David Opatoshu was an excellent television actor and it's nice to see him starring in this rather sad episode of "The Paper Chase". He plays a very distinguished law professor, Dr. Harriman, who is experiencing dementia. His lectures are losing cohesion and he tends to repeat himself. As a result, many of his students are pushing to have him removed. One of the students, Ford, however, is against this move--mostly because he feels so sorry for professor Harriman and because it brings up memories of his own grandfather. Eventually, the professor's good friend, Professor Kingsfield, is pulled into the conflict.
Like most episodes of the series, there is a minor secondary plot. This one involves Hart repeatedly coming into conflict with another Law Review member, Harriman. The pair always seem to argue and their relationship is very adversarial. So, Hart is determined to work this out...but the problem is that every time he opens his mouth, he is a giant horse's behind.
Season one of "The Paper Chase" was brilliant. Unfortunately, after several years and many changes (such as networks and much of the cast), the momentum wasn't sustained and many of the second season's episodes were very bad. In light of this, it was wonderful to see this one, as it was exceptionally well written, touching and deals with a topic most TV programs won't--dementia. Overall, a shining light in the midst of substandard season two programs. The only reason I didn't give this one a 10 is because the subplot involving Hart and Harriman just further illustrates how the writing lost its way a bit in season two.
Like most episodes of the series, there is a minor secondary plot. This one involves Hart repeatedly coming into conflict with another Law Review member, Harriman. The pair always seem to argue and their relationship is very adversarial. So, Hart is determined to work this out...but the problem is that every time he opens his mouth, he is a giant horse's behind.
Season one of "The Paper Chase" was brilliant. Unfortunately, after several years and many changes (such as networks and much of the cast), the momentum wasn't sustained and many of the second season's episodes were very bad. In light of this, it was wonderful to see this one, as it was exceptionally well written, touching and deals with a topic most TV programs won't--dementia. Overall, a shining light in the midst of substandard season two programs. The only reason I didn't give this one a 10 is because the subplot involving Hart and Harriman just further illustrates how the writing lost its way a bit in season two.
