Several episodes of season two of "The Paper Chase" were let-downs but up until this one, the episodes of season three were consistently better. What's the problem here with "It's Only a Show"? Well, the plot seems to have 'jumped the shark' written all over it, as the episode doesn't fit the show's style at all...like they were out of ideas.
The plot is all about a review that Bell is putting on for the law students. However, he's a bit dictatorial and it's hard working for him...yet, oddly, all the busy law students suddenly have time to either attend or participate! However, it appears that Professor Kingsfield won't be there...as he's going to a convention in Los Angeles. So, Bell takes advantage of this to do a skit criticizing the guy....but he doesn't realize that Kingsfield IS in the audience!!
About the only positive thing I saw in this one was the Kingsfield skit...it was very clever and funny. But, as I mentioned above, this sort of thing really didn't fit in with the show's style. A weird misstep for the series.