A good episode with probationary rookie Officer Reed learning all about being a commanding presence to potential criminals. As the Lieutenant at roll call says, if you (the Officer) believe that you're the better man, then the criminal will too.
As the episode proceeds, Reed becomes frustrated that a gas station thief has made a successful getaway. Though M & R attempt a neighborhood search, Malloy realizes the thief is long gone. Reed wants to keep searching the area. It's certainly understandable that an Officer wouldn't want to give up the fight. Especially a newcomer like Reed. We learn from Malloy that, well, you can't win them all. You can't devote lengthy periods of time to a lost cause. There are always going to be other calls to answer and other citizens in need of help.
It's not all robberies and various hoodlums that Officers of the Law have to deal with. We watch as the partners help a confused older gentleman who has wandered into a nursing home. There's some nice camera work in this scene. From close-ups on Martin Milner's saddened yet caring eyes, to an over-the-shoulder shot as Malloy flips through the old gent's wallet looking for identification. There's also nice glimpses at the watching residents and then a very nice camera angle on the gentleman himself as he longs for the beautiful lands of his old home state, South Dakota. It's good to see the Nurse character getting some good camera time as well. This helps to highlite her own concern and comforting manner. A very nice segment for Adam-12.
The final segment has M & R rolling up on a silent alarm at a warehouse late into the night. There are tense moments as Reed discovers the means of entry used by the thieves. Malloy is joined by Officer Brinkman (whose partner, Walters remains at their squad) and they, along with Reed, nearly stumble into a very deadly situation.
By the time the segment concludes, one Officer is shot and four criminals are captured - one way or another. In the manner of takedown, Reed learns exactly what the Lieutenant at roll call meant by believing that you - the Police Officer - are the better man. Two of the four criminals most definitely believe just that of Malloy.
As the episode proceeds, Reed becomes frustrated that a gas station thief has made a successful getaway. Though M & R attempt a neighborhood search, Malloy realizes the thief is long gone. Reed wants to keep searching the area. It's certainly understandable that an Officer wouldn't want to give up the fight. Especially a newcomer like Reed. We learn from Malloy that, well, you can't win them all. You can't devote lengthy periods of time to a lost cause. There are always going to be other calls to answer and other citizens in need of help.
It's not all robberies and various hoodlums that Officers of the Law have to deal with. We watch as the partners help a confused older gentleman who has wandered into a nursing home. There's some nice camera work in this scene. From close-ups on Martin Milner's saddened yet caring eyes, to an over-the-shoulder shot as Malloy flips through the old gent's wallet looking for identification. There's also nice glimpses at the watching residents and then a very nice camera angle on the gentleman himself as he longs for the beautiful lands of his old home state, South Dakota. It's good to see the Nurse character getting some good camera time as well. This helps to highlite her own concern and comforting manner. A very nice segment for Adam-12.
The final segment has M & R rolling up on a silent alarm at a warehouse late into the night. There are tense moments as Reed discovers the means of entry used by the thieves. Malloy is joined by Officer Brinkman (whose partner, Walters remains at their squad) and they, along with Reed, nearly stumble into a very deadly situation.
By the time the segment concludes, one Officer is shot and four criminals are captured - one way or another. In the manner of takedown, Reed learns exactly what the Lieutenant at roll call meant by believing that you - the Police Officer - are the better man. Two of the four criminals most definitely believe just that of Malloy.
