The possibility that Frank might leave Hill Street Station to run for Commander is floated in this likeable episode, which is written by E. Jack Kaplan. Hill and Renko get involved in the search for the killer of an underage prostitute. Along the way, Renko butts heads with Emil Schneider (guest star / top tough-guy character actor Dolph Sweet), a homicide detective who doesn't seem to take the case that seriously. LaRue and Washington decide to play a prank on Hunter, as he and his team are conducting their annual search for alligators in the city sewers. And Fay is having another rough time because now her home is being plagued by obscene phone calls.
As directed by Georg Stanford Brown, this is a very engaging episode with a strong sense of humour. It runs the risk of getting overly silly, but it's still impossible not to bust a gut laughing at the image of an obviously phoney gator rolling through the sewers. An endearing running gag has a cute cat constantly switching hands at the station (Henry is supposed to be trying to find it a home). The acting from this ensemble is once again right on the money, with star Daniel J. Travanti as the glue to hold it all together. In addition to Sweet, other fine guest stars include Jordan Charney, as the chief competitor for the Commander job, Dana Gladstone as the cop Marv, George Dickerson as the current Commander, Swanson, and Carl Weintraub as a dopey SPCA guy named Bromfield. Future star Tim Daly ("Diner", 'Wings') has the small role of Dann.
It's just too funny to see Belker in disguise as a rabbi. Like several others here, he takes the time to show his appreciation for Frank, and that he'd understand if Frank were to get ambitious.
'Gatorbait' ends on a sweet note as a compassionate Frank takes the time to console Fay.
Eight out of 10.
As directed by Georg Stanford Brown, this is a very engaging episode with a strong sense of humour. It runs the risk of getting overly silly, but it's still impossible not to bust a gut laughing at the image of an obviously phoney gator rolling through the sewers. An endearing running gag has a cute cat constantly switching hands at the station (Henry is supposed to be trying to find it a home). The acting from this ensemble is once again right on the money, with star Daniel J. Travanti as the glue to hold it all together. In addition to Sweet, other fine guest stars include Jordan Charney, as the chief competitor for the Commander job, Dana Gladstone as the cop Marv, George Dickerson as the current Commander, Swanson, and Carl Weintraub as a dopey SPCA guy named Bromfield. Future star Tim Daly ("Diner", 'Wings') has the small role of Dann.
It's just too funny to see Belker in disguise as a rabbi. Like several others here, he takes the time to show his appreciation for Frank, and that he'd understand if Frank were to get ambitious.
'Gatorbait' ends on a sweet note as a compassionate Frank takes the time to console Fay.
Eight out of 10.