Ally McBeal

Original airdate: 5-6-02

Title: What I'll Never Do for Love Again [also listed as: "Reality Bites", "What I Did for Love," and "What I Did For Love Again"]

Richard, his parents, and Elaine refuse to settle with stories of The One That Got Away. Richard's father Charlie seeks Richard and the firms' help when he is sued for sexual harassment by a secretary he fondled and professed loving. Liza assists Richard in this case, which seems to mirror antics of Richard in days gone by. Richard's mother Ellen learns of the case, and decides to divorce Charlie. Richard speaks with his mother, to urge her not to proceed. She tells him that he is just like his father, incapable of truly loving. Later, after a moving closing by Liza, a small settlement is reached for the plaintiff, and Richard's parents reconcile, with the promise of renewing their vows. Richard, moved by his desire for Liza, his mother's words, and his parent's actions, professes love for Liza. She invites him home with her.

Elaine decides, with Ally's support, to try out for a local production of "A Chorus Line". Nelle is pessimistic at first, urging Elaine to grow up. Elaine attends the audition, as does Claire, and does a predictable rendition of a song many others perform. She is not called back, but meets the director after the tryout, and has dinner and a romantic evening with him, and shares potential plans for a move to New York She still does not earn a callback, and feels even worse about herself. She and Nelle have a heart-to-heart, and Nelle follows up with the director, asking for Elaine to get another shot, to really perform this time. Initially angry about this, Elaine performs, and wonderfully, to the ovation from the crew and other aspiring actors. While still not earning the role, she earns self-respect and also the admission of jealously from Nelle, who actually admires Elaine's passion for dance. She also admits attending Elaine's tryout, and being impressed. Elaine is further moved, and thankful, not to mention pleased with herself.