Ep 2. Power Mad Dick

In 3rd Rock from the Sun season 4 episode 2, titled "Power Mad Dick," Dick Solomon, played by John Lithgow, unexpectedly gains a position of authority at the university, leading to a hilarious power trip. As a college professor, Dick has always been a bit eccentric and quirky, but when his colleague Professor Sutorius passes away, Dick is appointed the head of the physics department.

At first, Dick is elated by his newfound power and uses his position to get favors from his coworkers and students. He makes Harry, played by French Stewart, his assistant and gives Tommy, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the power to choose the new curriculum for the department. However, as the episode progresses, Dick becomes increasingly megalomaniacal and paranoid about losing his power.

He begins to manipulate situations to ensure that he is always in control, going so far as to use his newfound authority to have a faculty member arrested for a minor offense. Meanwhile, Tommy's decision to teach the class how to play poker instead of physics leads to chaos in the classroom, as students lose focus on their studies and instead become obsessed with the game of cards.

As the episode reaches its climax, Dick's lust for power reaches its breaking point, and he begins to lash out at those around him, including his assistant Harry. In a fit of rage, Dick tries to fire Harry, but his plan backfires, leading to a hilarious turn of events that ultimately leads to his downfall.

Despite his brief taste of power, Dick realizes that true leadership is not about controlling others but about empowering them. By the end of the episode, he returns to his old self, giving up his position as head of the department to allow someone more capable to take over.

Overall, "Power Mad Dick" is a classic episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun that highlights the absurdity of power dynamics and the dangers of getting too big for one's britches. With a great cast, subtle humor, and unexpected twists and turns, this episode is sure to leave you laughing out loud from start to finish.