As you may know, the TV show "The Paper Chase" began on CBS back in 1978--but it only lasted a single season. Then, in 1983, Showtime began showing new episodes--ones with some of the old cast members and with some new ones. "Birthday Party" is the second Showtime episode--and it is significant because it is every bit as good as the original shows and sets a nice precedent for future episodes.
The show begins with a surprise visit of the US Attorney General to campus. He is interested in putting forth Kingsfield for a seat on the Supreme Court. At the same time, the Professor is approaching his 80th birthday--and Hart would like to somehow mark this milestone. However, Kingsfield isn't exactly human, and he HATES birthday celebrations. An additional problem concerns Hart and Ford working through their relationship as roommates--and lots of tension is the result.
Overall, a very sentimental but extremely well-written episode of the series. You really find yourself pulled into this one--and it packs a strong emotional punch.
As I mentioned in a previous review from Season Two, it's obvious that the show was made for Showtime, as the characters curse and have sex lives--things you'd never really have on the original show. It was not gratuitous, however.
The show begins with a surprise visit of the US Attorney General to campus. He is interested in putting forth Kingsfield for a seat on the Supreme Court. At the same time, the Professor is approaching his 80th birthday--and Hart would like to somehow mark this milestone. However, Kingsfield isn't exactly human, and he HATES birthday celebrations. An additional problem concerns Hart and Ford working through their relationship as roommates--and lots of tension is the result.
Overall, a very sentimental but extremely well-written episode of the series. You really find yourself pulled into this one--and it packs a strong emotional punch.
As I mentioned in a previous review from Season Two, it's obvious that the show was made for Showtime, as the characters curse and have sex lives--things you'd never really have on the original show. It was not gratuitous, however.