The station still isn't receiving pay, so Hill (a fine Michael Warren) and Renko (Charles Haid, very funny and animated) must resist temptation after finding a suitcase full of illegal money. Washington (an excellent Taureen Blacque) goes undercover to bust loan shark Rollie (a terrifically oily portrayal by Michael Lerner). LaRue (well played by Kiel Martin) tries to cash in on the body parts pool on a murder case. Unhinged Reggie (bravura work by Jonathan Banks) escapes from a mental institution.
Once again, this particular episode vividly captures the usual frantic pandemonium that occurs in Hill Street Station. A bomb scare adds to the tension while the presence of an experimental police robot provides a few good laughs. The money situation offers a neat examination of morale and character or the lack thereof. Moreover, the troubled character of Reggie is handled with surprising (and laudable) humanity. In addition, it's touching to see LaRue go to bat for Belker (Bruce Weitz, spot-on) against a cheapskate cemetery owner. Popping up in sturdy guest roles are Dennis Franz as the slick Benedetto, Marion Yue as forlorn Asian masseuse Colette, Marco Rodriguez as reformed junkie Rodriguez, and Zero Hubbard as tough-talking juvie Speedboat. And the ending with Washington getting shot on a bungled stakeout is a shocker.
Once again, this particular episode vividly captures the usual frantic pandemonium that occurs in Hill Street Station. A bomb scare adds to the tension while the presence of an experimental police robot provides a few good laughs. The money situation offers a neat examination of morale and character or the lack thereof. Moreover, the troubled character of Reggie is handled with surprising (and laudable) humanity. In addition, it's touching to see LaRue go to bat for Belker (Bruce Weitz, spot-on) against a cheapskate cemetery owner. Popping up in sturdy guest roles are Dennis Franz as the slick Benedetto, Marion Yue as forlorn Asian masseuse Colette, Marco Rodriguez as reformed junkie Rodriguez, and Zero Hubbard as tough-talking juvie Speedboat. And the ending with Washington getting shot on a bungled stakeout is a shocker.