Hill Street Blues (TV Series) Moon Over Uranus: The Sequel (1983) User Reviews

Bang-up episode

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 2 July 2015]

Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti, splendid as usual) clashes with Chief Daniels (a sublimely smarmy Jon Cypher) over a crime sweep. Renko (affable Charles Haid) saves several people from a burning apartment building. Scared Mary (a poignant portrayal by Alexandra Johnson) lashes out at both Goldblume (an excellent Joe Spano) and a judge (a marvelously cranky Philip Bruns) for setting her abusive ex-boyfriend Brady (a creepy turn by William Forsythe) free. Hill (sturdy Michael Warren) confronts bully narc Benedetto (a deliciously odious Dennis Frantz) for beating up Renko.

The storyline concerning Goldblume once again demonstrates how the law doesn't always work and culminates in a startling tragic conclusion. Moreover, one can't help but admire Renko for his courage as well as Hill for his loyalty to his partner. Hunter (James Sikking in ace flaky form) makes some hilariously politically incorrect remarks about the disadvantages of being white and handles the crime sweep with gut-busting gung-ho zeal. In addition, there's a nice guest contribution from Karen Carlson as fetching parole officer Nancy, who expresses a more than passing interest in Furillo.

A top-notch episode.

[Hey_Sweden · 9/10 · 7 April 2023]

Frank has lots on his plate as usual. He incurs the wrath of Chief Daniels, who gives him a serious dressing-down after Frank orders "Operation Big Broom" put to a close. Frank had felt that it was a token gesture designed purely to score political points. He also goes with Fay to Frank Jr.s' school when the kid has been the victim of bullying.

It's nice to see Frank in a good mood and smiling at times, but we can always see how things seriously try his patience. He'd actually instructed Fay not to lose her cool, until his own frustration with the bully's father boils over.

In a very devastating (but predictable) development, the sad story of Mary Hicks (Alexandra Johnson, "Promises in the Dark") comes to an end when the severely inadequate system (and a lenient judge, played by Philip Bruns) fails to truly protect Mary from her brutal ex-boyfriend (a particularly despicable William Forsythe).

Andy becomes a hero when he rescues two children from a burning building, after which Frank tells him he can have his old job back and recommends Andy for an award. Andy is also avenged when Bobby tracks down Benedetto (Dennis Franz, just as despicable as *he* was the first time) and comes at him with fists flying.

The writers continue to sow some seeds of doubt about the future of the Frank-Joyce relationship when Frank has a nice dinner with new acquaintance Nancy (a radiant Karen Carlson), and Frank learns at the end that Joyce never actually checked into her hotel.

The show-runners on this legendary series sure knew how to keep you eager for each new episode.

Nine out of 10.

Sterling Episode

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 16 July 2021]

Howard Hunter is given the job of going through a tough part of the Hill and going after everyone he sees. He ignores any sort of civil rights violations. When Henry gets promoted Hunter spews racist, ethnic filth. I suppose we are supposed to find him amusing, but he is not. He is insubordinate and caustic. Renko,, after his beating, enters a burning building to save people. The woman that Henry has been assisting has no recourse against an ugly stalker and the legal system is no help. Joyce has gained Frank's ire by not staying in the hotel room she had registered for, as well as being seemingly chummy with a guy she admired during her law training. The episode ends with a lot of questions.