Bates (an excellent Betty Thomas) makes an error in judgment when she allows pathetic junkie prostitute Laurie (a touching performance by Cindy Fisher) to shoot up prior to arresting her only to have Laurie nearly die from an overdose. Furillo (the always splendid Daniel J. Travanti) demands that Davenport (Veronica Hamel in fine fiery form) become more open about their romantic relationship. This episode delivers a handful of strong and affecting dramatic moments: Esterhaus going out to lunch with his longtime friend McPeak (nicely played by Sandy McPeak) who confesses to Esterhaus that he's gay and has a crush on him, Bates admitting to Furillo that she allowed Laurie to fix before busting her, Goldblume (Joe Spano) reconciling with his wife Rachel (a sound portrayal by Rosanna Hoffman), who tells Goldblume that she also had an extramarital fling; and, in an especially sizzling scene, Davenport making her relationship with Furillo public in a most obvious and passionate way by kissing him in front of everyone in his station office. The ever-delicious Barbara Babcock once again burns up the screen as the extremely vibrant and desirable Grace Gardner. And this episode makes a valid point about how police officers shouldn't let their emotions get in the way of their work.
3 Reviews
An excellent episode.
Hey_Sweden31 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The primary through-line of this riveting episode is that of Officer Bates (a winning Betty Thomas), who makes a very human mistake in feeling sorry for a junkie / prostitute. She lets the young woman shoot up before taking her in, and as a result she nearly dies from the overdose. Later, Bates is subject of much derision from her macho male colleagues. Also, it seems as if the Hill finally has something concrete for which they can nail Jesse John Hudson (Danny Glover, in his final appearance in the role). Esterhaus' good buddy Mac (Sandy McPeak) asks that they take their relationship a step further, and Esterhaus does not take this well; this was one thing for which he was not prepared.
Beautiful acting (especially from Thomas, McPeak, Joe Spano, and Rosanna Huffman as Goldblumes' wife) is a highlight of this exceptionally well-written episode. It has time for some good humour; for one thing, Esterhaus tells everybody during roll call that Baby the orang-utan has finally found a home. Also, when Esterhaus tells Frank that he'll be going on his first lunch break in a long time, Frank is quick to point out that the Station is always quick to devolve into chaos with or without Esterhaus' presence. Michael Conrad has a great scene with the ever-radiant Barbara Babcock as Grace Gardner lets Esterhaus know just how much she misses him. (You can't help but feel very bad for Hunter as he witnesses this.) There is also some interesting tension towards the end as the boys and gals in blue anticipate possible outraged reactions to the fate of Jesse John Hudson. And the episode finishes with two beautiful scenes: Goldblume and his wife having a very straightforward conversation about the state of their relationship, and Joyce finally acquiescing to Franks' desire for a more open relationship, "conflict of interest" be damned.
Look for top character actress CCH Pounder in a small role as a prostitute.
Eight out of 10.
Beautiful acting (especially from Thomas, McPeak, Joe Spano, and Rosanna Huffman as Goldblumes' wife) is a highlight of this exceptionally well-written episode. It has time for some good humour; for one thing, Esterhaus tells everybody during roll call that Baby the orang-utan has finally found a home. Also, when Esterhaus tells Frank that he'll be going on his first lunch break in a long time, Frank is quick to point out that the Station is always quick to devolve into chaos with or without Esterhaus' presence. Michael Conrad has a great scene with the ever-radiant Barbara Babcock as Grace Gardner lets Esterhaus know just how much she misses him. (You can't help but feel very bad for Hunter as he witnesses this.) There is also some interesting tension towards the end as the boys and gals in blue anticipate possible outraged reactions to the fate of Jesse John Hudson. And the episode finishes with two beautiful scenes: Goldblume and his wife having a very straightforward conversation about the state of their relationship, and Joyce finally acquiescing to Franks' desire for a more open relationship, "conflict of interest" be damned.
Look for top character actress CCH Pounder in a small role as a prostitute.
Eight out of 10.
Relationships
Hitchcoc10 July 2021
Every part of this episode has to do with relationships, romantic and otherwise. Lucy is floored when she lets a hooker shoot up before being taken in after a big bust (so to speak). She then must deal with the men she works with, including Coffey, who have a neanderthal view of women. We see Phil hit on by a man who is gay and has fallen in love with him. Barbara Babcock is back and gets Phil on the rebound. And our bad guy Danny Glover, who feels he is invulnerable and full of himself, takes things one step too far. In the final scene Joyce comes back and is determined. I won't spoil it. Great satisfying episode.
See also
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