Hill Street Blues (TV Series) Death by Kiki (1983) User Reviews

Solid episode

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 27 January 2016]

Immigrant Kiki (an exuberant portrayal by Clinton Derricks-Carroll) tries to prove his innocence. Politician Fisk (well played by George Coe) makes an ill-advised return to the Dante housing project. Hill (an excellent Michael Warren) struggles to resolve his gambling habit before it destroys him. Belker (the always terrific Bruce Weitz) gets assigned to give a lecture.

The way Renko (a sturdy Charles Haid) goes out of his way to help his friends and partner Hill in Hill's time of greatest need definitely gives this episode a lot of poignant dramatic substance. Ditto the strained relationship between Coffey (amiable Ed Marinaro) and Bates (assured work from Betty Thomas) after Bates does better than Coffey on the sergeant's exam. Moreover, the guilt Goldblume (a fine Joe Spano) feels over the botched hostage situation likewise registers as quite touching. Kiki's dilemma culminates in a grim conclusion while Fisk's untimely fate gives the every slimy and opportunistic Daniels (a sublimely obnoxious Jon Cryer) a chance to use Fisk's misfortune to his advantage.

The Future Villains Established

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 18 July 2021]

Daniels is all over the place. To be honest, he is so disingenuous that I can't stand to watch him. He is given a gift from the gods which nearly insures his election. Bobby Hill finally comes face to face with his demons. Renko is quite heroic. The twin sisters and Joe Coffey are not on the same track. Mahoney continues to be a monumental jerk but has to back off. We will see more of him, I am sure. We also have an interesting case of a young African an who has the ability to take a minor offense and plead but he has cultural issues, thinking he is owed an apology. The only parts of the show that are growing old are Fay's pregnancy and the bedroom discussions between Joyce and Frank.

Quite powerful, in its best moments.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 10 February 2024]

Two of the recent story arcs in this series come to very bad ends, as Councilman Fisk (George Coe) is determined to return to his base of operations, and Kiki (Clinton Derricks-Carroll) is equally as determined to prove that he was innocent. Frank, always looking out for his officers, orders Bobby to take a day off, to sort out his problems. Andy is just as concerned about his partner & friend.

On 'Hill Street Blues', you could often count on the writers to refrain from true predictability, as they come up with resolutions that fly in the face of pat & happy endings for the characters. On the other hand, it was nice to see Bobby have a very raw, emotional response to the roller-coaster ride he's been on, and realizes what a jerk he's been. Mick has a similarly effective outburst where one can see how unhappy he is: the deskbound detective was tasked with giving a lecture to business owners, and THAT scene came to an uncomfortable conclusion as the owners and Mick get into a shouting match.

Henry is still moping over the entire Hector Ruiz situation; although it should be another poignant moment when he bursts into tears, it doesn't feel so genuine and just comes off as awkward. At least Howard is gracious enough to offer an apology.

'Death by Kiki' wraps up with an appealing moment as Fay gives birth to her baby, and Frank (in bed with Joyce, of course) receives the news from Henry.

In the end, this was another sterling combination of humor, heart, and great character moments.

Eight out of 10.

One of the best episodes ever

[johnatwell · 10/10 · 28 July 2008]

This episode has one of the most outrageous plot twists ever seen on television. You probably need to see the previous 2 episodes (at least) to get the full impact. But it's worth it. A dash of comedy, a lot of drama, a lot of pathos, a lot of true character development. And that one outrageous moment. My jaw dropped when I first watched it in 1983. Betty Thomas and Ed Marinaro (Ofc. Bates & Coffey), Bruce Weitz (Det. Belker) and Charles Haid (Ofc. Renko) all have major character scenes. Joe Spano (Det. Goldblume) has a moment when he suddenly starts crying -- it was supposed to be genuine guilt and grief, but to me it comes off weird. Actor Michael Warren (Officer Bobby Hill) gets some really meaty scenes as a man confronted by his own internal demons. Special mention should be made of Clinton Derricks-Carroll. He played Kiki, and he was brilliant! This episode has everything that HSB was famous for -- great ensemble acting and plot lines that take you to places you don't expect.

Goldblume & Hill are liabilities

[polite-45692 · 6/10 · 27 June 2019]

Goldblume & Hill are liabilities for the department.

Goldblume sat about moping and whining because an armed kidnapper had been eliminated. He has the emotional stability of ex-wife (such as Fay).

Hill creates his own problems due to his insecurities.