Homicide: Life on the Street (TV Series) Black and Blue (1994) User Reviews

Andre and Yaphet shine

[davedb · 10/10 · 7 February 2010]

These earliest episodes tend to be strongest when Pembleton works his mind-freak on suspects - see Three Men and Adena. In this episode the highlight is Pembleton's unrelenting breakdown of a suspect during eight minutes or so. I had to rewind and watch it again. He makes a cocky young black cigarette-smoking street punk break down by punching through the suspect's mental layers. He starts by wielding the race card ironically as a weapon, commanding Bayliss to leave and calling the suspect 'boy' repeatedly. Of course, it's not all about race, but what a great twist.

G's (Yaphet's) reaction to this interrogation is the other joy to watch. In a show full of solid characters, Giardello is perhaps my favorite. Maybe because he doesn't yell, but is blunt. Maybe because nothing gets by him. Maybe because he truly appears to have a better understanding of the bigger picture than the rest of the detectives.

Superior episode for these two actors/characters.

An Unforgettable Thrill Ride: "Black and Blue" Episode of Homicide

[xenn032 · 10/10 · 29 June 2023]

Black and Blue is a superb episode of Homicide: Life on the Street that tackles the complex issue of police brutality in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. The episode follows the detectives as they investigate the death of a young black man who was shot by police.

The episode is beautifully shot and directed, with a gritty realism that captures the raw emotion of the case. It is anchored by a powerful performance from Andre Braugher as Detective Pembleton. Braugher is masterful at portraying Pembleton's inner turmoil as he tries to balance his personal beliefs with his professional obligations. He is also incredibly convincing in the interrogation scenes, where he uses his sharp intellect and psychological insights to get suspects to confess.

But what really makes Black and Blue such a great episode is its willingness to explore the difficult issues of race and police brutality. The episode doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths, but it also doesn't offer easy answers. Instead, it forces the viewer to confront the complex realities of this issue.