A disillusioned Davenport (Veronica Hamel in fine fiery form) has a meltdown in court and contemplates quitting being a public defender. Belker (Bruce Weitz) and Washington (a pleasingly cool Taurean Blacque) bust a stolen car ring. Esterhaus (a wonderfully engaging Michael Conrad) is furious about his car being boosted. Goldblume (an excellent Joe Spano) is upset that he wasn't promoted to lieutenant and gets shot while working undercover. This episode makes an interesting observation on how the thankless nature of law enforcement can take a heavy toll on one's spirit: Almost everyone is at their wit's end over something or another and ready to throw in the towel with the ever collected and rationale Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti projecting his customary quiet grace and authority) doing his best to maintain some semblance of order amid all the chaos. Moreover, it's sad to see a humbled LaRue (Kiel Martin) working as a tow truck driver for the motor pool. In addition, we've also got several folks doing praiseworthy work in notable guest roles: Talia Balsam gives a solid portrayal of sultry prostitute Sally, Meg Tilly delivers a touching performance as a naive and sickly hooker, Jon Cyphers sleazes it up well as the perpetually slimy and hateful Chief Fletcher Daniels, and John Ratzenberger has a nifty bit as a phony vice cop. And Renko (superbly played by Charles Haid) has one of season two's single most poignant and powerful scenes when he breaks down and cries after learning that his ornery father John (a memorably gruff Morgan Woodward) has terminal cancer.
3 Reviews
Some bravura acting here.
Hey_Sweden3 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Henry, feeling a little disgruntled after missing out on a promotion, agrees to take part in an undercover operation involving a prostitute working hand in hand with phony vice detectives to shake money out of johns. Belker and Washington are among those who bust the participants in a chop shop operation, and Washington runs into J. D. (now working as a tow truck driver), who seems to be a changed man (although, as we all know, time will tell). Joyce has a major episode in court where, completely jaded and disgusted with the injustice system, she refuses to assist the lowlife (Paul Mace) whom she's supposed to be defending. And, in a somewhat comic subplot, Esterhaus is upset because his prize Buick was one of the vehicles targeted by the car thieves.
Series regulars Joe Spano, Charles Haid, and Veronica Hamel are all particularly noteworthy in this excellent episode that has some truly sobering moments - *especially* one at the end where Renko finds out a devastating fact about his jerk father (Morgan Woodward). Henry gets off rather easy when things go wrong during a bust. Things get off to a silly start with Hunter taking a pratfall while conversing with Bobby, and there's also an amusing turn of events where Fay wonders if she might not be too "man-ish" since a new female acquaintance has come on to her. Once again, Chief Daniels (Jon Cypher, in fine form) shows himself up as a rather classless individual as he makes some comments to Frank, not knowing that Fay is standing behind him. We also get another great moment where a righteous Frank lets the chop shop operator (William Bronder) know what he thinks of him.
The series remains superb entertainment, as always, with a typically engrossing script from the writing staff and efficient direction by Thomas Carter ("Save the Last Dance", "Coach Carter").
'Some Like It Hot-Wired' boasts an impressive roster of guest stars: Talia Balsam (daughter of actor Martin Balsam), the ever-adorable Meg Tilly, Allan Rich ("Serpico"), John "Cliff Clavin" Ratzenberger, Mike Finneran ('Night Court'), and Michael Carmine ("Band of the Hand").
Eight out of 10.
Series regulars Joe Spano, Charles Haid, and Veronica Hamel are all particularly noteworthy in this excellent episode that has some truly sobering moments - *especially* one at the end where Renko finds out a devastating fact about his jerk father (Morgan Woodward). Henry gets off rather easy when things go wrong during a bust. Things get off to a silly start with Hunter taking a pratfall while conversing with Bobby, and there's also an amusing turn of events where Fay wonders if she might not be too "man-ish" since a new female acquaintance has come on to her. Once again, Chief Daniels (Jon Cypher, in fine form) shows himself up as a rather classless individual as he makes some comments to Frank, not knowing that Fay is standing behind him. We also get another great moment where a righteous Frank lets the chop shop operator (William Bronder) know what he thinks of him.
The series remains superb entertainment, as always, with a typically engrossing script from the writing staff and efficient direction by Thomas Carter ("Save the Last Dance", "Coach Carter").
'Some Like It Hot-Wired' boasts an impressive roster of guest stars: Talia Balsam (daughter of actor Martin Balsam), the ever-adorable Meg Tilly, Allan Rich ("Serpico"), John "Cliff Clavin" Ratzenberger, Mike Finneran ('Night Court'), and Michael Carmine ("Band of the Hand").
Eight out of 10.
Cliff Klaven PD
Hitchcoc13 July 2021
There are some interesting stories. One involves a big time chop shop and the guy who is running it. Once again, Frank has had enough of threats of lawyers and smug criminals. Henry goes undercover. There is a setup where a hooker lures a guy into a room and a couple of vice cops show up conveniently. It would seem a nice payoff would keep the guy's secret. But things go a bit sour for Henry. Then we have the continuing sage of Renko's family, specifically his father who is in a hospital. Nice transitional episode.
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