Night Court - "The Birthday Visitor"

by Linda Kay

Original Air Date: January 3, 1985

Directed by: Gary Shimokawa

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: It’s Judge Harry Stone’s (Harry Anderson) birthday and an impromptu party thrown by his co-workers fails to impress. Feeling sorry for him, Billie (Ellen Foley) invites Harry up to her apartment where sparks would have the chance to fly if it weren’t for the burglar who interrupts them.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): As they approach Billie’s door in the apartment hallway, Mr. Grinsky (Wil Albert), the gruff man from across the hall, angrily puts out his adorable calico cat. “There!” he yells, “Six boxes of kitty litter you got and every night I have to hose down my living room!” The cat actor questioningly looks from actor to actor.

Night Court - The Birthday Visitor - calico cat in hallway between Mr. Grinsky Wil Albert, Judge Harry Stone Anderson and Billie Ellen Foley

Night Court - The Birthday Visitor - calico cat being tossed in hallway by Mr. Grinsky Wil Albert with Judge Harry Stone Anderson and Billie Ellen Foley animated gif

Billie kindly greets the man, to which he replies emphatically, “Cats are scum!” The adorable and talented cat actor remains standing on their mark.

At the end of the episode, Harry returns to Billie’s apartment having apparently changed his mind about hooking up. But Billie thinks it is Dan (John Larroquette) and yells through the door telling him to go away. Mr. Grinsky steps out of his apartment and looks at Harry accusingly. “It’s my birthday,” Harry offers. Mr. Grinsky steps back into his apartment and returns carrying the calico cat which he places in Harry’s arms. “Sorry, I didn’t have time to wrap it!” Mr. Grinsky snarls, then returns to his apartment, closing the door and leaving Harry and the cat to look at each other in confusion.