User Reviews

"The Courtesans" marked the turning point for BARNEY MILLER, since the controversial subject of prostitution is always good for ratings. It was also the third appearance for Barbara Barrie, always billed but rarely seen, and only the second for Anne Wyndham as Barney's daughter Rachel, last seen in the two pilots but seen only once more, in 1981's "Rachel." Harris and Yemana are assigned to check out the latest porno flick, where minors have been known to sneak in (titled "A Man and a Woman and Another Woman"). Wojo gets into the habit of busting Rose (Audrey Christie, first of two) and her current crop of showgirls, with the Puerto Rican one, Miss del Fuego (Rosana Soto, first of four), bantering with Chano, who believes he is one of 'New York's Finest' (her response: "me too!"), Harris flirting with Miss Duquette (Lavelle Roby, first of two). Actually, it's the $50 a night newcomer, Linda Fuller (Nancy Dussault), in town only three months, whose irreverence makes it difficult for Wojo to keep his mind on his work. Best remembered as Ted Knight's wife on TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT, the adorable Dussault (a gorgeous 38) is a sassy delight, alternately funny and serious as she tries to understand Wojo's infatuation. Fish gets a memorable line when Rose asks him to give her best to Bernice: "I wish I could!" The capper comes when Linda tells Wojo that if he wants to go out with her, it'll cost him the same as any other guy, 50 bucks...and guess who gets stuck for the cash?

This was a good episode. There was sharp humor, and a real heart around addressing the exotic dancers that got picked up. Captain Barney Miller is starting to really get some depth as a character, as we get to see him balance between empathy and kindness and decision maker depending on the immediate need.

The show tried something different here by bringing his wife into the squad room. This was the first time in the show where her and Barney were together outside of the apartment, so it added a nice touch to be able to see them in different scenarios.

This was also the biggest role his daughter has played up to this point, as she is trying to convince her parents that she's ready to live alone.

I get the feeling the writers have been trying hard to work within the framework of a sitcom while bringing up real-life issues for members of a police precinct. So far so good, and I'm enjoying the show a little more after each episode.

Rating: 24/40