Who Was That Mashed Man?

And that's saying something.

Humor is subjective, but most people would (probably) agree that "Night Court" remains one of the all-time funniest sitcoms. Its perfect blend of clashing character types, an exceptional ensemble cast, and razor-sharp gags, produced one of the highest ratios of LY/M (loud yucks per minute) ever. "Who Was that Mashed Man?" * had me laughing loud and long from the start.

Robert Barron -- whom I'd never heard of -- was a pleasant surprise as Red Ranger (Red Ryder + the Lone Ranger), a star of kiddie Westerns whose legal problems parallel those of Clayton Moore in fighting off Jack Wrather's attempt to keep him from publicly appearing as the Lone Ranger. Barron's good looks, wiry build, and obvious acting ability should have resulted in his casting in dozens of Westerns. Instead, he spent the latter part of his successful career writing and producing children's programming.

This is one of those rare TV episodes you'll want to share with friends.

* It's "mashed", not "masked". Many gags involve the grisly aspects of Red Ranger's threatened suicide under a two-ton air conditioning unit.