User Reviews

Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti, splendid as usual) is determined to catch the killer of a young public defender. Hill (a fine Michael Warren) gets elected vice president of the Black Officer's Coalition. LaRue (Kiel Martin in inspired and supremely sleazy form) and Washington (neatly essayed with engaging cool by Taurean Blacque) bust a coke dealer with knowledge on a large PCP lab. Veronica Hamel has several moving and powerful scenes as the shaken Davenport, who expresses profound dismay and disillusionment over the brutal murder of her colleague. Moreover, it's a hoot to watch LaRue work undercover as a slick big time garment manufacturer with a massively Afro-wigged Washington as his fey gay partner. Belker (Bruce Weitz) also has a cute and funny scene with a pet mouse who meets an abrupt untimely end (Belker holds an impromptu funeral service for the rodent in the men's bathroom at the police station!). Popping up in nifty guest appearances are Edward James Olmos as crusading law student Joe Bustamonte, Jeffrey Tambor as slippery slimeball lawyer Alan Wachtel, Jonathan Frakes as smooth drug pusher Eddie Simms, and Al Ruscio as browbeating slum lord Mr. Sosa. And this episode offers some spot-on insights on how compromises and plea bargains are essential yucky means to the right end pertaining to enforcing the law and nabbing top criminals.

'Of Mouse and Man' breaks from the typical 'Hill Street Blues' formula by preceding the roll call sequence with a dead-serious scene: a public defender (and friend of Joyces') was gunned down in the street, and Frank gives Joyce the terrible news. Other story threads involve J. D. and Neal arresting a small-time drug pusher (Jonathan "Will Riker" Frakes) whose knowledge of other operations can lead to potential future big time busts. Belker acquires a rodent companion - whom he names Mickey - that is carried around in the detectives' shirt pocket. And Henry decides to investigate the conditions at a run-down apartment building.

This is yet another sterling example of great writing, with one riveting sequence after another. Some good humorous touches include an impromptu funeral for the mouse, as well as any and all scenes with Howard; he can often be counted upon to take some of the edge off of otherwise sobering moments. This "funeral" adds just the right absurdist touch as Frank and two opposing attorneys are forced to use the restroom to have a "private" conversation, and must wait for Joe and Belker to finish up. 'Of Mouse and Man' also offers a wonderful acting showcase for Veronica Hamel as Joyce expresses extreme self-doubt, wondering if she's really on the right side as a public defender. Michael Warren is also simply great as Bobby is recruited to be a vice-president of the Black Officers Coalition. Initially reluctant to get into politics, he soon realizes the seriousness of their goals. But this puts a strain on his ongoing partnership with Renko, who becomes resentful.

Superior television all the way; also among the guest stars are Edward James Olmos ('Miami Vice'), Jeffrey Tambor ('Arrested Development'), J. A. Preston ("Body Heat"), Kene Holiday ('Matlock'), Al Ruscio ("Showgirls"), Eric Laneuville ('Room 222'), and Ricco Ross ("Aliens"). Directed by Thomas Carter ("Metro", "Coach Carter").

Nine out of 10.