Furillo (the always magnificent Daniel J. Travanti) suspects that Jesse John Hudson (a magnetic Danny Glover) is behind the theft of a cache of weapons. Washington (Taurean Blacque) investigates the murder of a prostitute. Goldblume (well played by Joe Spano) works undercover as a cab driver and saves lonely young lady West Virginia (a touching portrayal by the lovely Karen Austin) from a couple of street thugs. The orangutan Baby returns to provide a few cute comic moments. Moreover, there's an exciting sequence with Belker (Bruce Weitz) busting a transvestite hoodlum who's been holding up taxi drivers. Veteran character actor John Dennis Johnston contributes a stand-out performance as antsy snitch Freddy. The show's treatment of this character is truly impressive: Freddy is depicted as an admittedly wormy, yet still human and sympathetic person instead of as some despicable one-dimensional sleazebag (the scene with Freddy being arrested in front of his son is genuinely moving and tragic). Nathan Cook likewise does well as hip undercover cop Virgil Brooks. The ever-radiant Barbara Babcock is in first-rate fiery form as the scorchingly sensuous Grace Gardner, who splits with Esterhaus (Michael Conrad) and goes on a hysterical date with Hunter (a delightfully dry'n'droll James B. Sikking) to an art gallery exhibit. And this episode boasts an extremely poignant scene with West Virginia talking about her sad plight to Goldblume and coming on to him.
3 Reviews
Todays' lesson is NEVER mess with Belker!
Hey_Sweden16 February 2021
Former gang leader Jesse John Hudson (Danny Glover) is suspected of masterminding a massive weapons theft. A hooker is murdered, and her pimp falls under suspicion; an informer (John Dennis Johnston) on whom Washington relies swears that he saw blood on the pimps' clothes one night. Goldblume insists on helping in an undercover operation when various cab drivers are brutalized by a disguise-happy miscreant. In so doing, he develops a connection to a pretty lady (Karen Austin) who's a hard-luck case. After realizing that he is attracted to her, the possibility of an affair with this woman does enter his mind.
We also get more of the lighter side of 'Hill Street Blues' due to Esterhaus' ongoing woman problems. Grace Gardner (Barbara Babcock) is determined to let him know that he's letting a good thing slip out of his fingers. This opens up an opportunity for an uncharacteristically awkward Hunter (James B. Sikking is as hilarious as ever) to ask her out on a date. To add to the hilarity, that purse-snatching orangutan from the previous episode is still hanging around! Apparently the men and women of Hill Street Station can't find someone to take this ape off their hands. One of the brightest moments occurs when Belker tells "Baby" to assume the position.
But it's not all fun and games. There are some effectively poignant moments here: between Joe Spano a.k.a. Goldblume and Ms. Austin, and with guest star Johnston, who's believable as an utter loser so pathetic that he does earn some sympathy. His final scene is pretty sad.
All in all, another riveting corker of an episode.
Eight out of 10.
We also get more of the lighter side of 'Hill Street Blues' due to Esterhaus' ongoing woman problems. Grace Gardner (Barbara Babcock) is determined to let him know that he's letting a good thing slip out of his fingers. This opens up an opportunity for an uncharacteristically awkward Hunter (James B. Sikking is as hilarious as ever) to ask her out on a date. To add to the hilarity, that purse-snatching orangutan from the previous episode is still hanging around! Apparently the men and women of Hill Street Station can't find someone to take this ape off their hands. One of the brightest moments occurs when Belker tells "Baby" to assume the position.
But it's not all fun and games. There are some effectively poignant moments here: between Joe Spano a.k.a. Goldblume and Ms. Austin, and with guest star Johnston, who's believable as an utter loser so pathetic that he does earn some sympathy. His final scene is pretty sad.
All in all, another riveting corker of an episode.
Eight out of 10.
Real People
Hitchcoc9 July 2021
Fay is engaged and Frank is worried again. This episode has so much it's hard to summarize. Henry is taken with a woman whom he rescues while undercover from some Gangbangers. This will be interesting. Belker is becoming one with the orangutan who is now living in the precinct He thinks the prisoners will be a bad influence. Frank is separated from Joyce for the moment and there is an uncomfortable scene at an art show. The former gang leader played by Danny Glover is the serious focus of things, a danger to the entire community. And Grace hooks up with Howard to put it to Phil, who is trying to move away. Lots of issues yet to go.
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