Ep 18. Law

Lou Grant season 5 episode 18, titled "Law," follows the struggles of two whistleblowers who come forward with information about a corrupt judge. The episode kicks off with one of the whistleblowers, a court reporter named Fran, approaching Lou with evidence of Judge Arden's unlawful activities. Fran has been keeping a personal diary detailing Judge Arden's misconduct – he has been making inappropriate advances towards her and other women in the courthouse, and he has also been taking bribes from defense attorneys.

Initially hesitant to go forward with such a sensitive story, Lou decides to investigate the matter further. He asks Rossi to dig up some background information on Judge Arden, while he talks to Fran's colleague, an attorney named Evan. Evan confirms Fran's allegations and tells Lou that Judge Arden has been notorious for his corrupt practices for years, yet no one – not even the state bar – has been able to catch him.

Meanwhile, Judge Arden is also aware of the two whistleblowers and is doing everything in his power to silence them. He threatens Fran and Evan with losing their jobs and careers if they speak up against him, and warns them that he has powerful allies who will protect him no matter what. Nevertheless, Fran and Evan refuse to back down, and they team up with Lou to gather more evidence against Arden.

As the story progresses, Lou and his team learn about several other women – lawyers, paralegals, and court reporters – who have been harassed by Judge Arden. They also uncover evidence of several cases where Arden has favored certain attorneys in exchange for bribes, resulting in innocent men and women being convicted of crimes they did not commit.

Throughout the episode, Lou and his team struggle with the ethical and legal implications of exposing Arden's wrongdoing. They debate how to protect Fran and Evan from retaliation, and how to ensure that their evidence stands up in court. They also grapple with the fact that, as journalists, they have a responsibility to protect the privacy and reputation of the innocent people who were wrongfully convicted by Arden's rulings.

Ultimately, Lou decides to run the story, and it makes headlines across the city. Judge Arden is exposed for his corruption, and the women he harassed finally find justice. However, the fallout from the story is not without consequences – Fran and Evan both lose their jobs, and Lou and his team must deal with the backlash from those who question their motives.

"Law" is a compelling episode that raises important questions about journalistic ethics, legal duty, and personal courage. It challenges viewers to consider the role of whistleblowers in a society that often rewards silence, and it highlights the power of the press in exposing corruption and injustice. The story is nuanced and complex, with no easy answers, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of law and journalism.