Night Court Shouldn't Have Been Called Back Into Session

 

This evening marked the long-awaited reboot of Night Court on NBC. 

The original aired on NBC from 1984 to 1992. Although Night Court was intended as a vehicle for Harry Anderson, it was John Larroquette whose portrayal of Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding made him a breakout star earning him four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy. Larroquette likely would have won several more Emmys but requested not to be nominated again. Although Anderson had his share of moments, if not for Larroquette, Night Court would not have lasted a decade.

Sadly, most of the main cast has now passed away including Anderson as well as Markie Post and Charles Robinson who passed away within a month of one another in 2021. Richard Moll (who turned 80 earlier this month) and Marsha Warfield are still among us but there's no indication if they will join the festivities even if only as guests.

It would be a shame if it doesn't come to pass because I'm not sure how long the 75-year old Larroquette can carry the show on his shoulders. Melissa Rauch of Big Bang Theory fame stars as Judge Abby Stone, daughter of the late Harry Stone. Unfortunately, Rauch possesses none of Anderson's charm and is just plain annoying. It might have been wiser had Rauch remained in an executive producer capacity. Meanwhile, Lacretta is a pale imitation of Warfield while India de Beaufort and Kapil Talwalkar are both nondescript. 

While Larroquette is the only reason worth watching this reboot, he is hamstrung by two things. First, Rauch turns Dan Fielding into a defense attorney. This just doesn't work. Second, Fielding was driven by lust and in the #MeToo era this aspect of his character will likely be muted.

I hate to say it but as Columbo should have been confined to the late 1960's and 1970's. Night Court should have been confined to the 1980's and early 1990s. Night Court shouldn't have been called back into session.