentric fairy godmother Bailiff Selma, make an appearance to say goodbye.

As the gang prepares for Flo's retirement party, they start to worry that something will go wrong. And of course, something does. A man named Morris Binstock arrives at the courthouse, claiming to be Flo's long-lost love. He says that he wants to whisk her away and marry her, but Flo is skeptical, as she doesn't remember him. However, Morris is very convincing, and he produces some old love letters and photos as proof of their relationship.

Flo starts to doubt her memory and wonders if Morris is telling the truth. But Harry smells a rat and thinks that Morris might be a con artist. He investigates and uncovers some clues that suggest Morris is not who he says he is. In the meantime, Flo starts to fall for Morris's charms and considers going away with him.

The tension builds as Harry races against the clock to discover the truth about Morris. Finally, he confronts him and exposes him as a fraud. Morris is actually a con artist who preys on vulnerable women, and he has been trying to scam Flo out of her retirement savings. Flo is devastated, but Harry comforts her and reminds her that she has a lot of good things in her life to be thankful for.

At the retirement party, Harry presents Flo with her gift - a talking parrot who can imitate all of her catchphrases. Flo is touched, and everyone shares memories and laughs as they say goodbye. The episode ends with Flo leaving the courthouse for the last time, with a bittersweet mix of sadness and excitement for the future.

Overall, "Flo's Retirement" is a heartwarming and funny episode that captures the spirit of Night Court. The show was known for its quirky characters and offbeat humor, and this episode delivers on both fronts. It's a fitting send-off for one of the show's most beloved characters, and it showcases the show's knack for blending comedy and heart.