Ep 9. Wonder Drugs

In Night Court season 1 episode 9 titled "Wonder Drugs," the eccentric Judge Harry T. Stone presides over the night shift of a Manhattan municipal court. In a packed courtroom, Harry handles a variety of strange defendants, including a man dressed as Robin Hood and an elderly woman who refuses to pay her subway fare. However, the real drama of the episode begins when a group of protesters interrupt the proceedings to demand access to a new wonder drug that has yet to hit the market.

The case involves a pharmaceutical company that has developed a cure for a rare disease affecting only a few hundred people in the world. The company, called Pharmamed, is refusing to release the drug until it receives approval from the FDA, which is still in its testing phase. The protesters argue that the drug should be made available immediately to save lives.

Pharmamed's CEO, Mr. Hanrahan, takes the witness stand and defends his company's actions, insisting that they are following proper protocol. Harry, however, sympathizes with the protesters and is convinced that the drug should be made available immediately. He even goes so far as to offer himself up as a guinea pig for testing.

As the arguments continue, Harry receives a surprise visit from his father, a con man who has been on the run from the law for years. Harry's dad, Frank, has come to New York to hide out and begs his son for help. Harry reluctantly agrees to let Frank stay with him for the night, but his father's presence only adds to the chaos in the courtroom.

The protesters stage a sit-in and refuse to leave until they have access to the drug. Harry tries to negotiate with them, but they are adamant in their demands. In the end, Harry's father steps in and offers a solution that nobody had thought of before.

As the night wears on, Harry deals with a host of additional cases, including a group of people arrested for having a loud party, a man who claims to be possessed by the devil, and a thief who stole a shipment of cheese. Harry manages to keep his cool through it all, thanks to his quick wit and good humor.

Despite the high stakes and occasional tension, "Wonder Drugs" is a light-hearted episode that showcases the humor and compassion that make Night Court such a beloved show. The various subplots are seamlessly woven together, and the performances from the talented ensemble cast are both hilarious and heart-warming. Overall, it's an entertaining and engaging episode that offers a memorable glimpse into the world of a night court judge.