LaRue (a fine Kiel Martin) and Washington (sturdy Taureen Blacque) investigate two policemen suspected of selling stolen goods. Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti, splendid as usual) blackmails Chief Daniels (a perfectly slimy Jon Cypher) to get Goldblume (stand-out work from Joe Spano) reinstated. Renko (a very engaging Charles Haid) gets call girl Cheryl (a personable portrayal by the fetching Francine Lembi) as a birthday present from Hill (the excellent Michael Warren) and Coffey (likable Ed Marinaro). Gennaro (nicely played by Leo Rossi) accompanies Belker (essayed with trademark snarly aplomb by Bruce Weitz) on an undercover drug bust. This show makes for a spot-on showcase for Renko, who gets some funny lines and a few strong dramatic scenes in which we learn more about his moral character (he takes offense when he finds out Cheryl is basically a prostitute). The subplot about the dirty cops packs a potent punch while there are real sparks to be relished when Furillo uses hardball politics against Daniels. Hunter (James Sikking in sterling form) has a poignant speech in which he reveals regret for not having a family as well as talks about being a Vietnam veteran. Lori Lethin contributes a touching turn as underage hooker Diane while Kathleen Lloyd shines as compassionate nurse Linda Wulfawitz. And the storyline about Gennaro comes to a startling downbeat conclusion when his foolhardy zeal gets the fatal best of him.
3 Reviews
Happy birthday, Andy.
Hey_Sweden3 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Frank decides to play department politics with Chief Daniels (a particularly livid Jon Cypher) in order to get Henry reinstated. (Helping matters is the fact that underage prostitute Diane Koslow (Lori Lethin, 'The Day After') does recant her original statement.) Neal and J. D. bust a pair of uniformed officers who are caught stealing. Andy is upset with Bobby & Joe when a lovely chance acquaintance (Francine Lembi, "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension") turns out to be a call girl paid for by them, as a birthday present to Andy. And the story thread with Hollywood actor Jon Gennaro (Leo Rossi) is paid off here, bringing the episode to a sober finish.
Characters continue to swelter in the heat in another slam-bang episode scripted by the regular writing staff, and given additional gravitas by actor-turned-director Thomas Carter. Particularly enjoyable is the major confrontation between Frank and Daniels, as Frank decides to *really* go to bat for Henry. Later, when Frank & Henry meet (some amount of time is spent trying to track down Henry), Henry tells him that he can't promise he wouldn't make the same move again, and Frank likewise says that he won't always be able to overlook such behavior from a fellow cop.
There are some very tender moments here, as once again we see a serious, vulnerable Howard making a connection with a compassionate nurse (Kathleen Lloyd, "The Car"), and the final moment involving Belker and Gennaro is powerful. It's also wonderful to see how loyal Neal is to J. D., when he ultimately turns down that other job because it would mean leaving J. D. behind.
Superb acting all around, with such other guest stars as David Wiley ("Friday the 13th Part III") and Robert Darnell ("Christine") in bits.
As you can see from the title, the rain finally starts falling and provides the characters with a respite from the heat wave.
Eight out of 10.
Characters continue to swelter in the heat in another slam-bang episode scripted by the regular writing staff, and given additional gravitas by actor-turned-director Thomas Carter. Particularly enjoyable is the major confrontation between Frank and Daniels, as Frank decides to *really* go to bat for Henry. Later, when Frank & Henry meet (some amount of time is spent trying to track down Henry), Henry tells him that he can't promise he wouldn't make the same move again, and Frank likewise says that he won't always be able to overlook such behavior from a fellow cop.
There are some very tender moments here, as once again we see a serious, vulnerable Howard making a connection with a compassionate nurse (Kathleen Lloyd, "The Car"), and the final moment involving Belker and Gennaro is powerful. It's also wonderful to see how loyal Neal is to J. D., when he ultimately turns down that other job because it would mean leaving J. D. behind.
Superb acting all around, with such other guest stars as David Wiley ("Friday the 13th Part III") and Robert Darnell ("Christine") in bits.
As you can see from the title, the rain finally starts falling and provides the characters with a respite from the heat wave.
Eight out of 10.
A Night to Remember
Hitchcoc14 July 2021
Frank stands up for Goldblum and puts his butt in a sling with Daniels. Two cops are caught moving stolen property and dismissed. Renko has a birthday but his present is pretty complicated. And the actor goes in for a final role with Belker. And it all takes place on a rainy day.
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