The main story thread in this riveting, two-part episode concerns a veteran narcotics detective (guest star Charles Hallahan), who has a history of brutality and racism. Currently, he's under fire yet again for his off-duty shooting of a young black man. While this goes on, LaRues' drinking while on the job is starting to create serious problems for him and his fellow officers. Goldblume is driven to distraction by the ill health of his youngest child. And Hill takes a big interest in the welfare of a young mother (guest star Van Nessa Clarke), who has a bad habit of leaving her children to their own devices while she goes out.
Series creators Steven Bochco & Michael Kozoll, who wrote this riveting episode along with story editor Anthony Yerkovich, create some wonderful drama and powerful moments. What's truly effective is that you're allowed to understand characters like LaRue and even the narc, even if you can't feel any real sympathy for the narc. LaRue just looks so pathetic when he inadvertently stumbles into an undercover operation, trying to pawn some jewelry. The acting is exemplary from all concerned, of course, with the late, great character actor Hallahan ("The Thing", 'Hunter') creating an effective antagonist. Also appearing are future series regular Ed Marinaro, in his first appearance as Bates' new partner, James Remar, as an officer suspected of police brutality, Terry Alexander ("Day of the Dead") as a business owner, and a very young Mimi Rogers, as a writing instructor on whom Renko is very sweet.
Bochco & Kozoll once again show the viewer what it's like to live in an "urban jungle", as yet another setback occurs for Fay; it seems that she just can't get a break. But Frank proves to be a rock for her (unlike her fiancee); not that we'd expect anything less. The episode concludes with a true emotional highpoint as Goldblume frets over his sons' condition. He continues to have his doubts as to whether he's really cut out for police work, but we all know that the Hill is lucky to have him.
Not that it's all deep and serious: Hunter is temporarily a different man since hitting it off with one of his neighbours.
Bochco and producer / director Gregory Hoblit have uncredited bits here as men in a police lineup.
Nine out of 10.
Series creators Steven Bochco & Michael Kozoll, who wrote this riveting episode along with story editor Anthony Yerkovich, create some wonderful drama and powerful moments. What's truly effective is that you're allowed to understand characters like LaRue and even the narc, even if you can't feel any real sympathy for the narc. LaRue just looks so pathetic when he inadvertently stumbles into an undercover operation, trying to pawn some jewelry. The acting is exemplary from all concerned, of course, with the late, great character actor Hallahan ("The Thing", 'Hunter') creating an effective antagonist. Also appearing are future series regular Ed Marinaro, in his first appearance as Bates' new partner, James Remar, as an officer suspected of police brutality, Terry Alexander ("Day of the Dead") as a business owner, and a very young Mimi Rogers, as a writing instructor on whom Renko is very sweet.
Bochco & Kozoll once again show the viewer what it's like to live in an "urban jungle", as yet another setback occurs for Fay; it seems that she just can't get a break. But Frank proves to be a rock for her (unlike her fiancee); not that we'd expect anything less. The episode concludes with a true emotional highpoint as Goldblume frets over his sons' condition. He continues to have his doubts as to whether he's really cut out for police work, but we all know that the Hill is lucky to have him.
Not that it's all deep and serious: Hunter is temporarily a different man since hitting it off with one of his neighbours.
Bochco and producer / director Gregory Hoblit have uncredited bits here as men in a police lineup.
Nine out of 10.
