Month: May 2016

Season Two, Episode 1 (18): “Hearts and Minds”

story by Steven Bochco, Michael Kozoll, and Anthony Yerkovich
written by Steven Bochco and Anthony Yerkovich
directed by Gregory Hoblit
original airdate: October 29, 1981

“Previously on Hill Street Blues…”

Roll Call: Item 14: Phil chides the troops for using precinct phones for personal business because “budget”. And during the investigation, it was discovered that someone was calling a “boutique”, wink wink, nudge nudge, as well as a bookie. Item 15 introduces Jesse John Hudson, recently released from prison. He’s a big enough deal that his mere presence is causing disturbances. Item 16 addresses a cab driver who was mugged, the sixth in the last week. Finally, there’s a 3’8″ purse snatcher on Pulaski Avenue. He’s 3’8″ because he’s an orangutan.

Perez is bringing in a couple who appear to be in the midst of a domestic quarrel. Meanwhile, Mick’s got his pickpocket buddy in tow. Ray’s got messages for Frank, Joyce is trying to get access to a client, and Coffey’s trying to get Phil to put him back on active duty. As all this is going on, the arguing between the couple intensifies until finally Luis gets so mad be breaks free of the officers holding him, dives through the booking window, gets his hands on a gun, and starts firing at his wife. Everyone manages to duck for cover, and finally four cops — including Renko and Coffey — end the incident in a hail of lead. After a few seconds of post-gunfire reaction shots, we roll credits.

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Season One, Episode 17: “Jungle Madness (Part Two)”

written by Michael Kozoll, Steven Bochco, and Anthony Yerkovich
directed by Corey Allen
original airdate: May 26, 1981

“Previously on Hill Street Blues…”

Roll Call: Item 12: the weather report. It’s hot, which means it’ll be snarky out on the street. Unlucky 13 is operation DNC (Dust ‘n’ Clean), which will involve Howard’s team making a weapons sweep. 14 is Division reiterating policy on women officers being required to wear bras, and 15 is the sudden “volunteering” of several Blues (including Andy and Bobby) to work doubles in the wake of a flu outbreak. Real flu, not Blue Flu. During all this, Coffey passes a note to Bates asking her out. She sends him a “maybe”, Andy and Bobby gripe their way up the stairs, and someone has to wake up a blotto J.D. LaRue.

On the way out, Andy tries to foist off his overtime on Coffey; he’s recalcitrant, but Bates jumps on the offer, which flusters Joe to no end. LaRue gets roasted by Andy for his driving skills as he emerges from Roll Call, and then Belker lays into him — even slinging a “dogbreath” J.D.’s way — and tells him he’s got one day to produce his stewardess before the operation closes. J.D. tries to weasel, and Mick’s having none of it. And then we finally roll credits.
Continue reading “Hill Street Blues Season One Rewatch: Episode 17, “Jungle Madness (Part Two)””

Season One, Episode 16: “Jungle Madness (Part One)”

written by Michael Kozoll, Steven Bochco, and Anthony Yerkovich
directed by Corey Allen
original airdate: May 26, 1981

“Previously on Hill Street Blues…”

Roll Call: Item 15. Night shift got shot at after breaking up a 3 a.m. conga line at Cutter’s Hill. Phil notes that this may be a residual effect of the shooting for which Weeks is under investigation. Item 16, calling back to last episode when Andy had Bobby sign out for him, is Phil being really angry about unauthorized signouts. His rant is interrupted by a loud banging, and a belly dancer follows a drummer into the roll call room. Happy birthday, Phil. Everyone seems to be in on it, as we see the precinct’s senior officers, including Frank, standing on the stairwell watching with amusement. Phil’s deeply embarrassed, and this eats up three minutes before we roll credits — without Phil’s trademark “Let’s be careful out there.”
Continue reading “Hill Street Blues Season One Rewatch: Episode 16, “Jungle Madness (Part One)””

Season One, Episode 15: “Rites of Spring” (Part Two)

written by Michael Kozoll, Steven Bochco, and Anthony Yerkovich
directed by Gregory Hoblit
original airdate: May 19, 1981

“Previously on Hill Street Blues…”

Roll Call: Item nine, implied; the shooting which ended part one has resulted in rioting in the East Utica vicinity. Item ten concerns Phil’s irritation at the “rather anemic” showing at the blood drive mentioned in last episode’s roll call; the sisters will be setting up in roll call for the rest of the week to make it more “convenient”. Final item: dress code compliance, which apparently means no more of Renko’s cowboy boots (among other things). As they break up, Phil holds up the train; additional units are being requested on East Utica. And it’s here where we’re informed that the current story is that a sniper shot the kid in the alley… as we roll credits.

Continue reading “Hill Street Blues Season One Rewatch: Episode 15, “Rites of Spring (Part Two)””