The main story thread of this rock-solid episode is the killing of two uniformed cops, who were investigating suspicious activity in a stereo store. One cop dies outright, the other ends up in surgery. It turns out that the murder weapon was once in police custody, and has changed hands a couple of times over the last two years. Meanwhile, Renko is so troubled by the toxic relationship between him and his father that it's affecting his work behavior.
'The Shooter' punches across some real home truths. It's a dangerous world that these characters inhabit, cops and crooks alike. If a lowlife wants to get their hands on a weapon, they can do so. Even Joyce has resorted to carrying a gun in her handbag; although she doesn't like the thing, she simply refuses to be helpless in a life-or-death situation. Also, it's never easy for a person in Franks' position when they have to inform a cops' loved ones that they died on the job. This results in a devastating scene where the dead cops' widow is furious and refuses to be consoled.
Fortunately, it's not all dead-serious. For one thing, Belker once again nabs the character Pickpocket (the ever-hilarious Nick Savage), who gives his name as "Jean-Claude Killy" when he's caught with ski equipment. Later, Belker is taking his driving test, and naturally takes off after a perp when they rob a store right in front of him. The best part is when Belker shows that his eyesight is much better than the tester thinks: he reads the FINE PRINT on an eye chart!
It's nice once again to see a chipper J. D. who seems to have his act in order. He even helps out in the investigation when he threatens to stick an informant (the fantastic, ubiquitous "Hey, it's that guy" character actor Tracey Walter ("Repo Man", "The Silence of the Lambs")) in a dryer!
The excellent roster of guest stars also includes Alley Mills and Morgan Woodward (once again playing Renkos' sister and father), Alan North of 'Police Squad!', this time on the other side of the law, George Murdock ('Barney Miller'), Robert Phalen ("Halloween" '78), Lee Weaver (who would go on to a recurring role on the series as Buck Naked), and Arnold Johnson ("Putney Swope").
Directed by Thomas Carter, who guided nine episodes of the series in total.
Eight out of 10.