Former gang leader Jesse John Hudson (Danny Glover) is suspected of masterminding a massive weapons theft. A hooker is murdered, and her pimp falls under suspicion; an informer (John Dennis Johnston) on whom Washington relies swears that he saw blood on the pimps' clothes one night. Goldblume insists on helping in an undercover operation when various cab drivers are brutalized by a disguise-happy miscreant. In so doing, he develops a connection to a pretty lady (Karen Austin) who's a hard-luck case. After realizing that he is attracted to her, the possibility of an affair with this woman does enter his mind.
We also get more of the lighter side of 'Hill Street Blues' due to Esterhaus' ongoing woman problems. Grace Gardner (Barbara Babcock) is determined to let him know that he's letting a good thing slip out of his fingers. This opens up an opportunity for an uncharacteristically awkward Hunter (James B. Sikking is as hilarious as ever) to ask her out on a date. To add to the hilarity, that purse-snatching orangutan from the previous episode is still hanging around! Apparently the men and women of Hill Street Station can't find someone to take this ape off their hands. One of the brightest moments occurs when Belker tells "Baby" to assume the position.
But it's not all fun and games. There are some effectively poignant moments here: between Joe Spano a.k.a. Goldblume and Ms. Austin, and with guest star Johnston, who's believable as an utter loser so pathetic that he does earn some sympathy. His final scene is pretty sad.
All in all, another riveting corker of an episode.
Eight out of 10.