Ep 2. Very Personal Injury

Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law is an American animated television series created by Michael Ouweleen and Erik Richter. The show follows the title character, Harvey Birdman, as he works as an attorney for various Hanna-Barbera animated characters. The series features a mix of parody, satire, and references to popular culture.

Season 1 episode 2, titled "Very Personal Injury," begins with Harvey attending a small claims court hearing on behalf of his client, Fred Flintstone. Fred has been injured while on the job at the quarry and is suing his boss, Mr. Slate, for damages. The judge is a little girl with pigtails, and despite Harvey's objections, she allows Mr. Slate to represent himself in court.

Mr. Slate delivers a passionate opening statement, telling the court that Fred's injuries were not caused by any negligence on his part. However, Harvey counters by arguing that Mr. Slate failed to provide proper safety equipment to his employees. The case seems to be going well for Harvey until he loses his train of thought and begins rambling about his own personal problems.

Meanwhile, in a subplot, Phil Ken Sebben, Harvey's boss, is vying for the position of Attorney General. He sends his assistant, Birdgirl, to collect dirt on his opponent, Reducto. Birdgirl finds some incriminating evidence, but she accidentally inhales Reducto's shrinking gas and becomes only an inch tall.

Back in court, Harvey's personal problems begin to take over the trial. He talks about his failing marriage and his ex-wife's new relationship. Mr. Slate uses this opportunity to say that Harvey is distracted and not fit to be an attorney. The judge agrees and rules in favor of Mr. Slate.

Harvey is devastated by the loss and begins to spiral out of control. He starts drinking heavily and neglecting his work. He even gets arrested for driving under the influence and assaulting a police officer. Meanwhile, Birdgirl is still tiny and trying to find a way to reverse the effects of the shrinking gas.

In the end, Harvey realizes that he needs to get his life back on track. He quits drinking and goes to therapy to deal with his personal problems. He also takes on a new case, representing Quick Draw McGraw in a wrongful termination suit. Birdgirl eventually returns to her normal size and presents Phil with the dirt she found on Reducto, but he decides not to use it.

"Very Personal Injury" is a hilarious and absurd episode that showcases the show's unique blend of humor and surrealism. The characters are all exaggerated versions of their Hanna-Barbera counterparts, and the jokes range from clever pop culture references to ridiculous sight gags. The episode also deals with some surprisingly real issues, such as alcoholism and divorce. Overall, it's a must-watch for fans of animation and comedy.