What's the deal with Phil Sanders?

August 14, 2005 7:20 PM

I've been watching the Night Court marathon on TV Land and found myself wondering about Phil Sanders, the homeless man who works as a lackey for Dan Fielding. Was it ever shown or explained just how Phil met and began working for Dan? Online episode guides offer no explanation that I can find, and after nearly twenty years I have to know for sure.
posted by Servo5678 to media & arts (6 comments total)

Most. Trivial. Question. Ever. I love it!

(I just hope I don't get into trouble for replying without giving an answer.)
posted by sourwookie at 9:26 PM on August 14, 2005

I bet this guy would know a thing or two about how he Phil came to be Dan's personal assistant. I mean, the guy runs a site with Night Court fan fiction. If he doesn't know...
posted by jikel_morten at 10:20 PM on August 14, 2005

All I can find is that William Utay played "Ivan Brewster" in episode 17, and starts playing Phil in Episode 32-166. So the good news is that season 2 might have an answer and would be next in line for dvd release.

Were there any episodes in the marathon where he wasn't Dan's assistant? I can't remember if he always was, or if they did it closer to the end in order to give him a reason to put Dan in charge of the "Phil Foundation" (and ruin the character of Dan Fielding).
posted by Gary at 2:38 AM on August 15, 2005

Were there any episodes in the marathon where he wasn't Dan's assistant? I can't remember if he always was, or if they did it closer to the end in order to give him a reason to put Dan in charge of the "Phil Foundation" (and ruin the character of Dan Fielding).

I don't remember seeing any. From what I saw and remember, Dan eventually found out that Phil was worth millions, and when he invited Phil to an expensive lunch to try and shmooze him, Phil was crushed by a piano. Dan then inherited the money in the form of The Phil Foundation.

Shortly after that Phil's long lost twin brother, Will, shows up and embezzles the money and Dan goes on the run, becoming The Phantom of the Courthouse. Will eventually comes clean and becomes a penniless bum. Dan then hires Will as his lackey, much like Phil used to work for him.

No answers on Phil though.
posted by Servo5678 at 5:31 AM on August 15, 2005

I'm talkin' Night Court in its fifth-season lame! (wav link)
posted by stevil at 9:10 AM on August 15, 2005

There's a Night Court marathon? Nice.
posted by nixerman at 11:39 AM on August 15, 2005