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Reviews
The Rookies: The Mugging (1976)
A Very Realistic Storyline
This storyline was excellent! The acting was very believable from all the main series actors and the guest stars, too. It sure held my attention from start to finish.
In today's world, this kind of thing happens all too much. As the story unfolds, it outlines a classic case of worthless punk junkies looking to steal money to support their habits; in doing so, they terrorize citizens of the neighborhood into submission.
When they attack a woman in the elevator of her apartment house, they didn't bet on the fact that her son, an intern at Memorial Hospital, would take matters into his own hands, since he felt that the police weren't doing enough to arrest and convict them. As his frustrations grew after the thugs were released for lack of evidence, he started to spiral out of control. He purchased a gun with the intent to kill them, since, in his mind, they got away scot-free in the attack on his mother.
In the end of the story, the doctor did exactly that; he killed them all in his unleashed anger and grief and ruined his life. When he was being fingerprinted, he said a very poignant quote, "Maybe the answer to crime and criminals is just as simple as a bullet". That alone really puts a serious ending to a storyline that was really very emotionally-charged.
I totally enjoyed watching the scene where Chris and Terry were inside Linda Reese's apartment when they arrested her. Terry's voice was so calm when he was telling her what charges she was guilty of. As he was putting handcuffs on her, he was totally gentle with her, but, I was somewhat mystified that neither Chris nor Terry called for a female cop to arrest her
like they've done with other female suspects in other episodes, but what the heck.
It was so cool when Terry threw the punch to subdue the other thug he caught, I loved it! I always like seeing him throw those haymakers. I had to laugh when Lt Ryker burst out of his office yelling about what the hell is going on around here. His character does yell a lot, but that's part of the persona of his character.
Unlike the last reviewer, I didn't think that Bruce Fairbairn's acting was nearly as bad as they said, but that's my thought process. As an actor, he delivers his lines a little slowly, but that doesn't make for bad acting. It's simply who his character, Chris, is.
All in all, this story was riveting, very well- written and the acting was great.
The Rookies: From Out of the Darkness (1976)
Webster's Past
This storyline involves a robbery during a football game at a sports stadium. The 4 thugs, dressed as hospital workers, tie up their victims, including a security guard. They put the stolen items on a gurney and, when they leave, one of the thugs shoots the guard. Upon the police officers' arrival, Officer Chris Owens calls it in and the two officers go inside the stadium to investigate. It's there that Terry recognizes the security guard; he is Dan Kennedy, the father of his former girlfriend Amy, who is a blind musician.
As the operating room scene unfolds, the doctors are trying in vain to save Dan's life. Terry is standing off to the side, watching, and he starts reminiscing on how he and Amy first met. They met near Amy's and Dan's beachfront home, when Terry was out jogging and hit it off. Eventually, the two fall in love, but Dan's totally against their relationship. He wants her to continue her schooling at a blind music college and feels that Amy's relationship with Terry is interfering with it. Back in the present, Dan dies and Terry, in full uniform, later drives out to the beach house to see Amy, whose home from college, to tell her about her father's death. There's a lot of reminiscing in this episode, mainly by Terry, about his and Amy's love and friendship and many loving, tender moments between them. Very well-played out by both actors. After Dan's death, Terry vows to find the killers. One of the thugs turns on his accomplices and kills them off because he wants the stolen loot to himself. During the investigation, the officers find out the truth about Dan, in that he was somehow involved in the heist. The thug pursued Amy because he thought she knew too much thru her father. He ran her over in his car; Terry goes to see her in the hospital, where she is under heavy sedation. Terry later opens up to Chris about his real feelings for Amy and confides to him that, although he is very close to Amy, their relationship isn't going to work out. Georg Stanford Brown is a terrific actor, especially in emotional, tender scenes, and he doesn't disappoint! One could really feel his heartache! I really liked the part at the end where Terry chases after the thug off of the plane and throws several punches at him. Great action scene! The part where Amy and Terry are walking together at the end shows real tenderness between them. One of the best if the series!
The Rookies: Invitation to a Rumble (1975)
Terry's Connection to his Past
This episode is somewhat different, in that there is a lot of reminiscing on the past, mainly Terry's. Unlike the last review posted, I really liked this story. It outlines Terry's former connections with the gangs from his old neighbourhood, balancing how he has--and still--shows respect for the members, while simultaneously upholding his obligations as a police officer. As Lt Ryker stated, Terry understands the gangs and still gets respect from them, even though he's now a cop. It was interesting how, after he was hit by the car, he kept drifting in and out of consciousness and his mind process kept flitting between tender moments with his late girlfriend Pamela and various times when he had interacted with the gangs. The interweaving of parts of previous episodes into 'Invitation to a Rumble' made this storyline flow smoothly. One can just imagine what is going thru the mind of someone who was seriously hurt and left to die, as Terry was. It would be natural to recall various past experiences, all the while hoping to be rescued. I didn't feel that Georg Stanford Brown over-acted at all, as the last reviewer stated; I felt he did a fantastic job in his portrayal of relating to the problems of gang wars, as well as being deeply emotional when remembering his relationship with Pamela and how much he misses her. He is a tough, street-smart cop, who, at the same time, isn't afraid to show his softer, emotional side. I chuckled at the end, when he was leaving the hospital and Jill told him "your wheels are here", when she brought the wheelchair to his room. It was a new concept when Terry agreed to leave in the wheelchair, all as a favour to Chris. It was a fitting ending when she came out and gave Terry the wood carving that Pamela had given him that she, Jill, had been keeping for him. This is a tough--yet tender--storyline that will keep the viewers' attention!
The Rookies: Cry Wolf (1973)
Beachfront Patrol Assignment for Gillis and Webster
In the opening scene, Lt. Ryker assigns Terry and Willie to patrolling the beach roads instead of their regular beat. While sitting in their car, they receive a call about a prowler at the home of Mrs Darrin, a lonely widow who habitually calls the precinct because she "hears things", hence the title "Cry Wolf". The officers answer the call, but a car speeds by, prompting them to call police headquarters to request another unit to respond to Mrs Darrin so they could pursue the speeder. However, the reception was spotty and the request for another unit never got transmitted. Ultimately, this time, Mrs Darrin's call was legitimate and she was attacked in her home by the beachfront robbers. Lt. Ryker understandably was angry with Terry and Willie, who feel guilty about what happened and set out to solve the beachfront heists. After investigating various angles, Terry and Willie solved the case and got back into Lt. Ryker's good graces. In addition, they were able to convince Mrs Darrin's daughter and son in law to let her continue to live in her beachfront home, instead of sending her, against her wishes, to an assisted living facility. I really liked seeing Lt. Ryker's more personal side when he was playing cards with Mrs Darrin in her hospital room. The part toward the end, where Terry and Willie were chasing the theives' ATV in their patrol car, was typical of their bending the rules of protocol when pursuing suspects. It brought some laughs when Willie called for a tow truck for their wrecked car and signed off when Lt. Ryker's voice exploded over the intercom. This episode was definitely less serious than some others but so fun to watch!
The Rookies: Deadly Cage (1973)
Undercover Cop Posing as a Prisoner
I loved this one! In the opening scene, Terry suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder and was off work for a few weeks. During his recovery, he got bored with being at home and kept asking Lt Ryker when he could get back to work. Terry received a special assignment, where he posed as a prisoner in the State Penitentiary to learn additional police procedures as well as gain insight into the horrid conditions there. The hope was to make improvements to the living conditions there and what better way than for a police officer to actually live there and interact with prisoners and guards on a day-to-day basis? Toward the ending, Terry's cover was blown when, during a riot, the punk who shot him was there and knew who he was. Pandemonium broke out and one person died, but, predictably, recommendations for prison reform was granted.
This storyline is excellent! It really gives the viewers insight of prison life and how scary it would be for someone merely posing as an incarcerated person. Whew!
I really liked the dialogue between Terry and Willie in their apartment when Willie asked Terry to do the chores while he (Terry) was laid up. When Terry asked Willie wasn't he going to kiss him goodbye when Willie left really made me laugh, although this storyline was more on the serious side. It's one of the best stories of Season 2 and should not be missed!
The Rookies: A Test of Courage (1974)
Most Emotional Scenes Shown, Very Touching!
This storyline is about Officer Johnny Dane, partner and good friend of Officer Terry Webster. While responding to a robbery call to a gun store with Officers Webster, Danko and Owens, Johnny gets shot in both legs by one of several thugs. Ultimately, the doctors cannot save his right leg and he falls into a deep depression. Terry is deeply upset about his friend's condition and even lashes out at Jill when she tries to comfort him. There was a very riveting scene in his hospital room when Terry comes to visit him. Johnny is very depressed and Terry is openly crying for him, and trying to get him to come to terms with his new disability, but fails to do so. I especially liked the part where Terry is walking outside, showing Patrick, Johnny's son, how to skip rocks in a pond, and using this time to try to prepare Patrick about his dad's disability and new way of living his life. That scene just brought tears to my eyes, it was so emotional.
Of course, the thugs were eventually caught, and Johnny Dane came to terms and accepted the loss of his leg; this storyline was well-written, with superb acting. Georg Stanford Brown never disappoints and his acting skills really added to the storyline, as always. This man is an excellent actor in any capacity, but when "Terry" shows his raw emotions, and is not afraid to cry or show his softer side, it make the storyline all the more realistic. The other actors deserve kudos as well, in that this is a story that is very believable, made even more so by the superb acting. It's not to be missed!
The Rookies: The Commitment (1972)
Willie's Difficult Medical Decision
Willie is at a Little League game, volunteering as an umpire. After the game is over, he is helping the concession lady close up, when two masked thugs broke in. During the confrontation, the shorter thug shot Willie in his back, which paralyzed his legs. Naturally, Willie was scared and unsure of his future, and there was a very riveting scene between him and Jill in the hospital.
During his hospital stay, Willie and his fiancee, Nancy, discussed their future; Nancy was much more optimistic than Willie, and still wanted to eventually marry him. A medical specialist met with Willie and Nancy, and told them of a very risky, possibly fatal, procedure that could be performed to remove the bullet, but with no absolute guarantee of reversing the paralysis. Nancy said no, Willie overrode her and said he was confident he would beat the odds. With his consent, the doctors performed the long operation. While waiting, Nancy confided to Jill that she felt that she could not handle, as a cop's wife, the dangers always involved with his work.
Officers Webster and Danko went on a hunt after the thugs, which ultimately led them to a horror props store, which was frequented by Vester, the thug who shot Willie. This in turn led them to an auction house of these props, where a chase went on to capture the thugs. I enjoyed the part where Vester jumped off the side of the tracks to the building across, and missed, hanging off the side of the building. One could see the look on Webster's face that he would rather let this thug fall, but, of course, his ethics wouldn't let him, and he pulled him up. Of course, Willie made a full recovery at the end, right after Nancy spilled her fears and broke off their relationship. This episode was well-written, and the actors didn't disappoint. It should not be missed!
The Rookies: Prelude to Vengeance (1974)
Terry Webster's Compassionate Side, Always Nice to See
This story touches on Officer Terry Webster's compassionate nature extended to a young lady, Laurie Scott, after her thug boyfriend, Billy Kempson, botched a store robbery. In the storyline, Laurie is in the getaway car, in labour, while Billy is inside the store, holding up the owner, who he shoots in the back. When Officers Webster and Danko show up, Danko pursues the thief (who gets away) while Webster gently helps the girl out of the car and into the store. He calls for assistance, and proceeds to simultaneously help both the man who was shot and Laurie to give birth. Terry once again shows the caring and compassionate man he is, and talks to her softly and assuredly as he delivers her baby. His soothing voice, beautiful smile and words of encouragement really added poignancy to this part of the story! When Terry goes to visit Laurie in her hospital room, he is taken aback at her story about hooking up with Billy, getting pregnant and having nowhere to go after her church-going parents disowned her. He later takes it upon himself to bail her out of jail (charged as Billy's accomplice) and, to help her get back on her feet, offers his apartment to her and her baby, whom she named after Terry. Of course, Billy is jealous, because he thinks Laurie is attracted to Terry and he plants a bomb in Terry's car to get his revenge. However, unbeknownst to Billy, Laurie borrows Terry's car, to get to their friend's place to help Billy to escape. Only after Billy is mortally wounded in yet another robbery, does he give the police info where to find Laurie. Mike and Terry locate Laurie and the baby in Terry's car before the bomb explodes. It was a happy ending when Laurie's parents finally realized their foolishness in disowning her and their grandson and accepted them back to their home. Awww.
Although some of the passages in this storyline do seem a little farfetched, it does make for a great dialogue showing the softer side of a street-tough cop. It would have really added great drama to this storyline, and possibly future episodes, if Laurie and Terry had hooked up together, since they're both single and it did appear, at times, that they were attracted to each other. Laurie is an attractive woman and Terry is a handsome guy, so why not? They were great together! Once again, Georg Stanford Brown's exceptional acting skills made "Terry" the perfect main role for this story. He really knows how to place himself in emotional character roles and never disappoints! You shouldn't miss it!
The Rookies: Walk a Tightrope (1974)
Mistaken revenge gone wrong
I pretty much liked this storyline, although it seemed a bit farfetched at times. One thing that is not really clear is how those college punks drew the conclusion that Officer Terry Webster was at the rally 2 years ago and therefore responsible for the death of Cory Banning's girlfriend. Of course, Terry did state that he was there, but should that have been enough standalone evidence to make Banning think that he, Terry, had a part in her death? Not too sure about that, but it did make for interesting dialogue at the University lecture hall. One part I really enjoyed was seeing that windbag Banning get embarrassed in front of the other law students when he challenged Terry to recall several key items--if the lady to his right was wearing perfume, if the guy to his left was wearing a necktie and what time was showing on the clock behind him--and Terry remembered it all perfectly. I loved how it showed a closeup of Terry's face when he was answering Banning's questions--he's a handsome guy and he does have beautiful eyes, after all! Banning came across as an arrogant know-it-all and Terry took him down a few pegs. It was very insightful when Terry accepted Banning's challenge to see how well he--as a police officer-- observed his surroundings, then turned the tables on Banning and embarrassed him in front of the whole class. That was great! It was interesting how he and his accomplice were able to get into Terry's apartment and steal items to frame him. I did like seeing the inside of Terry's apartment. That gives the viewers an inside look at his more personal side, especially in his bedroom, which is rarely, or never, seen. It was pretty obvious that someone was setting Terry up, what with his personal items just happening to show up randomly at various scenes of crime. Toward the end of the ep, (in the scene at the University), seeing the defeated look on Banning's face when Terry told him that he wasn't a police officer at the time of the rally 2 years prior, was priceless. Overall, this storyline was ok, not one of the best, but certainly worth watching.
The Rookies: Someone Who Cares (1975)
Appropriate Storyline Title!
I really enjoyed this episode; it was very touching and emotional! It's one of the best of the series. The storyline outlines the persona of Officer Terry Webster, from that of tough street-wise cop, to showing his compassionate side. Georg Stanford Brown is an exceptional actor, and he doesn't disappoint! The name of this storyline--Someone Who Cares-- is certainly appropriate, in that Terry truly did care for the welfare of the girl who was hit by the car. As a viewer, I was totally riveted during the scene where Karen is lying on the pavement after being hit by the car. She's in great pain, physically and emotionally and she is crying. Terry, his facial expression showing great concern for the girl, is kneeling next to her, letting her squeeze his "big paw" and offering soothing words of comfort to try to help her relax. His tender mannerism shows such a compassionate nature of a cop who goes beyond just doing his job; he cares enough to really go the extra mile to care for a stranger. Terry's tenacity in cutting thru red tape to identify the girl and find her mother further adds to the drama, beautifully played out. Of course, there's no mystery as to who the attackers are, but nonetheless, it was intriguing how he never gave up on investigating the case--in a role more like a detective vs. Police officer--to ensure she didn't die as a Jane Doe and to bring the criminals to justice. The scene in the morgue was kind of creepy and the guy who worked there fit right in, a real lech. I think it's admirable that Terry--as a cop--didn't automatically think she was a doper, just because LSD was found in her body. He believed in her and made it his mission in his ongoing efforts to prove that she didn't use drugs, to find out who she was and to locate her mother. That's a person I would want in my corner! I especially liked the scene when Terry and Chris were at Charlie's apartment building and Terry got somewhat emotional when telling Charlie that he knew the brothers were guilty of doping Karen's food and attempting to rape her. The viewers could see both his utter contempt for the brothers, and, at the same time, the raw emotions he displayed when thinking about what they'd done to Karen. That translated into him showing pure anger when he started shouting at Charlie. Great riveting scene! The final part of showing Terry in the cemetery with Karen's mother brings a poignancy of reflections of what life is really all about. It's a winner!!
The Rookies: The Authentic Death of Billy Stomper (1974)
Terry's love life, so tragically shattered
This episode was riveting, and very emotional. I liked how Terry and Pamela met and fell in love, they were truly meant for each other! Georg Stanford Brown's exceptional acting skills continued to deliver, spot-on! He was so convincing in the love scenes between Terry and Pamela, especially when he showed his raw emotions right after she died. He really looked ravaged when he told Willie that he didn't have the guts to tell Pamela's family that he was the one responsible for her death. His tears, and expressionless voice in this scene really added to the realism of him experiencing pure heartbreaking grief being portrayed. Wow! It sure makes the viewer stay focused, by seeing a (former "street" guy), now tough rookie cop showing the sensitive man he really is, by openly crying and shaking. Willie even said it was the whiskey talking; Terry sounded like he really had too much to drink, but only iced tea. Great acting!!
One of the best--probably the most emotionally-charged--episodes!
The Rookies: Cauldron (1973)
Fight for survival....great episode!
This is one of the best storylines in Season 2. It really details Terry's and Willie's gumption and determination to escape the kidnappers only to face additional obstacles of being lost in the hot desert. Once again, Georg Stanford Brown's acting ability really shines, as he is struggling to walk and cope with the bullet holes in his leg. The dialogue really showed the deep friendship between Terry and Willie; the actors were totally compatible, so that adds a realism to a storyline that might have seemed a bit farfetched otherwise. I truly enjoy watching Terry and Willie interact together, both on and off duty, and this did not disappoint!
I liked the helicopter rescue scene, but how Lt Ryker and Mike Danko just "knew" they were lost in the desert kind of mystified me. Of course, they would need to be rescued otherwise there would be no show, but, even with the predictability of a rescue, this one had me riveted.
The Rookies: To Taste of Terror (1972)
Kate Jackson is great!!
I really enjoyed watching this one! The acting was believable and some of the scenes were creepy, especially in the parts portrayed by Andrew Robinson. He was perfect for the role of Borden! Kate Jackson truly shines, as per usual. She shows her exceptional acting skills here, especially when she's frightened and crying.
One part mystifies me, though, and it's how Borden was able to actually get into the Dankos' apartment. He didn't have a key so he would've had to jimmy the lock, and Mike didn't notice it.
All in all, one of the best episodes of the series!
The Rookies: A Bloody Shade of Blue (1972)
A Great Storyline, why not a 2-Parter?
This storyline was quite good, but, considering all the plots and subplots going on, it would have been even better if it was a 2 part episode. The acting was really believable, especially that of Georg Stanford Brown. He really made his (temporary) blindness very realistic. Had this been for 2 hours, maybe there could've been additional scenes with Terry interacting with Mike, Willie and Jill, where he reflects on his fears of his future with permanently impaired vision. I felt that, given the type of injury he sustained, he should have been shown as portraying more, and stronger emotions, i.e., anger, hopelessness, despair, etc, as he fights to come to terms with the possibility of sustaining permanent blindness. Terry never once expressed anger toward the snipers for blinding him, which would have been a normal reaction on his part. This would have really added to the storyline, with his friends/colleagues being with him in additional scenes, offering their comfort and support to help him accept whatever fate was in store for him.
I really loved the interactions between Terry and Lynn and laughed about how she told him his music would brutalize him. I could see their relationship going further if the storyline had been longer. They really were great together! Another part I liked was when Willie was visiting Terry in his hospital room and he told Terry how he sorry he felt because he was to blame for Terry getting ambushed. Terry did get a little melancholy, but he never showed any anger or frustration. This part would've been better if it could've been expanded to show more emotional overtures, like maybe opening up to Willie about how scared he was, or maybe unleashing his temper in a fit of anger over his helplessness.
One part was a bit lame, and that's the part where Jill just openly gave Buzz Terry's address, without knowing who he really was. I felt it "rushed" the ending a bit, with the killers knowing just how to find him. Freely giving out info to a perfect stranger just doesn't happen.
All in all, this was one of the best episodes of the series. Great acting by everyone, this should not be missed!