Ed NBC Wednesday 8 pm/7 central

 

Reviewed by Joel Zand
May 2, 2001

The Mysteries Of Love

Love always seems to be in the air in the springtime. Stuckeyville is no exception. This week, Ed's case involves a case of twisted brotherly love, Warren Cheswick learns a thing or two about confronting his insecurities and making out in the moonlight, and a pair of frolicking young bowlers who've been together 6 months prepare to get hitched as fast as they can.

Love Hurts

Two brothers, Jamie and Steve Masters become entangled, in Ed's case of the week. A doctor has warned an overweight Jamie that if he doesn't lose weight he'll die. "I'm just one burrito away from exploding," this Twizzler- chewing client complains to Ed. Prompted by a combination of concern and control, Jamie's brother Steve has forced him sign a contract saying that Steve is allowed to do everything necessary to make him shed 30 pounds.

Harassment, however, is not part of enforcing a contract. Steve turns out to be a wildman. Although he says that his actions are motivated by the best intentions, he vandalizes Jamie's property, secretly videotapes his brother munching pizza in his underwear, and then threatens to broadcast the tape on TV.

Ed successfully sues for a court order to prohibit Steve from harassing his brother. Although he wins, the judge makes the right decision by refusing to award Ed's client damages. Hopefully, that leaves some room for a little heart-to-heart to help reconcile this extreme case of fraternal caretaking.

Love Is Tender

There is nothing like having a crush when you're in high school. Battling nerves, Warren Cheswick follows up on his cold-weather weekend on Mt. Precipice with classmate Donna by asking her to the movies. She accepts!

For male readers seeking advice on how to behave on a date, here's your chance to learn from Warren's mistakes. First, don't use the word "cinema" to impress your date if you can't pronounce it correctly. "Movies" will do just fine. Next, it's always a good idea to approach the concession stand knowing exactly what you want. If you don't want the combo special because you'd rather not eat a tub of popcorn, don't cave in when the people behind the counter try to sell it to you. Finally, don't jam your foot in the movie theatre's escalator.

Warren remains brave in the face of this last peril, and his courage appears to win Donna's empathy and affections. Their kiss goodnight should bring back plenty of high school memories for all you legal eagles.

Love Is Blind

Young bowlers Ari and Barbara have been together for six months, but decide that bowling a strike in Stuckeybowl has sealed seal their marriage vows for one another - well, informally at least. The actual wedding ceremony -- at Stuckeybowl, of course -- will soon follow, if Ed will only let them have it.

In a rare offer of unselfishness, Phil Stubbs actually donates his wedding coordinator services for free. Everyone is eager to help. Kenny quickly asks if the couple will need a chuppa (a Jewish ceremonial wedding canopy), and Ed even manages a personal appearance as Col. Harlan Sanders, the long-departed KFC king. In addition to the free honey BBQ wings, Phil presides over what may be the world's first Manwich bar at a wedding.

Other Reviews

 West Wing

 The Practice

 Ally McBeal

 Law & Order

There's nothing like a Stuckeyville spring wedding to warm the hearts in this small town. Everyone wishes the newlyweds well, even a confused and somewhat bitter Ed who says, "You guys screw this marriage up," he tells them," I'll have to hunt you down and kill you." He married his first ex-wife after just knowing her for four months. Hmm… should he have waited another eight weeks?

Past Ed Reviews | Message Boards
In a curious role reversal with the show's protagonist, Joel Zand is a New York solo practitioner who left his Midwestern roots behind to work with Findlaw. He has represented New York City landlords, tenants, and folks with pets in pit-bullesque litigation (always representing the underdog, of course). Zand received his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of Chicago.

Disclaimer