Goldblume (a fine Joe Spano) gets held hostage by black radical group leader Calvin (a spot-on intense portrayal by Yaphet Kotto). Belker (the always excellent Bruce Weitz) gets bad news while working undercover. Renko (likeable Charles Haid) gets a backstage pass to see his favorite country singer Bobby Angel (a lively performance by Billy Green Bush). Renko and LaRue (a nicely smarmy Kiel Martin) make a bet who can make it to work faster.
This episode starts off with the nightshift staff working at the station which includes Lawrence Tierney in his first appearance as night duty sergeant Jenkins. The hostage situation with Goldblume proves to be quite gripping and suspenseful: Goldblume has a great confrontation scene with Calvin while Calvin's ultimate fate is unflinchingly grim. Jablonski (sturdy Robert Prosky) has a few cute scenes with his dog Blackie. Renko is forced to turn Billy Joe in for illegal narcotic possession, which serves as a good example of how work can and does follow cops on their off hours. Belker gets this episode's most poignant scene crying over the sudden death of his beloved mother. Veteran character actress Anne Ramsey has a nice small part as the wife of a bar owner.
This episode starts off with the nightshift staff working at the station which includes Lawrence Tierney in his first appearance as night duty sergeant Jenkins. The hostage situation with Goldblume proves to be quite gripping and suspenseful: Goldblume has a great confrontation scene with Calvin while Calvin's ultimate fate is unflinchingly grim. Jablonski (sturdy Robert Prosky) has a few cute scenes with his dog Blackie. Renko is forced to turn Billy Joe in for illegal narcotic possession, which serves as a good example of how work can and does follow cops on their off hours. Belker gets this episode's most poignant scene crying over the sudden death of his beloved mother. Veteran character actress Anne Ramsey has a nice small part as the wife of a bar owner.
