How 2023's Night Court Explained A Dark Truth About Dan Fielding

Court is back in session! The revival of NBC's "Night Court" became an instant hit in early 2023, thanks in large part to the return of a fan-favorite character. But this is not the same Dan Fielding. Here's why.
#NightCourt #2023 #DarkTruth
Voiceover By: Dexter Manning
Read Full Article: www.looper.com/1209386/how-th...

[@Looper]

What did you think of Dan Fielding in "Night Court?"

[@imeanithonest5704]

Love the old Dan Fielding. The new Dan Fielding touchy feely blows.

[@christopherallen9580]

good hair still

[@christopherramsay5517]

Fan of old Dan Fielding.

[@HM2SGT]

Favorite character then, favorite character now. Of course we barely made it through the first episode and haven't bothered with any of the others, so... 🤷

[@safiremorningstar]

I actually like the new Nightcore. It reminds me of the early years of the original.

[@Vipre-]

Dan is the highlight of the show. His skirt chasing was played up but what really made him shine as a character was his wit and his "I'm so done with this" attitude and both of those are on full display again.

[@christa4338]

I absolutely love the idea he actually fell in love. 💗

[@briangarrow448]

Dan Fielding was a favorite character for my former coworkers who watched reruns at lunch break for years. I’ve probably heard every line Dan said in the show at least once in the years while I worked there.

[@DCWilsonwriter]

Dan's sleazy behavior in the original series was very obviously a cover for his inability to find the right woman he could connect with on an emotional level. The tragedy of his life today is that he finally found that connection and then lost it. He can't go back to being the old Dan but he can't bring himself to go forward and try to find that connection again. This has left him even more deeply cynical that he was before. On the other hand, his growth has enabled to find other kinds of relationships with women. I love his interactions with Abby because underneath his cynicism, he has almost paternal feelings toward her. The old Dan wouldn't have been able to talk to her without making a sleazy remark, but his personal growth combined with his respect and fondness for Harry's memory has turned him into a kind of mentor to help Abby get assimilated into her new job.

[@PeterParker-ff7ub]

or just him doing what he wanted.

[@thomascolucci4815]

Sleezy behavior, notice how its blasphemy now for a man to be a man an do them things we know men do behind closed doors. Right sleezy lmao lord the me two movement is the dumbest movement ever in the history of man kind.

[@thebullet7874]

John is a brilliant actor. His recurring character on the Practice was priceless. On Boston Legal he was a far different character than any I’ve seen. I didn’t think I’d like the new series but I gave it a chance and holds its own well.

[@daveautzen9089]

I really empathize with Dan Fielding, as I lost my wife last year. We were just shy of 27 years of marriage.

[@jamescriag671]

Condolences from a stranger here. We have been married here for a good number of years. Honestly can not imagine the loss. Peace be upon you. 🙏🏻

[@vivian2217]

So sorry to hear about your wife and can't imagine the pain that you're feeling. I hope you have family members friends grief counselor to talk to. It's also healthy to allow yourself to grieve and cry.

[@MandalorianRevan]

Dan Fielding was always my dad's favorite character (mine was Harry Stone). Everything I've seen of the revival Night Court would make me think that my Dad would have liked it and Dan would probably still be his favorite character.

[@NoahSpurrier]

Even in the original series, Dan Fielding had a heart.

[@joemedley195]

The old scripts gave hints of greater depths than the character’s surface. That was really just the writers trying to give him a likable side. Except they cast a remarkable actor who made you believe it. If the new show gives him and the writers space to really explore that and still be funny, I welcome it.

[@stevie9lives]

Like when Ross kicked his ass while having a diabetic episode. That episode showed who he really is.

[@jasonrhome710]

The two Fielding related arcs I mainly remember are the one where he had something approaching healthy relationships. It's been over a decade since I watched any of the show, but the stories with the very awkward daughter of some very wealthy father (who may have been mob connected...) and the one where he ended up falling for a political rival both showed some humanity in him. His deciding to go after... Christine (I think?) at the end of the original run was... an odd choice.

[@achilleonv]

I doubt modern writers will know what to do with his character. He will most likely be ridiculed and made to be the butt of the joke as the show goes on. Writers today only tear down the past because they hate the material so much.

[@joemedley195]

@@achilleonv You’re probably right, but I really hope you’re wrong.

[@jpendowski7503]

I’m enjoying this new version, having only caught the original on occasion. It is now firmly in record mode in case I’m not available show night.

[@dfangirl72]

I'm probably the only now 50 yr old woman who loved everything about Dan fielding became a larroquette fan after night court! he said he didn't and wouldn't be the same Dan fielding because Dan fielding wouldn't still be lusting after women at 75 .I liked Rauch in big bang and she portrays Harry's obnoxiousness perfectly, .

[@olivegreenpants7153]

No, here's another one

[@susanvinson2667]

Add another one!

[@TheEclecticPhotog]

And we have another...

[@ladyv5655]

Dan was always my favorite, too. Yes, he was sleazy in the original series, but his heart was usually in the right place. For example, he once risked his own safety to help Roz when she was wacked out because of her untreated diabetes. Another time he protected Christine from getting her heart broken by a loser who only wanted to sleep with her as part of a contest with his dude bros. Dan just needed to grow up.

[@dswynne]

Yeah, as a being a 52 y/o male man of the original NIGHT COURT show, it's interesting how much I can relate to the Dan Fielding character. We both loved and lost (though I never had to lose a loved one the way Dan did, fortunately), and very much seasoned. And though I don't have kids myself, I see myself in the role of a mentor to the young set, to whom I've worked with over the years. And I know that if I do find love again, I'm not going to approach it the same way that I have in the past. Still, there is still enough of a youthful spark in me that I can appreciate the looks of a beautiful woman, but it is now tempered by time and experience, which is the way things should be.

[@valswhitewolf6611]

Nicely done!

[@brianschuerch7059]

I really would like to see them bring back Joan Hobson. Dan truly loved her and was extremely tempted to follow her to Albany when she beat him in the election

[@allisongaines3330]

Do you know if Dan wasn't such a chauvinist, he could have gone with Joan Hobson to Albany? As she said towards the end of that episode!😢

[@Mr.Muscaria]

I grew up watching night court with my mom. I had no idea they remade it. I'll be benjing this tonight

[@davido6684]

With a new supporting cast the new show could be excellent.

[@Biorythym]

Well the show went through a few cast changes in the public defender and court clerk in the first season alone, so here's hoping!

[@bbtfan7957]

@@Biorythym I think the characters Neil and Olivia need to be fleshed out more. Olivia particularly has potential as a butt monkey whose ambition keeps getting her into funny situations. And play up more on Niell being a joker.

[@MrChupacabra555]

1:59 : That's Lou Ferrigno? Never knew he did s bit on the show, going to have to look up that episode. And it can't be coincidence that he's wearing purple pants 😂

[@takergirl9168]

They should bring back Brent Spiner ( DATA star trek)back for one episode for his character Bob Wheeler from back in the day

[@eldermillennial8330]

He’s got all one hundred great grandchildren in his trailer home after their moms and grandmothers ran off, and is in a child custody hearing on the grounds that he can’t possibly care for them all. The gag would be he’s become remarkably efficient at managing lots of kids, and this would play out in humorous descriptions of their daily routine.

[@silverjohn6037]

@@eldermillennial8330 Or he returned to his home country and got elected as president.

[@mongoardath1]

I like the revival, but I don't love it so far. I have 2 things that I definitely don't like, but at least one thing can be improved as it moves along. First, the defendants brought into court should be interesting characters in their own right. While it may be too much to ask for some old favorites to return (the Wheelers, in particular), have some cool criminals before the bench. Second, I hate canned laughter, but if you are going to have it, recognize that not all jokes are belly laughs. Have someone recognize volume control!!

[@eldermillennial8330]

Brent Spiner should make a comeback, too, maybe bringing a hundred great grandchildren with him in a child welfare case (had all of them living together in one trailer home), or some such scenario consistent with his character but appropriate to his age.

[@tonidozier4573]

@@eldermillennial8330 YES!

[@markleopard8960]

Dan always was a good person underneath. He cared about his friends he helped people when he could.

[@DGZGSGEGIGKG]

An interesting evolution for his character.

[@stellarocquie7957]

IF the show lasts at all. They're taking a huge risk building the whole series around one nostalgic character, surrounded by a cast of unknowns. Only time will tell. . .

[@RuminatingRaptor]

@@stellarocquie7957 How is Bernadette from The Big Bang Theory unknown?

[@Spooky_515]

@@RuminatingRaptor I assume she meant unknown characters not actors

[@dfangirl72]

You have to remember this guy giving his rating or editorial is English or foreign he may have never seen night court just got a synopsis of original , got synopsis of larroquette and Rauch .

[@stellarocquie7957]

@@RuminatingRaptor Never heard of her or the show . . .perhaps you're MUCH YOUNGER than me, lol.

[@richardkent1328]

I’ve been watching the new television show to date it’s been great to see some of the older cast plays and I hope they bring back many many more of them too. Dan is Dan still. But that’s just my opinion!👍🏼💯

[@jwb52z9]

I hope this time around they tell a little bit more about his Southern rural past.

[@sea-envy3137]

as a child he had a toy drum... with a picture of the Quaker Oats man o it...

[@olivegreenpants7153]

​@@sea-envy3137 and potato he thought was a turtle

[@sea-envy3137]

@@olivegreenpants7153 I forgot that one. except for clips I have not watched since the 80's

[@HM2SGT]

Watch the first episode, convinced me to watch the original episodes that I didn't see it because we didn't get that channel.

[@maxamilliansteele6454]

_JOHN IS ALSO 75 YEARS OLD_

[@VolkXue]

but being a ladies man wasn't the worst part of the classic Dan character... How he treated and used Phil until Phil died was the darkest part of Dan..

[@Nikki-oe7gr]

I agree how he tried Phil was horrible. That said, just to clarify, the original Dan wasn't just a ladies man, he was a sexual predator. I recall one episode where Dan says, "I haven't had sex in two weeks. It's 3 AM and I don't have a *date*." He begins looking obsessively around the cafeteria, and Roz yells, "Run for your lives, girls!" All women flee the cafeteria. Dan still looks around obsessively. Then Harry says, "Better safe than sorry. guys!" and all the men flee. It's played for laughs, but the obvious implication is Dan would take someone by force if no one was willing.

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@Nikki-oe7gr Nothing ever remotely indicates that he is a sexual predator. Every woman he was ever with wanted to be with him and he didn't want to be with any woman who didn't.

[@Nikki-oe7gr]

@@captainjefferies9047, Either you did not watch the entire series or you choose to ignore the obvious. In one episode it was made very clear that Christine was uncomfortable being alone in a room with him after he tried to manipulate her into bed after giving her the Heimlich Maneuver... the fact that he eventually didn't go through with it doesn't change the predatory quality of trying to guilt Christine into sex because he kept her from choking, and in another episode, Roz literally said, "Run for your lives, girls!" in reference to Dan being desperate for sex. What was "run for your lives" supposed to mean?... that he wanted to play checkers???

[@christopherramsay5517]

Still a fan of original night court. This new one is so funny as original. Dan fielding so mellow compared to original. John is great actor but is better as prosecuter the defense. His prowless is tame in new.

[@silverjohn6037]

As prosecutor having a competition to get the most convictions by total body weight;). "Send this behemoth to jail."

[@gryphon9507]

They did touch on how Dan became woman chaser in the original series, he was very much a nerd and socially awkward. All it took was a lose older woman in his home town to spark it.

[@michaelpthompson]

I'm waiting for a Brent Spiner reprise.

[@barneyrubble736]

Both Dans are my favorite character.

[@dswynne]

Yeah, 30 years can change a person's outlook on life. I wouldn't expect Dan Fielding to be the same person as he was when he was a younger man.

[@debbiemcgloan5669]

Are they bringing back Brent Spiner?

[@AroundTheCabin]

John Larroquette GREAT ACTOR

[@skiptickle7174]

John Larroquette might get a hernia if he keeps carrying the new Night Court show for more than one season.

[@imeanithonest5704]

lol lol......😁😁😁😁😁

[@muttman325]

JL still master of his craft.

[@garyv2498]

I'm glad that they gave the character very real growth and change that occurred offscreen between the two series. That makes characters feel more real. If he had been the same Dan Fielding, just much older.... boring and yuck.

[@davidwalter2002]

I'm not crazy about most of the writing on this show. It's too reliant on set-up/punch line without regard to plot or character. And the only well-defined characters and Abby and Dan. The three other regulars are 2-dimensional. But I do like how they handled Dan all these years later. He's become a counselor and father/confessor for Abby, demonstrating a wisdom and kindness that was missing before, but is believable now. His ties to the original series, and especially to Harry Stone, keep a kind of continuity going that isn't cheap or contrived.

[@safiremorningstar]

I like the new salty Dan what’s a slight curmudgeonly overtones, it would be funny if they brought in a character somewhere along the way that is like the old Dan Fielding, and see how the new one as it where I E, the old guy takes to this wolf.

[@hyllstarter7090]

Dan and Gurgs are the only thing about this show worth watching.

[@PeterParker-ff7ub]

THE only nostalgia is john laroquette.

[@sk8077]

Loved the original, the reboot falls flat.

[@sird2333]

Goes to show what I’ve seen in my life. Marriage ruins a guy.

[@xxxjordandangerouslyxxx]

So far I have mixed feelings about this version of Dan

[@dragonchaserkev]

I've only seen youtube clips but like him so far. As it said the character is 75 years old so he can't possibly be the same person. And John as an actor I just like.

[@MatthewMcpherson-rs4gg]

I don’t think it’s a hit

[@shanstergoodheart5177]

75 and still working. What is the world coming to?

[@testicularoxide5055]

Where in the FK is BULL?!?!?🤷‍♂️

[@1401minstrel]

Richard Moll was asked to return but declined.

[@treacherousviper]

he is the best (and only good)thing on night court reboot.i loved melissa rauch as bernadette but she isn’t so great on night court

[@Jefff72]

BTW that apartment that Dan has, his late wife must have left him a LOT of money. Those apartments overlooking Central Park in NYC are seriously expensive. I believe those are owned by billionares.

[@RhytAwAyMistahJ]

So basically Dan Feilding isn't Dan Feilding. I knew I made the right choice in not watching this show.

[@olivegreenpants7153]

Um, Dan Fielding is Dan Fielding. He just grew up is all. Have you?

[@RhytAwAyMistahJ]

@Olive Greenpants Yeah, cause that's what the people want: a grown-up Dan Feilding instead of a fun one. And no, I have not. Which is probably why people consider me fun. Unlike the new "Dan Feilding".

[@MikelWash]

MARSHA WARFIELD OR BUST!!!!

[@gra6649]

This could be a great show with a few changes I'm sorry but India de Beaufort, Olivia, Lacretta Donna 'Gurgs' Gurganous… Kapil Talwalkar Neil have got to go. And they could use some new writers.

[@Artisan1979]

I sense the possibility of an illegitimate child storyline coming up.

[@user-ch4dl7je9v]

New Night Court is absolutely terrible.

[@olivegreenpants7153]

No it's not

[@user-ch4dl7je9v]

@@olivegreenpants7153 Yeah it is

[@heinzdelf]

Dan lost his 😭 BawLz ✂ 🥜

[@colinmerritt7645]

Instant hit? Can I have some of your meds?

[@tbeehler]

Dan being sleazy was some of the funniest parts of the show. This reboot is just bland rehashed nonsense. They should have left this show alone and back in the 80's.

[@jasoneaton9477]

So Dan abby dad?? Ok I'm done .. farewell

[@stephenproulx175]

I don't even watch the show but I'm pretty sure thats not the case... If dan is the guy in this video and Abby is the girl from big bang theory, then u should know that abby is the daughter of the old judge

[@violagreene4643]

No. Did you even listen to anything said in the video?

[@erichowry9356]

I tried watching the first four episodes and stopped watching. I loved the original "Night Court" but this new version is not for me!

[@HereForTheComments]

If anybody tries to tell you we aren't softer as a society, tell them how they changed Dan Fielding from Night Court because people can't take a joke. I wonder what Family Guy will look like in 30 years. Will Quagmire no longer be an acceptable character?

[@olivegreenpants7153]

People grow up and this is not a cartoon

[@HereForTheComments]

@@olivegreenpants7153 What does this not being a cartoon have to do with anything? They're both fiction.

[@Nikki-oe7gr]

I'm glad about how they changed his character. Dan of the original would not fly in 2023. In the original, it was strongly implied consent was not something Dan worried about. I recall one episode where Dan says, "I haven't had sex in two weeks. It's 3 AM and I don't have a *date*." He begins looking obsessively around the cafeteria, and Roz yells, "Run for your lives, girls!" All women flee the cafeteria. Dan still looks around obsessively. Then Harry says, "Better safe than sorry. guys!" and all the men flee. It's played for laughs, but the obvious implication is Dan would take someone by force if no one was willing. Dan was a sexual predator. I'm glad John returned to the role, and I'm glad they altered the role to work in 2023.

[@steveleeart]

I don’t think old Dan ever would have raped anyone. He also grew more than having meaningless sex. There was one episode he had a chance to be with Christine but he clearly knew she wasn’t into it and he didn’t do it. At the end of the series he quit to try and win her heart when she announced she was moving.

[@captainjefferies9047]

Not really. Dan is incredibly persuasive.

[@Biorythym]

I respectfully disagree, while the world is sadly much more "woke" in recent years, the popularity of characters like Charlie Harper and Barney Stinson means that type of characters still gets laughs and cheers, but I still understand why Laroquette doesn't want to go back down that path 30 years later

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

Dan finally grew up.

[@gunswnc]

this is not night court that is not dan fielding . the new show blows, not even a chuckle so far

[@Biorythym]

Glad it's not just me, I'm not sure if it's the characters or the script

[@gunswnc]

@@Biorythym both

[@olivegreenpants7153]

​@@gunswnc no, you two just haven't grown up.

[@matthewskelly5622]

Larroquet gives an uneven performance i nthe new series because he dosen't know what to do. Everythign that made Dan Feilding a character has been exised. The ambition, the social climbing, the avarice and the libido are all gone. All that's left is an accasional sarcastic comment. There's just nothign for him to play. It may as well be a diffrent character. Then again, everything that made Night Court special - the quirky characters, the balance of outragous slapstick and drama...it's all absent here, replaced by stale, safe, by the numbers laugh track jokes. It's a shame too, you see the DA and the Baliff trying, but they're giving nothing original to do.

[@Biorythym]

The show is very dry. The other characters aren't really noteworthy (with the possible exception of "Abby Stone") I can understand Dan not being a horndog anymore due to age (and trying not to imagine it's because the show is trying to be woke) but they have added very little to fill that void. I know this show has been renewed for a second season, but currently it seems to just be running on "nostalgia fumes"

[@lyinheartproductions4348]

To be fair, the original Night Court didn't really get good until its third season.

[@Sight-Beyond-Sight]

I have not yet watched the series (afraid they butchered it), but I knew they brought Fielding back. I figured with the way he was and with age, he would have contracted a series of STDs that took his sex drive (as well as organs).

[@farscape1714]

I want the old Dan back. This Dan Fielding is boring and too watered down.

[@johnmakos1373]

Who cares??????

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

I love the original Night Court too much to give this show a chance. Dan should've stayed a perve till his dying day.

[@steveleeart]

He always had a heart deep down though and did grow over the series.

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

@@steveleeart True, he shouldn't become a saint.

[@captainjefferies9047]

Which is it? Do you love the original or can you not watch it when Dan isn't a perv?

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety He's not a saint in the new one. He's kind of a dick. He exploits a kid, teases stupid people, makes fun of the mentally ill, and makes reservations at an exclusive restaurant in hopes of eating the last of an endangered species.

[@Biorythym]

I could "almost" due with the lack of perviness...but they haven't replaced the perviness with much of anything, he's just a cranky old sage. The old Dan was also a boot licking, power and money hungry weasel with layers showing his good heart underneath....there is no more nuance to his character

[@DavidMartin-jz1je]

Not even funny. Too much canned laughter. Stnks

[@censusgary]

Dan fielding was the weakest and shallowest character on the old show. I question the wisdom of including the character in the reboot.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

As someone who grew up watching the original I am not a fan of the woke bullshite that's permeates the show!

[@l.a.raustadt518]

I am trying to watch it but it has good moments and comedy is so "strained" these days. I give it 6 out of 10 for effort.

[@ssfheather6629]

I LOVED Dan as a little girl, not sure what that says about me, but I had the fattest crush on him, and I also apparently wanted to marry Johnny Carson so yeah I was a weird little girl, which is why I’m a weird adult…lol Normal is boring and overrated.