Hill Street Blues (TV Series) Honk If You're a Goose (1983) User Reviews

On the money episode

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 25 February 2016]

Hunter (an excellent James Sikking) tries to deny to LaRue (nicely played by Kiel Martin) that he attempted suicide. Belker (Bruce Weitz in peak scruffy form) gets followed by bitter paraplegic Gaffney (an outstanding portrayal by Gary Frank) while working undercover in a wheelchair. Bates (sturdy Betty Thomas) and Coffey (likable Ed Marinaro) catch missing goose Honkey at a grocery store. Hill (a solid performance by Michael Warren) decides to fight in the ring one last time.

The tense relationship between Belker and Gaffney reaches a heartbreaking tragic conclusion due to Belker's inability to open up and admit that he honestly likes the guy. The plot about the goose provides a few good laughs. The conversation between LaRue and Washington (the always smooth Taureen Blacque) about all the cops who have committed suicide speaks volumes about the tremendous stress and pressure of the thankless job of being a police officer. Another subplot about bribery reveals just how deep corruption can run in law enforcement. The scene with Hunter hugging and thanking LaRue for removing the bullets from his gun is quite touching and gives the usually stoic Hunter a chance to display some vulnerability. Contributing spot-on guest contributions are George Wyner as worried district attorney Bernstein, Barney Martin as scared bookie Seltzer, and, in an especially sad role, Guy Boyd as hapless addled washed-up boxer Shields. Best of all, beloved oddball Crispin Glover even pops up in a funny small part as a spaced out stoned junkie.

He Really Did It

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 19 July 2021]

At the end of the last episode, Hunter pointed a gun to his head and we heard a gunshot. We are used to dramatic tricks when major characters are in danger. So when Hunter appears, we suspect something ridiculous. But J. D. had stepped in with blanks. But he had gone through with it because he felt he had disgraced the Hunter men of the past. But after the failed attempt, he decided he really wanted to live. Meanwhile, Bobby goes another round in the boxing tournament. A wayward goose comes into play at some point, "Honkie." One thing that is sad is that a couple episodes ago it was announced that Michael Conrad had died, and since the episodes were already filmed, he continues to appear in his roll calls. Another thing that is going on is a relationship between Fay Furillo and Henry Goldblume. The Sarge, Conrad, was the godfather of the little girl, so this adds another element of sadness.

Another excellent episode.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 8 June 2024]

Thanks to some intervention from J. D., substituting blanks in Hunters' gun, Howard is still among the living, although for a while he's in utter denial, insisting that he can still perform his duties efficiently. Agonized bookie Ben Seltzer (Barney Martin) is in fear for his life, and promises to reveal widespread corruption if he is protected. Wheelchair-bound Gerry Gaffney (Gary Frank) continues to shadow Belker, to the detectives' chagrin. Lucy & Joe have to bring in a wayward goose that had been employed as a guard (!). And Bobby thinks about getting out of the fight game.

Once again, we get a real case study in quality writing. Particularly powerful are the scenes with Howard & J. D. and Howard & Frank. They're both concerned, especially since Frank considers Howard a friend. He implores Howard to seek help, although Chief Daniels (for once, being a good guy) promises that the EAT team leader won't be brought up on any charges. The concluding scene with Belker and Officer Tataglia (how nice to see Lisa Sutton again) is heartbreaking because it shows that once again, Belker has been deeply touched (as well as aggravated) by a new acquaintance, and has to grieve the persons' loss. Pathetic washed-up fighter 'Irish' Bobby Shields (Guy Boyd) sinks quite low and makes his peace with having to do some time. And, adding a true dark comedy touch is the fate of the goose. Frank, in bed with Joyce near the end, is worried about how deeply his own department may be compromised, so he's worried about the future.

All in all, this was truly great television, with memorable guest star contributions from George Wyner (aces, as usual, as Bernstein) and George D. Wallace. Crispin Glover is typically amusing as a "space cadet". Regular cast member James Sikking is superb, especially as Howard shows J. D. his gratitude.

Eight out of 10.