A shootout occurs at a gay bar in the neighborhood, leading to several deaths. Unfortunately for the perp (Eugene Butler, "A Force of One"), the key witness is a guy he knows: off-duty cop Art Bradley (Lawrence Pressman, "Shaft"). But although Bradley can give a detailed description of the guy, he's afraid to come forward for fear that his homosexuality will become public knowledge. An eccentric character (Martin Ferrero, "Jurassic Park") who genuinely believes himself to be actor Duncan Renaldo, a.k.a. The Cisco Kid, causes a disturbance twice with his theft of a horse. And Fay, her pregnancy now quite visible, fears going through it alone until Henry volunteers to help her with the delivery.
Once again, 'Hill Street Blues' handles real-life issues with some sensitivity and poignancy, treating Art with a respectful degree of sympathy. We see J. D. and Neal get into quite a bit of trouble as they make shifty moves (utilizing weaselly character Willie Laporter (Tracey Walter, "Batman") in the process) in order to cover for Art. As for "Renaldo", Ferrero is hilarious in the role, never really breaking character; his scenes add a good comic touch to the episode. Adding tension is the fact that everybody's nerves are on edge; the power in the neighborhood keeps going out - and this is during a particularly hot day. Also worth noting is Andy's handling of a confrontation between a store owner (Keone Young, 'Deadwood') and a customer, although the two of them go right back at it once Andy & Bobby leave the scene.
Wonderfully acted by all concerned, this top-notch episode is a perfect combination of humor & drama that was typical for the series.
Of course, you can't go wrong with any episode opening with a typical Belker / Pickpocket (Nick Savage) sequence. This time, Pickpocket was stealing musical instruments, and gives his name as Jimmy Dorsey.
Eight out of 10.
Once again, 'Hill Street Blues' handles real-life issues with some sensitivity and poignancy, treating Art with a respectful degree of sympathy. We see J. D. and Neal get into quite a bit of trouble as they make shifty moves (utilizing weaselly character Willie Laporter (Tracey Walter, "Batman") in the process) in order to cover for Art. As for "Renaldo", Ferrero is hilarious in the role, never really breaking character; his scenes add a good comic touch to the episode. Adding tension is the fact that everybody's nerves are on edge; the power in the neighborhood keeps going out - and this is during a particularly hot day. Also worth noting is Andy's handling of a confrontation between a store owner (Keone Young, 'Deadwood') and a customer, although the two of them go right back at it once Andy & Bobby leave the scene.
Wonderfully acted by all concerned, this top-notch episode is a perfect combination of humor & drama that was typical for the series.
Of course, you can't go wrong with any episode opening with a typical Belker / Pickpocket (Nick Savage) sequence. This time, Pickpocket was stealing musical instruments, and gives his name as Jimmy Dorsey.
Eight out of 10.
