News breaks that Swan committed suicide following Buttman's rowdy initiation party. The hooker at said party also turns up dead. Calletano (sturdy Rene Enriquez), Hunter (a delightfully pompous James Sikking), and Goldblume (ably played by Joe Spano) all compete for a government study grant to be handed out by Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti doing his usual ace work). Hill (solid Michael Warren) and Renko (an amusing Charles Haid) are tailed by a TV reporter. LaRue (a fine Kiel Martin) can't resist the allure of Caroline Reynolds (foxy Kristen Meadows).
The whole situation dealing with Swan's suicide offers an interesting exploration of the police code of silence and individual responsibility, with Washington (a smooth portrayal by Taurean Blacque) leaning hard on rookie Garfield (an impressive performance Mykelti Williamson) to do the right thing. Another subplot about a junkie who winds up dying from an overdose after helping the police with an undercover drug bust proves to be quite potent and poignant. Moreover, it's a hoot to see Belker (Bruce Weitz in top gruff form) work undercover while dressed as an egg. Michael Biehn once again excels as no-count slimeball Buttman. And the ending makes a strong grim point on how police work has a way of following a person home.
The whole situation dealing with Swan's suicide offers an interesting exploration of the police code of silence and individual responsibility, with Washington (a smooth portrayal by Taurean Blacque) leaning hard on rookie Garfield (an impressive performance Mykelti Williamson) to do the right thing. Another subplot about a junkie who winds up dying from an overdose after helping the police with an undercover drug bust proves to be quite potent and poignant. Moreover, it's a hoot to see Belker (Bruce Weitz in top gruff form) work undercover while dressed as an egg. Michael Biehn once again excels as no-count slimeball Buttman. And the ending makes a strong grim point on how police work has a way of following a person home.
