Barney Miller (TV Series) Toys (1978) User Reviews

Barbara Barrie's final appearance as Barney's wife Liz

[kevinolzak · 8/10 · 26 May 2014]

"Toys" marked the final appearance of Barbara Barrie as Barney's wife Liz, credited in 37 episodes, present on screen in just 11 (last seen in "Quo Vadis?"). Sydney Lassick (first of two) plays claustrophobic holdup man Arnold Cummings, who "really can't stand being cooped up" (Barney: "I'm afraid you may have come to the wrong place!"). Stefan Mederling (Walter Janowitz, second of five) believes that the thief (Gregory V. Karliss, second of two) who has been ransacking his 'Perfecto' toy company was hired by a competitor, Nathan Berman (Zachary Berger, first of two). One of the harmless products taken is called 'ooze,' looking like the same kind of silicone used to portray "The Blob" in 1958 (Mederling: "have you any idea how many people would just love to get their hands on it?" Harris: "I wouldn't even hazard a guess!"). Liz Miller makes a rare appearance in the squad room to go over her husband's bills during their separation, tentatively discussing what their plans are for Christmas morning. The episode concludes on a happy note, as husband and wife put their differences aside for their annual holiday getaway. Liz would continue to be mentioned in future episodes but made no further appearances, while Barney's daughter Rachel does make a single return appearance, in 1981's "Rachel" (again played by Anne Wyndham).

Glad Liz is gone

[zombiemockingbird · 5/10 · 23 October 2022]

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but the whole Barney and Liz separation theme is tiresome, and really not the least bit entertaining. Honestly, they should never have bothered including wives in the show at all. Liz never added anything to the story line; she was always popping in at odd moments for no reason and after they began having problems it was just boring to have the two of them just looking sad and tip toeing around each other. Not what I look for in entertainment. Fish's wife was also extremely tiresome, always showing up, whining and worrying and again, not the least bit entertaining. Sorry Fish is gone, not sorry Liz and Berniece are gone.