Best TV Show of the 80's: Night Court

The 80's had great shows such as Cheers, The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Golden Girls, Hill Street Blues and Perfect Strangers. Nothing truly compares to the slang humor that Night Court offered, it was one of a kind.

Rheinhold Weege, co-producer and writer of Barney Miller, created Night Court. With each character came another angle that resulted in laughter. Here is a list of characters on Night Court.

Dan Fielding (John Larroquette), assistant district attorney who needs no introduction to the loose ladies of New York City. With no respect in women unless they treat him like the God, Dan is the early semi-gigalo version of Johnny Bravo, chest traded for a three piece suit. Dan's the kind of character that could sell ice to the Eskimos, that is if the Eskimo had blond hair and wore high heels.

Nostradamus Bull Shannon (Richard Moll) was the guy with more questions than answers, a hometown tall bald bailiff. Bull would be threatening by height until he spoke. He wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but funny in more ways than one.

Another bailiff, Selma Hacker, took many on a ride of quick straight from the hip one liners. This little lady gave America a taste of her talents. Unfortunately the death of Selma Diamond rattled the Night Court cast members. Selma Diamond, the actress that gave life to the character Selma, gave Night Court followers a jab in the funny bone each time she spoke.

Roz (Marsha Warfield) also had some nice one liners. This character worked along side of Bull to assure that Bull did not lose his way or mess up the smallest of tasks.

Mac (Charles Robinson) portrayed a court clerk with his lovely companion Quon Lee (Denice Kumagai) along his side. Both characters were a valuable mix in a delightful combo of human love.

Christine (Markie Post) was the sexy and reserved public defender. This character, on a daily basis, tried to outsmart Dan's sexual advances, sorted out Harry's invisible issues and fought for the opinion to womens rights.

The honorable Harold T. Stone presiding.

Harry Anderson played the part of Harold T. Stone, Mel Torme's biggest fan, judge and main character in Night Court. Harry Anderson made cameo appearances for Saturday Night Live and Cheers. Harold T. Stone was an intelligent young NY judge, unlike a hard nosed ruler of the court. Harold T. Stone's parents were mental patients, but that didn't tarnish his skill in magic tricks and relaxed attitude. Harry uses a fair gavel between b-rated court cases.

Funny Episodes:

"Dan the Walking Time Bomb" where Dan is handcuffed to a briefcase with a bomb inside. Dan then tries to alert others without igniting it or pulling the trigger.

"Who Was that Mashed Man?" No one could forget the sexy Terri Hatcher when she appears as the sexy niece of Dan's boss. Dan has a hard time choosing between keeping his job or sleeping with Hatcher.

"The Next Voice You Hear" was of a court session full of ventriloquists and their dummies that nearly drive Harry over the edge.

With all the characters, the main goal was to keep the viewers laughing and perhaps offer a lesson or two. John Larroquette had won four Emmy's for supporting actor for his portrayal in Night Court. Night Court racked up 31 nominations in all, goal accomplished.

Night Court aired on January 4, 1984 until May 31, 1992.

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Source(s):
http://classic-tv.com/59/NightCourt.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Court