Coffey (a pleasingly amiable Ed Marinaro) arrests longtime family friend Guido Garbara (a terrific portrayal by Steve Peck) under the suspicion that he's running a stolen clothes operation. Hill (Michael Warren in fine form) covers for hot-tempered old pal Jerry Nash (the always excellent Stephen McHattie) who has a tendency to use excessive force. Meanwhile, chaos erupts at the station after city hall refuses to give the police officers raises and new job benefits. This episode deserves praise for its complex depiction of the volatile Nash: Sure, the guy has serious anger management issues, but he isn't a totally evil person and is still capable of doing heroic deeds (Nash risks his life by saving two people from a burning automobile that's about to explode). Moreover, there's a touching conversation between Coffey and Guido in which Guido admits that he's basically a wannabe wiseguy who pretends to be some big shot criminal because he only wants respect from the people in his community. Livia Ginise gives an impressive performance as Estella Sanchez, a no-nonsense rookie female cop who Renko (Charles Haid) plays a dumb prank on while showing her the ropes. And this episode makes a spot-on point on how the loyalty amongst police officers can compound the severity of an already dire situation.
3 Reviews
Wound Tightly
Hitchcoc10 July 2021
Negotiations are going on for a new contract and the city is holding fast to what appears to be an embarrassing offer. This leads to some real tension in everyone. Two new recruits are in training, one being Jerry Nash, a volatile character, the other a serious Hispanic cop. Renko plays a practical joke on her, way over the top. Meanwhile, Nash, who has some cred for past connections with Hill and Furillo, has an explosive temper and goes after a suspect, nearly killing him. His fellow officers are put in a tenuous situation, having to defend him when they know what he did. Coffey makes a serious mistake in arresting an old family friend.
Excellent entertainment.
Hey_Sweden24 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Stress is a constant in so many human lives. And we all handle it (or don't handle it) to varying degrees. Now the current situation is currently getting to the men and women in blue on the Hill: union negotiations with the city are not working out, and the officers have to consider the possibility of striking. Meanwhile, several officers are sent to the Hill temporarily, including Jerry Nash (guest star Stephen McHattie of "Pontypool"), a man whose personal life is a wreck. So when a criminal resists during a bust, Nash goes too far and uses excessive force. Due to some misguided sense of loyalty to the man, Hill decides to cover up for him. And Renko feels pangs of guilt when another of these temporary officers is victim of a practical joke played by him, Washington, and LaRue.
Even Frank is not immune from feeling the effects of the situation. But this is what makes these characters so relatable to the viewer: they come off as real human beings, with flaws as well as assets. The episode features some great showcase moments for both regular cast members as well as guest stars like McHattie and a memorable Steve Peck ("Some Came Running") as a man from Coffey's old neighbourhood who's always been a wiseguy wannabe. Peck and series regular Ed Marinaro work together beautifully. McHattie is excellent as a lawman who's not completely unsympathetic, even if ultimately the viewer can't condone his actions.
Not that the episode is devoid of humour: the biggest guffaws concern Belker, a typical source of amusement. When he goes to the restaurant that he and his colleagues frequent, he's hard-pressed to find a place to sit. And his idea of fine dining is not something a lot of people could stomach.
The ending is especially riveting, as Hill implores Bates and Coffey to help cover up for Nash. (Renko is already backing him up.). Everybody here knows how much trouble could be involved in perjury, so it's a brilliantly tense scene.
Also guest starring Robert Sampson ("Re-Animator") as Fay's current beau, and an appealing Livia Ginise as Renko's temporary partner.
Eight out of 10.
Even Frank is not immune from feeling the effects of the situation. But this is what makes these characters so relatable to the viewer: they come off as real human beings, with flaws as well as assets. The episode features some great showcase moments for both regular cast members as well as guest stars like McHattie and a memorable Steve Peck ("Some Came Running") as a man from Coffey's old neighbourhood who's always been a wiseguy wannabe. Peck and series regular Ed Marinaro work together beautifully. McHattie is excellent as a lawman who's not completely unsympathetic, even if ultimately the viewer can't condone his actions.
Not that the episode is devoid of humour: the biggest guffaws concern Belker, a typical source of amusement. When he goes to the restaurant that he and his colleagues frequent, he's hard-pressed to find a place to sit. And his idea of fine dining is not something a lot of people could stomach.
The ending is especially riveting, as Hill implores Bates and Coffey to help cover up for Nash. (Renko is already backing him up.). Everybody here knows how much trouble could be involved in perjury, so it's a brilliantly tense scene.
Also guest starring Robert Sampson ("Re-Animator") as Fay's current beau, and an appealing Livia Ginise as Renko's temporary partner.
Eight out of 10.
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