Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti, aces as usual) risks his promotion to commander by investigating the murder of a teenage prostitute that's linked to a well-respected city councilman. Belker (nicely essayed with typically growly gusto by Bruce Weitz) gets harassed by despicable and vindictive anti-Semetic cop Officer Ludwig (a supremely repellent portrayal by George McDaniel). Larue (Kiel Marton) tries to get his "saloondraumat" business off the ground. Phone repairman Marve Box dies on the job. This episode is especially notable for introducing Jon Cypher as Chief Fletcher Daniels, a slimy and obnoxious opportunist who's more interested in advancing his own career than he is in enforcing the law. Moreover, this show offers a meaty and provocative central theme about personal ethics versus professional ambitions (Furillo is pressured by others to place the blame of the hooker's death on a suspect that he doesn't think is guilty of said crime) and warrants extra praise for treating the touchy subject of anti-Semeticism in an intelligent and straightforward manner. James B. Sikking as the marvelously nutty Hunter has a few wickedly funny moments while Barbara Babcock makes the most of her one scene as the extremely sexy and vibrant Grace Gardner. Dolph Sweet likewise impresses as the no-nonsense detective Lt. Emil Schneider. Jack Starrett, veteran director of such hugely enjoyable 70's drive-in exploitation favorites as "Cleopatra Jones," "Race With the Devil," and "A Small Town in Texas," handles the show with his trademark tight and muscular aplomb; the brisk pace and tough hard-hitting tone are expertly sustained throughout.
3 Reviews
A wonderful episode.
Hey_Sweden25 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Frank risks his possible future promotion to Commander by investigating when a city councilman is linked to the underage prostitute who'd been murdered. Belker gets harassed by a cop named Ludwig (George McDaniel), a bigoted, anti-Semitic nemesis from his past. The creep who's been placing obscene phone calls to Fay ups his sick game. LaRue continues to drum up interest, and investments, in his planned business venture. And there is a sober mood at the station when maintenance man Marv (Dana Gladstone) dies while on the job.
Series producer Gregory Hoblit and Lee David Zlotoff provide the excellent script for this riveting series of stories that has some endearing, mild comic moments (such as the people in the station at a loss as to what Marvs' last name is) with some truly poignant material. Another running joke has to do with the fact that the heat goes out at the station, prompting many of the people present to don warmer clothes. Bruce Weitz does an especially fine job as Belker, trying his best not to let the despicable Ludwig get to him. And speaking of Ludwig, McDaniel is very effective in this role. You don't know him for long before you end up hating him. Barbara Bosson delivers an affecting performance as Fay; while the character could be seen as shrill much of the time, she *is* genuinely sympathetic here. Good man that he is, Frank offers to let her and their son stay at his place while the case is investigated.
There is an impressive roster of talent on the guest star list. Jon Cypher makes his very first appearance as the previously unseen Chief Fletcher Daniels, whom Frank saves from choking by giving him the Heimlich maneuver. Also appearing are Dwight Schultz, as Ludwigs' partner, Dolph Sweet, the lovely Barbara Babcock as Grace Gardner, Jordan Charney, and Dennis Holahan.
One of the best episodes up to this point.
Nine out of 10.
Series producer Gregory Hoblit and Lee David Zlotoff provide the excellent script for this riveting series of stories that has some endearing, mild comic moments (such as the people in the station at a loss as to what Marvs' last name is) with some truly poignant material. Another running joke has to do with the fact that the heat goes out at the station, prompting many of the people present to don warmer clothes. Bruce Weitz does an especially fine job as Belker, trying his best not to let the despicable Ludwig get to him. And speaking of Ludwig, McDaniel is very effective in this role. You don't know him for long before you end up hating him. Barbara Bosson delivers an affecting performance as Fay; while the character could be seen as shrill much of the time, she *is* genuinely sympathetic here. Good man that he is, Frank offers to let her and their son stay at his place while the case is investigated.
There is an impressive roster of talent on the guest star list. Jon Cypher makes his very first appearance as the previously unseen Chief Fletcher Daniels, whom Frank saves from choking by giving him the Heimlich maneuver. Also appearing are Dwight Schultz, as Ludwigs' partner, Dolph Sweet, the lovely Barbara Babcock as Grace Gardner, Jordan Charney, and Dennis Holahan.
One of the best episodes up to this point.
Nine out of 10.
Dirty Politics
Hitchcoc8 July 2021
This is a good episode. Frank is an honorable man and really wants to move up,ut there is gross corruption at the top levels. The pursuit for the murderer of the teenage prostitute leads to a slimy councilman who hides out and plays tricks with the media. Disgusting man. Belker has to face off against an anti-semite who taunts him until he can stand no more. Since everyone thinks Frank is leaving, a considerable amount of butt kissing begins to happen, people positioning themselves. An incompetent electrician drops dead and people can't even remember his name. And Fay Furillo has her home raided by the guy who has been harassing her. A harsh, realistic episode.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
