Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.

This Week: Night Court‘s “It’s Just a Joke”

Tread Perilously’s first Grab Bag month of 2023 takes a look at the original Night Court with an episode called “It’s Just a Joke.”

When Dan’s favorite comedian is hauled into court for obscenity by a headline-grabbing reverend, Harry sees it as an open-and-shut First Amendment case. But when the comedian — Monte Potter, a.k.a. “The Potty Man” — goads Harry into holding him for contempt, the judge begins to suspect there is more to this case than meets the eye. Will he be able to suss out the truth and discover the possibility of collusion? Meanwhile, Bull self-publishes his autobiography.

Erik sets up the wrong microphone, proving his purchases for the studio were indeed correct. Gerd Shockley returns to prove there was no collusion. Wahl’s Herring Candy also returns with a surprise twist. The pair prove to be comedy historians with references to Bill Hicks, Sam Kinison, Richard Jeni, Ray Combs, and more. The Manhattan night court turns out to be real. Memories of Night Court‘s original run on NBC are exchanged; Justin turns out to know a lot about it. Erik reveals his dislike of Linda Ronstadt. The real-life equivalents of the plot’s comedian and the reverend are explored, and Tex-Mex haggis becomes a new delicacy.

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