I know that for some this wasn't a cohesive episode. One guy throws out the entire series because he doesn't like the pilot. What we have here is a couple hours to give us a glimpse of the characters that will continue in one of the finest shows ever on television. The problem is that once can't begin to get some depth. Furillo is a masterful leader, but the business with Faye diminishes him. She is too much in this episode. Hill and Renko are but a shadow of what they will be. LaRue, the leach is one dimensional. Howard Hunter is former military and had absolutely no compassion or real intelligence., He is untrustworthy. Henry Goldblum is weak and ineffectual. Joyce Davenport is the love interest and at this time treated like a piece of meat by those in the precinct. Ray is a dullard. Michael Conrad's Phil is consistent but too cute at this point. Then, of course, we have the gangs and their leaders, led by Trinidad Silva's Jesus. We don't even meet Betty Thomas or other female police officers. Belker is so ridiculous as to be laughable with the biting. He is caricaturing himself. The point is that all these characters and more will become interesting and the plots will develop. There will be sadness, loss, elation, humor, confrontation, fairness, unfairness, and so on. I was working two jobs when this show began. I had one night a week off, Thursdays. I never missed this show fpr the six years I was in that situation. On my top ten list. Plan to watch as many as I can for a second time.
Review of Hill Street Station
