Inspired to go IMDbing on this show from today's (7/3/18) minimarathon on WGN (which their "overlapping" of end credits with the next episode's guest cast etc. opening is bad enough, they outrageously chop out the opening credits/theme music altogether), even though I hadn't seen this episode in a very long time, still just on seeing its title I was reminded of Chief Gillespie's graveside prayer for his "First Girl," & I was set to weeping anew as if no time at all had gone by. Much as Montgomery Clift was Oscar-nominated for a mere 7-minute appearance in Judgement At Nuremberg (1961), so too I feel Carroll O'Connor deserved an Emmy nod for just that one moving scene - it has stayed with me all this time & didn't even have to see it again for its impression to reawaken. The man seriously was no straight-outta-Queens typecast Bunkeresque caricature the remainder of his career, & I cannot think of anyone else who would have imbued GIllespie with more than just a 1-dimensional reactionary redneck cop aspect - except for himself, old man Steiger who had fired up the big screen with his original portrayal 22 years before, Nuff Respect to that great actor. And ultimately here, after devastating loss came (pointed-out continuity goof aside) a fresh "second girl" face of honor & hope, and not just within the confines of this show. I know I've dabbed away a few tears in other ITHOTN instances, but none touched me so deeply as those few moments of moving prayer - something which whole movies with millions of budgetary dollars (& box-office receipts) couldn't accomplish. Kudos - and thanks - to all concerned whose efforts resulted in such an unforgettable portrayal.
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