Hill Street Blues (TV Series) Rookie Nookie (1984) User Reviews

Early appearances by future stars

[TrentinaNE · 8/10 · 28 May 2017]

This episode features three young guest stars who would go on to future fame. Pivotal to the title story as a rookie cop is future Oscar-winner Tim Robbins, looking incredibly boyish but immediately recognizable. I had to look more closely to spot Mykelti Williamson (credited as Mykel T) as another rookie cop and Jere Burns as a rapist/killer. Both Williamson and Burns turned up a few years ago on one of my favorite modern cop shows, Justified. It was a kick to see their younger versions from this 1984 episode of HSB.

Another on the money episode

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 3 September 2020]

Clerk Rhonda Kimmel (nicely played by Lois Foraker) barricades herself in the men's room after Hunter (a perfectly pompous James Sikking) insults her. LaRue (Kiel Martin working the smarmy charm like a pro) hooks up with carjacking victim Cathleen McConnell (sexy Martha Ferris). Belker (essayed with trademark growly gusto by Bruce Weitz) runs afoul of a pesky mime while working undercover in a chicken suit. Two rookie officers get in trouble for different reasons on their first day of duty on the Hill.

Sleazy and misogynistic jerk Randall Buttman (a superbly slimy turn by Michael Biehn) makes for a deliciously disgusting character while mild-mannered Lawrence Swann (an excellent Tim Robbins) rates as a tragically timid one. Jablonski (a spot-on Robert Prosky) has a good heart to heart conversation with Bates (a sturdy Betty Thomas). It was also a treat to see Faye (a personable Barbara Bosson) help resolve the situation with Kimmel and Goldblume (top work from Joe Spano) apologize to Furillo (the always terrific Daniel J. Travanti) for his irresponsible vigilante behavior. Plus Furillo and Joyce (lovely Veronica Hamel) get back together at the touching conclusion.

The other rookie...

[eryx-415-28933 · 9/10 · 16 May 2018]

...is Michael Biehn ("Terminator", "Aliens", "The Abyss").

Villainy

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 21 July 2021]

This episode focuses on a couple rookies. One is a shy guy played by Tim Robbins who has a stuttering problem. The other is despicable womanizer who thinks he can run any show. He is abusive to the females, including Lucy Bates. There is also a fun bit with Belker dressed in a chicken suit. He is kept from doing his job by an obnoxious mime (is there any other kind). Also, a warrant is sent out for Joyce's arrest on a misdemeanor charge.

More a question than a review...

[foxbrick · 9/10 · 21 January 2021]

But the actress who plays prostitute Lois Jordan in this episode and has a cameo in the next seems not to be credited anywhere.

I wonder if that is by her request, or something else more unusual going on?