The layout of each episode is pretty set. After Black gives his initial opinion of the two evils at hand, he introduces the two lawyers and their positions. Each lawyer starts with opening statements and very creative arguments that are merely the start of this comedic process. Black then proceeds to his Inquisition phase where he will ask each lawyer a series of questions that will give them a chance to either make a dig against their opponent or help bolster their particular argument.
Personally, I really enjoy this section of the episode since a lot of improv comes out of it. There is nothing better than having Black throw out really odd and unexpected questions only to have the comics struggle a bit to find an answer that will hopefully pull the "judge" towards your side, but is typically pretty funny.
After that, Black asks each lawyer to give their "Ripple of Evil." This section is all about what will happen to the world if this evil is left unchecked. These speeches end up being pretty funny and outrageous slippery slope arguments where all of humanity is almost always destroyed. The episode ends with Lewis Black giving his final verdict and sentencing the evil to some form of cruel or unusual punishment.
This collection has all of the episodes from Season One. While they are all pretty good, personal favorites include "Oprah vs. The Catholic Church" featuring Greg Giraldo and Paul F. Tompkins as the lawyers. "American Idol vs. High School" (with Patton Oswalt and Andy Kindler) is also pretty funny, especially when Oswalt finishes his case with an interesting cheer stating all the bad things that come out of high school.
But my most favorite would have to be "Las Vegas vs. The Human Body" as Andrew Daly argues for the evils of the gambling city and Oswalt returns to speak ill of our bodies. Once again, all of the comedians do a stellar job not only making viewers laugh, but also arguing their points.
Many of the comedians make regular appearances. Giraldo shows up in pretty much every one of these eight episodes (but for some reason Black never gives a verdict in his favor, which is pretty funny in itself). Besides Oswalt, Daly and Kindler also appear in a couple of trials.
Pretty much anyone who enjoys stand-up will find this series funny, especially if you enjoy Lewis Black's particular brand of humor. But if you find yourself easily offended, then you will definitely want to stay clear of this series.
