User Reviews

Hunter (a sublimely screwy James B. Sikking) gets an "urban tank" only to have said tank stolen when he leave the keys in the ignition. Belker (Bruce Weitz) considers getting a transfer. Furillo (the outstanding Daniel J. Travanti) ruins his chances for a promotion by continuing his investigation into a councilman's involvement with an underage prostitute who was murdered. LaRue's (Kiel Martin) business plans completely fall apart. This particular episode ably mines a rich line in sharp offbeat humor, with plenty of spot-on sidesplitting laughs delivered at the expense of Hunter's trademark overzealous attitude towards police work. Moreover, there's some extremely funny stuff concerning several insanely gorgeous women arriving at Hill Station to mourn the untimely death of Marve the telephone repairman (buxom B-movie starlet Angela Aames has a memorable bit as Marve's luscious grieving widow). The opening roll call which includes Marve's poem about his job is simply priceless and the recording of Fay's (Barbara Bosson) obscene phone caller is likewise hilarious. However, this show isn't just all giggles and silliness. We also have a touching scene in which Hill (Michael Warren) and Renko (Charles Haid) deliver a baby in a back alley. Dolph Sweet contributes a stand-out performance as the no-nonsense Lt. Emil Schneider, who was forced by his superiors to place the blame of the murder on someone else besides the councilman because he owed said superiors a favor. And this episode makes a strong and serious point about the professional sacrifices one must make for the sake of one's personal ethics.

Frank is determined that the truth come to light regarding the involvement of a politician in the murder of a young girl, although it will very likely mean no promotion for him in the foreseeable future. Poor LaRue is not able to realize his dream of starting his own business. Cops manage to catch the creep placing the obscene phone calls to Fay's apartment, but she is reluctant to press charges. Hunter is rewarded with his own urban assault vehicle, which he tries to take on a trial run to Sniper Alley, but his own bungling creates a sad end for the vehicle. And Hill & Renko have a rather sweet story thread as they assist with the delivery of a baby.

Typically excellent writing (by Anthony Yerkovich) once again creates some great entertainment, and with capable direction by Robert C. Thompson, this amiable episode is able to move back and forth between comedy and drama. Star Daniel J. Travanti gets some choice juicy moments, but the best performance in this episode belongs to guest star Dolph Sweet, who reluctantly admits that he owed certain powerful people a favour and thus deliberately pursued a case with blinders on. Adding to the poignancy is the aftermath of the death of station employee Marv. LaRue tries to put the moves on one lovely grieving blonde (Angela Aames), only to realize the nature of her relation to Marv. It's quite touching to see how loyal the men & women of the Hill are to Frank, since dozens of requests for transfers were submitted pending Franks' possible promotion.

The clearly stated message regarding Franks' story thread is that integrity and the search for truth are always important, even though they may sometimes work against our interests. In the end, Yerkovich is able to display a light touch by having Frank tell Joyce a joke about "an elephant and an ant", leaving the audience with a smile.

Eight out of 10.