At any large business, there is constant flux. This is especially true in a law firm.

When Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) starts her day, she is in for a shock. A former employee, Jerry Espenson (Christian Clemenson), wants his job back. Jerry has a history of instability which makes Shirley question why he is even considering the possibility. There are some things which are his fault — Jerry once held a knife to Shirley's throat after being passed over for partnership ("The Cancer Man Can").

He explains he has turned into someone he doesn't recognize. As an employee of CP&S, he fits right in among other 'unique’ personalities. After a persuasive argument, Shirley agrees to see what she can do. However, she does not promise anything. Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) reluctantly says okay, but Shirley knows there is one critical stamp of approval left.

Denny Crane (William Shatner) is adamant about not having Jerry back. The reason has more to do with Alan Shore (James Spader) than anything else. Denny selfishly wants Alan to himself as a friend, and refuses to share. Jerry must let Denny borrow his inflatable doll in order to be allowed back. In a show of generosity, Denny lends Jerry 'Shirley Schmidto', Denny's inflatable sex toy. The image is disturbing, but at least Shirley and Jerry are not having sex.

On the law front, Alan takes on a case of a British citizen who was detained at Guantanamo Bay because the government believed he had links to terrorism. Denny's suspicion the man could be a Communist propels Alan into court. The judge (Bernadette Peters) is tough, but suggests if Alan takes off his pants, she might rule in his favor.

Due to Alan's new relationship with Gloria Weldon (Gail O'Grady, NYPD Blue), he now has a conflict. He remains true to his significant other, and does not sleep with someone else just because he could. When it comes time for closing arguments, Alan and opposing counsel (Mitch Pileggi, The X Files) are both masterful. In the end, the case is still open.

I got confused at this point. Alan asked for the case to be dropped. The judge refused. Technically, this should mean Alan lost. So why is his client grateful? The warning of potential future action was necessary, and this case could come up sometime down the road.

Speaking of warning, Denny decides to push his luck with the federal judge. When he leaves her office, his briefcase is left behind. Denny returns, sans pants. The tactic doesn't work, and Denny is ordered out quickly.