Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti, terrific as usual) questions Hill (fine work from Michael Warren), Renko (Charles Haid in inspired huffy form), Bates (Betty Thomas), and Coffey (Ed Marinaro) about their attempted cover-up for Officer Jerry Nash (an outstanding Stephen McHattie). Belker (Bruce Weitz deliciously attacking his role with trademark growly gusto) goes undercover as a Hasidic rabbi to catch a gang of ATM thieves. This particular episode makes some interesting observations on loyalty and morals: The group's lying for Nash because he's a fellow police officer only makes things worse instead of better and several folks try to get helpful and amiable good Samaritan William Teacher (well played by Art Evans) off on a felony warrant for his arrest in another state because he's essentially a good guy who did one thing wrong. Nick Savage makes a welcome reappearance as the ubiquitous pickpocket and Dori Brenner contributes a funny performance as Renko's equally fierce sister Luane. Moreover, there's some amusingly business involving a box of stolen sex toys. A car chase with Belker hanging off the back of a van driven by the ATM bandits is quite exciting and well-staged. And the scene with Davenport (a fine Veronica Hamel) consoling the shattered Fay (a moving portrayal by Barbara Bosson) about the sudden death of her fiancé is extremely poignant and effective.
3 Reviews
Such a great show.
Hey_Sweden13 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Officers Hill, Renko, Bates, and Coffey have to seriously re-consider their decision to cover for Officer Nash (guest star Stephen McHattie), knowing what it could mean for their careers. Frank attends a formal dinner honouring Fay's new man Hal Massey (guest star Robert Sampson), only for fate to deal Fay another cruel blow. Belker goes undercover to nail the perpetrator going after people utilizing ATM machines. And Renko is determined to go to bat for William Teacher (guest star Art Evans), a man involved in a fender bender who saves Renko from serious harm by shouting out a warning.
On the lighter side of things, we get repeated gags of characters discovering kinky apparel and a blow-up sex doll. We also get to see more of the romantic life of Detective Washington, as his girlfriend (guest star Lynn Whitfield) is apparently set on testing him.
The writing is as riveting as it's ever been for this landmark series, with no filler and one solid scene after another. There's even a priceless action sequence with Belker (dressed hilariously in a rabbi costume) as he hangs on for dear life to the back of a van in order to apprehend the perps within. Pickpocket (the always amusing Nick Savage) makes another of his hysterical appearances; this time, he claims that his mother is Pearl Bailey. We're able to feel sympathy for a variety of characters, from the weary Officer Nash to the hard-luck Mr. Teacher to Fay, who just can't seem to catch a break. But in a very touching final two minutes, Joyce formally introduces herself to Fay and consoles her.
Wonderful performances from the series regulars and the roster of guest stars, also including Dori Brenner (as Belkers' equally sassy sister, who's also fond of using phrases like "dog breath" and "hairball"), John Diehl (as an inept maintenance man), and Daphne Reid (as Jills' friend Sheila).
It's been a treat to start working my way through this series.
Eight out of 10.
On the lighter side of things, we get repeated gags of characters discovering kinky apparel and a blow-up sex doll. We also get to see more of the romantic life of Detective Washington, as his girlfriend (guest star Lynn Whitfield) is apparently set on testing him.
The writing is as riveting as it's ever been for this landmark series, with no filler and one solid scene after another. There's even a priceless action sequence with Belker (dressed hilariously in a rabbi costume) as he hangs on for dear life to the back of a van in order to apprehend the perps within. Pickpocket (the always amusing Nick Savage) makes another of his hysterical appearances; this time, he claims that his mother is Pearl Bailey. We're able to feel sympathy for a variety of characters, from the weary Officer Nash to the hard-luck Mr. Teacher to Fay, who just can't seem to catch a break. But in a very touching final two minutes, Joyce formally introduces herself to Fay and consoles her.
Wonderful performances from the series regulars and the roster of guest stars, also including Dori Brenner (as Belkers' equally sassy sister, who's also fond of using phrases like "dog breath" and "hairball"), John Diehl (as an inept maintenance man), and Daphne Reid (as Jills' friend Sheila).
It's been a treat to start working my way through this series.
Eight out of 10.
Reckoning
Hitchcoc11 July 2021
As usual, the hour is packed with events. Washington's girlfriend has lied to him and is living right in town. Belker, in his rabbi guise, goes after the ATM robbers. Nash got Bobby and the others to lie for him and they are taking it hard, morally. A guy named teacher has been moved around the system and hasn't had a chance to get out from under. He saves Renko's life. Finally, poor Fay again faces the vicissitudes of life and gets to actually meet Joyce.
See also
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