Brent Spiner appeared on seven episodes of “Night Court” across the show’s third, fourth, and fifth seasons. His character’s family, the Wheelers, were resigned to their fate and always met the most horrifying circumstances with a blasé attitude. In his first appearance in 1985’s “The Wheels of Justice, Part 1,” Bob Wheeler expected that, being in court, he would instantly face the death penalty. “Just take us right to the gas chambers. We don’t care,” he moaned. In “Her Honor, Part 3,” Bob Wheeler confessed that his mother died peacefully in her sleep … on the railroad tracks. There was also an occasion wherein Carol Anne recalled the one gift she ever received: a single marble. Bob reminded her that she wasn’t able to keep it, however, because granny needed her glass eye back.
After his last appearance on “Night Court” — “Her Honor, Part 3,” which aired on September 17, 1987 — Spiner was already filming “Star Trek.” Presumably, he was too busy to return to “Night Court,” which ran until May 31, 1992.
It seems, however, that Spiner is not yet done with Bob Wheeler. In 2023, “Night Court” was revived with actor John Larroquette returning to the role of Dan Fielding after a gap of 31 years. The revival is currently in the middle of its second season, and fans will be happy to hear that “The Wheelers of Fortune,” set to air on March 12, will feature the return of Spiner and O’Donnell as Bob and June Wheeler. The synopsis from NBC reads:
“Surprises are in store for Dan when the Wheelers return to court after more than 30 years. Abby seeks a psychic in hopes of ending an argument she had with her late father. Brent Spiner, Annie O’Donnell, Kate Micucci, and Julia Sweeney guest star.”
Data may be his best-known role, but Spiner can take plenty of pride in Bob Wheeler’s legacy.
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