Frank gets called upon to testify during an expensive commission spearheaded by the district attorney (who's intent on a political career). The D. A. is investigating police corruption, and is determined that Frank reveal anything damaging that he may know. Bates and Coffey have relationship issues that sees them actually air their dirty laundry in front of perps. Renko has his piece stolen from him during a poker game, and to top that off, he and Hill can't seem to get very far in their vehicle these days without getting into an accident. While they are having these troubles, they get caught up in the plight of a young garage employee (Marcelino Sanchez) who was trying to attend a wedding, and is getting screwed over by the garage manager (an effectively nasty Charles Robinson, who's best known as the lovable Mac from 'Night Court'). Captain Freedom makes another appearance as he manages to assist in the apprehension of a suspect. Once again, you can't help but like this guy, despite his own obvious issues. Guest star Dennis Dugan is wonderful as the character.
Great acting all around from this superior cast, as usual. It's nice the way that Esterhaus tries to console the increasingly frustrated Lou (Luke Andreas), whose vending machines in the precinct are always getting abused. Nice comic touches are a plus, as well as minor bits of business such as watching Esterhaus and Goldblume converse in French. (Esterhaus is planning on a vacation in France with Grace Gardner.) Fay comes in towards the end to act like a doomsayer as she comments on the health of the men of the precinct. (What's funny is seeing LaRue smoking while he pours a copious amount of sugar into his coffee.) There's even an amusing lowbrow gag involving Chief Daniels' hemorrhoids. And, overall, while the episode gets serious, it's never melodramatic. There is a bit of commentary on the fact that true justice doesn't always prevail, whether in fiction or reality.
The episodes that end with warm & pleasant moments with Frank & Joyce always have a definite appeal, as this one does.
Eight out of 10.
Great acting all around from this superior cast, as usual. It's nice the way that Esterhaus tries to console the increasingly frustrated Lou (Luke Andreas), whose vending machines in the precinct are always getting abused. Nice comic touches are a plus, as well as minor bits of business such as watching Esterhaus and Goldblume converse in French. (Esterhaus is planning on a vacation in France with Grace Gardner.) Fay comes in towards the end to act like a doomsayer as she comments on the health of the men of the precinct. (What's funny is seeing LaRue smoking while he pours a copious amount of sugar into his coffee.) There's even an amusing lowbrow gag involving Chief Daniels' hemorrhoids. And, overall, while the episode gets serious, it's never melodramatic. There is a bit of commentary on the fact that true justice doesn't always prevail, whether in fiction or reality.
The episodes that end with warm & pleasant moments with Frank & Joyce always have a definite appeal, as this one does.
Eight out of 10.