Harry’s Law

Robert EbsenOP-ED

I just tuned in a few weeks ago to “Harry’s Law,” a TV show I hadn’t seen before.

If you have not seen this show yet, let me tell you – it’s not like other lawyer and courtroom shows. What makes it different? Let’s see.

The Characters: They are quirky. One is oversexed, one is seemingly naïve, and Harry, well, she (Yes, She!) is smart and very human – but quirky, too. The Cases: Very quirky, but well done.

I imagine I have not left you with much background about the show. It’s on purpose. Because if I told you about some of the quirky plots, you might not watch the show. I’ll tell you about one episode that screened last night. I was so impressed with it that I copied the show on my iPhone, and sent it to my lawyer son on a DVD today.

The episode involves the trial of a young man who is accused of rape. In the courtroom are his father and the brother of the rape victim. The jury finds the young man innocent, and all hell breaks loose. The father pulls out a gun, and tells the judge to re-try the case – this time with all the previously withheld information presented to the jury. You can imagine the looks on the jurors’ faces when they hear that the young man has committed rape some years ago. You figure, well, now the jurors will convict. Nope. Harry steps in and reminds the jurors that if they had heard about the rape that had been committed, they would likely immediately decide that the young man had raped again, perhaps without paying much attention to the facts in the present case.

Well, the jury acquits the young man again. The father is not appeased. Just before the SWAT team raids the courtroom, and just before the distraught father shoots someone, the brother of the rape victim shoots his father in the leg – in an attempt to save his life.

Whew! There’s action, drama, pathos, and, yes, lots of quirkiness.

Perhaps you can see why I also liked the TV series “Monk.”

I’m happy because there is a year of back episodes for me to watch.

And I’m sad because I just learned that NBC cancelled “Harry’s Law” on May 11, 2012 — just seven days ago! Please come to the rescue, ABC or CBS!

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at Robertebsen@hotmail.com