The gun in the Gillian murder case is thrown out as evidence because of a minor technicality. LaRue (a terrific Kiel Martin) falls off the wagon and shows up at a major drug bust drunk. Renko (Charles Haid in sturdy form) gets upset when Hill (a fine Michael Warren) spends more time with the Black Officer's Coalition than with him. This episode delivers a few funny moments: Belker (Bruce Weitz) takes a big bite out of a punching bag and Hunter (a delightfully dry and deadpan James B. Sikking) relates a hilarious story about a bungled drug bust. Moreover, it's a real treat to see Goldblume (able work by Joe Spano) get tough and come down hard on cruel slum lord Mr. Sosa (a marvelously despicable portrayal by Al Ruscio). Barbara Babcock once again lights up the screen as the always radiant and ravishing Grace Gardner, who has a few nice moments talking with Esterhaus (the ever engaging Michael Conrad) about her colorful sexual history. Renko has a moving scene talking to his gruff and estranged ailing father John (excellently played by veteran character actor Morgan Woodward) in the hospital. Hamilton Camp contributes a sidesplitting turn as obnoxious shrimp Buck Mullins. And this particular episode offers some interesting insights into racial politics and makes a valid point about how the system doesn't always work.
Hill Street Blues (TV Series)
Zen and the Art of Law Enforcement (1982)
User Reviews
Review this title3 Reviews
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Hitchcoc13 July 2021
Once again LaRue gets drunk at the worst possible time. He is part of a drug sting and he nearly gets Washington killed--again. The blue line is enforced again. There is a funny bit with Grace and a barking dog. Henry, who is probably the most heroic character in the squad, takes matters into his own hand with an evil landlord and his punk sons. We meet Renko's father, a real piece of work, as well as his sister. Bobby continues to uncomfortably take his new political position hard.
Another corker of an episode.
Hey_Sweden7 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Unfortunately, it looks like the murderer of attorney Pam Gilliam may walk free due to one of those frustrating technicalities that always gum up the works in police investigations. And Joyce is feeling very cynical over the whole affair. Bobby continues to take his duties as V. P. of the Black Officers' Coalition seriously, and Renko continues to resent him, feeling that he's been shoved aside. (To make matters worse, he does NOT get along with his temporary partner.) Henry vows to take down despicable slumlord Sosa (Al Ruscio), and gets some help from Belker in the process. Finally, J. D. falls off the wagon again - at the worst possible time - and could easily jeopardize a big sting operation.
What is most wonderful about this episode is the showcase it gives to Charles Haid a.k.a. Renko. We get to meet his sister (played by 'Wonder Years' mom Alley Mills) and nasty father (Morgan Woodward, "Cool Hand Luke"), who's laid up in a hospital bed. Renko is determined that the family spend some quality time together, although as the dad says, the family barbecues always tended to end badly. Michael Warren is as solid as ever as Bobby, as he squares off against self-righteous Vernon Lee (Kene Holliday) and has an amusing awkward sequence with Fay, who sees herself as a "do good" type. Howard and Belker, of course, are constant sources of extreme amusement, especially Belker, who demolishes a punching bag in the uproarious pre-credits sequence. There is also a priceless subplot about Grace Gardner (the ever-foxy Barbara Babcock) and her romantic life prior to hooking up with Esterhaus (whose reactions to her revelations are a hoot). At the end, it's hard not to take some pity on J. D., as this viewer found him pathetic and not entirely unsympathetic.
Well acted by everybody concerned, this also guest stars Edward James Olmos, George Wyner, William G. Schilling, and Hamilton Camp; this episode is noteworthy for giving regular player Gerry Black (a.k.a. Alf Chesley) a little more to do and say, in an interaction with Bobby.
Eight out of 10.
What is most wonderful about this episode is the showcase it gives to Charles Haid a.k.a. Renko. We get to meet his sister (played by 'Wonder Years' mom Alley Mills) and nasty father (Morgan Woodward, "Cool Hand Luke"), who's laid up in a hospital bed. Renko is determined that the family spend some quality time together, although as the dad says, the family barbecues always tended to end badly. Michael Warren is as solid as ever as Bobby, as he squares off against self-righteous Vernon Lee (Kene Holliday) and has an amusing awkward sequence with Fay, who sees herself as a "do good" type. Howard and Belker, of course, are constant sources of extreme amusement, especially Belker, who demolishes a punching bag in the uproarious pre-credits sequence. There is also a priceless subplot about Grace Gardner (the ever-foxy Barbara Babcock) and her romantic life prior to hooking up with Esterhaus (whose reactions to her revelations are a hoot). At the end, it's hard not to take some pity on J. D., as this viewer found him pathetic and not entirely unsympathetic.
Well acted by everybody concerned, this also guest stars Edward James Olmos, George Wyner, William G. Schilling, and Hamilton Camp; this episode is noteworthy for giving regular player Gerry Black (a.k.a. Alf Chesley) a little more to do and say, in an interaction with Bobby.
Eight out of 10.
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