Three visitors from Russia are taken on a tour of the Hill. Belker (Bruce Weitz, excellent) works undercover as an ambulance attendant. Lar Rue (a sharp turn by Kiel Martin) helps his brother in law Nelson (solid Louis Giambalvo) out of a jam after Nelson gets arrested for solicitation.
The story involving the Russians proves to be both moving and amusing, with Hunter (a nicely flaky James Sikking) in particular a total host as he serves as a pompous host to these guests. Belker dealing with Vietnam vet shotgun ambulance driver Louis (a terrific Bruno Kirby) likewise rates as another gut-busting highlight and culminates in a strong and affecting moment at the end between Belker and Louis after Belker rushes Louis' wounded partner to the hospital. Davenport (fine work from Veronica Hamel) also has a stand-out scene in which she expresses guilt over releasing the unstable Crane (a sound and convincing portrayal by Richard Brooks) back onto the streets in the wake of an incident in which Crane has an outburst in a diner (this episode deserves extra praise for not pulling any punches with the way this subplot reaches an inevitable tragic conclusion). Lynne Moody brings plenty of sassy spark to her role as brash cop Marty Nichols while Bill Henderson makes a favorable impression as kindly diner owner Maynard. Moreover, this episode features Michael Conrad's final appearance as the fatherly Sgt. Esterhaus.
The story involving the Russians proves to be both moving and amusing, with Hunter (a nicely flaky James Sikking) in particular a total host as he serves as a pompous host to these guests. Belker dealing with Vietnam vet shotgun ambulance driver Louis (a terrific Bruno Kirby) likewise rates as another gut-busting highlight and culminates in a strong and affecting moment at the end between Belker and Louis after Belker rushes Louis' wounded partner to the hospital. Davenport (fine work from Veronica Hamel) also has a stand-out scene in which she expresses guilt over releasing the unstable Crane (a sound and convincing portrayal by Richard Brooks) back onto the streets in the wake of an incident in which Crane has an outburst in a diner (this episode deserves extra praise for not pulling any punches with the way this subplot reaches an inevitable tragic conclusion). Lynne Moody brings plenty of sassy spark to her role as brash cop Marty Nichols while Bill Henderson makes a favorable impression as kindly diner owner Maynard. Moreover, this episode features Michael Conrad's final appearance as the fatherly Sgt. Esterhaus.
