Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti in typically fine form) continues to exonerate LaRue (Kiel Martin). Hill (Michael Warren) and Belker (Bruce Weitz) go undercover in drag to catch a rapist who's been terrorizing a local park. Esterhaus (a terrifically engaging portrayal by Michael Conrad) asks advice from Fay (Barbara Bosson) about Grace Gardner (the fabulously vivacious Barbara Babcock). Dan Hedaya manages to muster up some sympathy for his shifty corrupt cop Ralphn Macafee, who we find out has two wives and eight children. Gilmer McCormick likewise shines in her brief role as Macafee's unsuspecting wife Maureen. But it's Joe Spano who wins the top acting honors in this particular episode as the compassionate Goldblume, who's forced to deal with his own innate softness and wimpiness after he has a harrowing confrontation with an intimidating gang of street toughs. Moreover, it's a hoot to see the rough'n'tumble Belker in a dress. And this particular show offers some keen insights on how making compromises is part and parcel to everyday police work, especially when it comes to striking deals with slick and self-serving lawyers who are more interested in advancing their careers then they are in the innocence of their clients.
4 Reviews
A wonderful mix of humour and heart.
Hey_Sweden4 March 2020
The investigation into LaRue's case continues, with his colleagues searching hard for anything they can use on Macafee, and not having much luck. That is, until their constant tailing of him turns up some interesting news, and they have him dead to rights. Esterhaus chats with both Frank and Fay about his ongoing women troubles. Goldblume flies off the handle after an unpleasant experience in a tough neighbourhood (leading Esterhaus and Frank to ponder the idea that he just might be in the wrong line of work). And among the humorous highlights: some of the men get assigned to "Operation Duckling", meaning dressing in drag to try to catch the rapist. Belker finally gets to meet his date, revealing a previously unseen softer side to his personality.
The writing on this series truly was excellent, as the creators Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll knew just how to push our buttons emotionally, and then sometimes lighten the mood a little with the funnier moments. The acting by the regular ensemble is on point as always; guest star Dan Hedaya, as Macafee, gets to show some vulnerability when the viewer sees what his deal is. (Making it hard to *completely* hate the character.) There's undeniable tension in the scene with Goldblume and the black youths, and the detective is obliged to pull his gun, an action he was always hoping he could avoid as much as possible. And the moment with Esterhaus and Fay is nice, first, because Fay is less strident than we'd seen previously, and Barbara Bosson and Michael Conrad do have a good rapport in this scene. The episode ends in typical fashion, with a pleasant at-home moment for Frank and Joyce.
Among the funniest bits: Belker participating in Operation Duckling, but refusing to shave his moustache even as he is otherwise dressed in drag.
Eight out of 10.
The writing on this series truly was excellent, as the creators Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll knew just how to push our buttons emotionally, and then sometimes lighten the mood a little with the funnier moments. The acting by the regular ensemble is on point as always; guest star Dan Hedaya, as Macafee, gets to show some vulnerability when the viewer sees what his deal is. (Making it hard to *completely* hate the character.) There's undeniable tension in the scene with Goldblume and the black youths, and the detective is obliged to pull his gun, an action he was always hoping he could avoid as much as possible. And the moment with Esterhaus and Fay is nice, first, because Fay is less strident than we'd seen previously, and Barbara Bosson and Michael Conrad do have a good rapport in this scene. The episode ends in typical fashion, with a pleasant at-home moment for Frank and Joyce.
Among the funniest bits: Belker participating in Operation Duckling, but refusing to shave his moustache even as he is otherwise dressed in drag.
Eight out of 10.
"Double Jeopardy" is another excellent ep of "Hill Street Blues"
tavm7 April 2018
This was another excellent ep of "HSB" written by the show's creators, Michael Kozoll and the late Steven Bochco. In this one, the case against LaRue by Macafee gets resolved, Sgt. Esterhaus talks to Mrs. Furillo about his problem of having two women after him, and Goldblume is unusually off the handle because of an unpleasant experience. Also, many of the officers are on duty in drag to catch a rapist. Plenty of fine drama and great humor abound because of the above as well as the recurring appearance of Barbara Babcock as Grace Gardner. So on that note, "Double Jeopardy" is another highly recommended ep of "Hill Street Blues".
Wonderful Collection of Events
Hitchcoc5 July 2021
This features the ongoing effort to exonerate Larue who is a successful cop but who probably should not be trusted. In this case he did make a bid decision but involved the wrong guy. Phil's romantic world becomes more and more complicated. A funny, but dangerous effort, involves the men dressing up as women and trying to finally catch a rapist. But Henry Goldblum battles his need for a good world and acts in self defense, bursting his bubble. Good episode again.
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