On her first day as Assistant DA Davenport (a terrific Veronica Hamel) seeks the truth on the assault of black athlete Lester Eagleton (a stand-out turn by Derrick Price) by white teens. Hunter (sturdy James Sikking) lets Belker (a fine Bruce Weitz) stay in his RV. Mayo (sweet Mimi Kuzyk) has a date with Chief Daniels (Jon Cypher in peak smarmy form). Furillo (the always excellent Daniel J. Travanti) busts a gun dealer who gets off on a technicality.
The central story about the assault on Lester proves to be quite powerful because it not only centers on the always relevant (and upsetting) issue of racism, but also astutely pegs the tricky nature of the legal system in which getting a sound conviction is easier said than done. Moreover, Belker has a hilarious run-in with an ex-wrestler. It's also nice to see Hunter helping Belker out. In addition, there are nifty guest contributions from Charles Tyner as slimy mobster DiPiano, Jennifer Tilly as sexy, yet ditsy moll Gina, Paula Kelly as Lester's irate mother, Trinidad Silva as the sly Martinez, and Garrett Morris as a wacky derelict.
The central story about the assault on Lester proves to be quite powerful because it not only centers on the always relevant (and upsetting) issue of racism, but also astutely pegs the tricky nature of the legal system in which getting a sound conviction is easier said than done. Moreover, Belker has a hilarious run-in with an ex-wrestler. It's also nice to see Hunter helping Belker out. In addition, there are nifty guest contributions from Charles Tyner as slimy mobster DiPiano, Jennifer Tilly as sexy, yet ditsy moll Gina, Paula Kelly as Lester's irate mother, Trinidad Silva as the sly Martinez, and Garrett Morris as a wacky derelict.
