User Reviews

The second episode, "Experience," establishes the 12th Precinct as the main location, only rarely straying from its claustrophobic confines over its eight seasons. We are introduced to Marty Morrison (Jack De Leon), the gay sneak thief who made seven return appearances, here caught purse snatching (Jane Dulo, first of two), winding up in a cell with mugger Ray Sharkey (first of two). Also debuting is Alex Henteloff as defense attorney Arnold Ripner (six further episodes, five as Ripner), regarded as pretty much no different from the scum he represents, and Milt Kogan's downstairs Officer Kogan, the precursor to Ron Carey's Levitt, seen five further times through his final appearance in episode 18 "Ambush." Returning from the filmed pilot is Rod Perry (S.W.A.T.), as Det. Wilson, the prototype for Ron Glass' Harris, who earns laughs in drag doing vice (sadly no further appearances, though he is mentioned once or twice). Fish is feeling sorry for himself, composing a resignation that Barney refuses to sign. There's also a bomber on the loose (future BARNEY MILLER director Noam Pitlik), leaving behind a briefcase set to go off at 5PM, which everybody assumes belongs to Fish, the experienced one who takes it upon himself to somehow get rid of it. All further episodes follow this same template- we find out about things when Barney does, after the officers in question return to the precinct and settle down for paperwork, apparently the most realistic depiction of life in a police station (humor is rooted in truth). Missing from this episode are Barbara Barrie's Liz Miller, Gregory Sierra's Chano, and Ron Glass' Harris.

A bomber (Noam Pitlik) targeting public offices leaves one of his bombs in the station house, while the men are trying to find him and oblivious to the threat in their midst. But the main thrust of this hilarious second episode is the fact that Detective Fish is feeling his age (having been outrun by a criminal) and wants to retire early; Barney must spend much of his time trying to talk him out of it.

Both a very funny episode and fairly poignant in its portrayal of the hazards of ageing, 'Experience' was the first episode to take place exclusively in one location (as indeed much of the series was prone to do). Old pro Abe Vigoda is just wonderful as Fish; you do sympathize with him and of course have to crack up every time he takes an impromptu nap. (The irony here is that co-star Jack Soo (Sergeant Yemana) was actually older than Vigoda in real life.) Rod Perry, playing Detective Wilson (the forerunner to Detective Harris), earns big laughs when he dresses in drag and starts to head out in order to catch a flasher in a park. Also of note are Alex Henteloff as a defense attorney who'll represent pretty much anybody, and Jack De Leon as a homosexual habitual thief who's always quick with the witty remarks and comebacks. Ray Sharkey appears as the lowlife sharing a cell with De Leon.

And yet, through it all there is undeniable tension as we wait and wait for the men to get wise to the presence of the bomb.

One of this viewers' favorite lines, spoken by Marty (De Leon) to the attorney: "Arnold? When you get here, I'll be in my room."

Eight out of 10.

Now this is more like it! Having never seen this show before I sat down earlier today to give it a chance. Episode 1 was a little disappointing, but first episodes, or even seasons, sometimes are.

This episode seemed like a whole different show. It took place exclusively in the "Squad Room", had an opportunity to flesh out the 12th precinct employees, had an interesting antagonist (that must have been fairly scandalous back in 1974!), and was overall a much better show.

I was willing to give the whole first season a shot, but am now excited to as they almost instantly created a show with memorable characters. Now if the DVD could just have an option of removing the laugh track!

Rating: 28/40