This review is based on Season 2.
Yes, it is slightly dated, and yes some of the acting is not all that great. But their are reasons why the show is still not only important, but entertaining.
Firstly their are a handful of performances (Travanti, Spano, Hamel, Wyner) that are as good as any that would come to television in later years. Travanti especially, provides remarkable leadership, and is the true Helm. As true a helm as Stewart's Capt Jean Luc Picard. His on screen romance with Hamel is text book chemistry.
Secondly, though the show sometimes possesses weaknesses in terms of its writing, at other times it packs (and still packs) a strong emotional wallop. I am talking a feeling in the gut, tears in the eyes wallop.
Thirdly, It laid the ground work for realism in television, which yes, of course has been done to greater effect since. But let's give the show the credit it deserves. It did things differently then what had gone before it terns of police dramas.
All I can tell you is that any show that is 40 years old that can still entertain and hold your interest, is a pretty special show.
I say that Hill Street Blues is that type of show.
Yes, it is slightly dated, and yes some of the acting is not all that great. But their are reasons why the show is still not only important, but entertaining.
Firstly their are a handful of performances (Travanti, Spano, Hamel, Wyner) that are as good as any that would come to television in later years. Travanti especially, provides remarkable leadership, and is the true Helm. As true a helm as Stewart's Capt Jean Luc Picard. His on screen romance with Hamel is text book chemistry.
Secondly, though the show sometimes possesses weaknesses in terms of its writing, at other times it packs (and still packs) a strong emotional wallop. I am talking a feeling in the gut, tears in the eyes wallop.
Thirdly, It laid the ground work for realism in television, which yes, of course has been done to greater effect since. But let's give the show the credit it deserves. It did things differently then what had gone before it terns of police dramas.
All I can tell you is that any show that is 40 years old that can still entertain and hold your interest, is a pretty special show.
I say that Hill Street Blues is that type of show.