Dan Fielding has been described as many things, but the most prevalent is that he’s a lothario who cares only about his own desires. Each week, “Night Court” viewers in the ’80s and ’90s were treated to Fielding’s exploits with a host of women. While some were humorous, others hinted at a sense of sadness and longing the assistant district attorney hid all too well. Reintroducing the character after thirty years offered an opportunity to delve deeper into who he has become and avoid treading water with regurgitated plot points.
The “Night Court” revival addressed where Fielding landed in its first episode. Judge Abby Stone sought out the character after losing a key component to her court. Instead of offering him his old job, the new judge asks him to assume the role of public defender. The first exchange between Stone, daughter of former judge Harry Stone, and Fielding quickly sets the tone for where he stands today. Gone is the ladies’ man who was constantly pursuing new partners, what remains is a man changed by life’s biggest moments — love and loss.
The former assistant district attorney revealed that he had indeed been married, finding love with his deceased wife. Her loss left the character searching for some solace but only finding work as a process server. The job kept him near the legal community without practicing law — something he grew tired of while viewers were away. Much like in the original series, there’s more than meets the eye with Fielding. With Fielding’s return also came a new, more modern attitude towards women. No longer was he the man who couldn’t encounter a female character without making salacious comments, becoming someone still sardonic but wiser.
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