"The Hero" marked only the second television appearance for 9 year old Todd Bridges, soon to co-star on Abe Vigoda's FISH, as an aspiring mugger caught by Liz Miller (Barbara Barrie) after trying to hold her up in an elevator. When Harris comments that the kid is 'just out of diapers,' Barney responds, "well he came out armed!" Her citizens arrest has its desired effect on the impressionable youngster, who dreads having to face the much feared 'Judge Meanie' vividly described by Harris. The main focus of this episode is 'the hero,' Gregory Sierra's Chano, suddenly up for a medal after killing two bank robbers in a dangerous hostage situation. James Gregory makes his second appearance as Inspector Frank Luger, whose congratulations fall on deaf ears, as Chano is devastated by what has happened, until Barney's ever calming influence finds its intended target once again (this was the only time we got a look at Chano's apartment). Cal Gibson (first of three) scores as a well dressed pimp calling himself Mayflower, whom Barney calls 'another social director.' Fish has to fend off a persistent 'groupie,' finally informing her that she can't come to his apartment because he's married: "YOU'RE sorry!" He advises her to phone the fire department instead: "she's in heat isn't she?" And Yemana gets his second jab about his coffee- Chano: "tastes like it was made yesterday!" Yemana: "what time yesterday?" Nick's best line comes when Barney needs him for the bank holdup while he's stuck in the bathroom: "I can't help you!" This concluded the brief 13 episode first season.
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