User Reviews

A young African-American cop gets framed so he tells fellow high school classmate John Shaft about his troubles since then. Shaft manages to convince Lt. Rossi to try to clear his friend but Rossi gets wounded when he seems to get close. So it's now Shaft's turn to investigate...This was another quite exciting ep of the "Shaft" TV series with guest star Darren McGavin as the police captain having to deal with John an especially juicy subplot as he keeps us on edge as to which side he's on. I have to admit though that the chase scene involving a forklift seemed pretty ridiculous but still a little fun. So on that note, "Cop Killer" was another good ep of "Shaft".

Honest police officer Charles Tyler (a solid performance by James Watson Jr.) gets framed by some crooked cops he was just about to get the goods on. Tyler informs John Shaft (Richard Roundtree, as smooth and charismatic as ever) that this was done to prevent him from finding out by an auto theft ring the cops are a part of. Shaft convinces his buddy Lt. Al Rossi (a lively portrayal by Eddie Barth) to investigate, but has to take over said investigation after Rossi is gunned down.

Director Lee Philips keeps the compelling story moving along at a snappy pace, makes nice use of various New York City locations, and stages several action set pieces with flair and skill, with a climatic warehouse shoot out rating as a definite exciting highlight. Darren McGavin breathes fire as the irascible Captain Brian Brewster, who has a few enjoyable heated exchanges with Shaft. George Maharis also acquits himself well as corrupt nightclub owner Wally Doyle while Richard Schaal does commendable work as no-nonsense undercover cop Tom Donegan. Johnny Pate's funky score hits the right-on groovy spot. A neat little TV movie.