A store owner (Lincoln Kilpatrick ("The Omega Man"), in a strong performance) and his son (Mykel T. Williamson, "Forrest Gump") are harassed by gang members. Henry, still feeling guilty over the sad case of Mary Hicks, takes a true vested interest in protecting these two and promising retribution for the gang. However, in so doing, this causes him to step over the line. Meanwhile, "Operation Big Broom" is ordered shut down by the courts, as it is felt that citizens' civil liberties are being violated. And Officer Robin asks Lucy for advice in approaching a tentative romance with Mick.
The writing is particularly powerful on this episode. We get real showcase moments for cast members Daniel J. Travanti, Joe Spano, and Rene Enriquez. (Ray has tried looking younger by wearing a ridiculous toupee (leading to a fair amount of humor), fearing that it is youth the powers-that-be respect when it comes to matters of promotion.) I especially loved the scene where Phil consoles Ray, who does earn some sympathy; it's never easy being the butt of jokes. The moments with Mick & Robin are very appealing as we get to see more of a domestic side of Mick. The material involving Henry is most effective. When *he* loses his cool, you can hardly blame him, although he does have the smarts to later admit his mistake to Frank. Fay also gets a memorable scene where she actually confronts Judge Grogan (Donnelly Rhodes, 'Da Vinci's Inquest'), her former lover, in his court, over the matter of their failed relationship. And those final moments with Frank & Joyce as Frank confesses his fear of losing her is just riveting stuff.
The impressive roster of guest stars also includes Gregory Sierra ('Barney Miller'), De'voreaux White ("Die Hard"), Steven Williams ('21 Jump Street'), Ernie Sabella ("The Lion King"), Martin West ("Assault on Precinct 13"), and David Wiley ("Society").
Eight out of 10.
The writing is particularly powerful on this episode. We get real showcase moments for cast members Daniel J. Travanti, Joe Spano, and Rene Enriquez. (Ray has tried looking younger by wearing a ridiculous toupee (leading to a fair amount of humor), fearing that it is youth the powers-that-be respect when it comes to matters of promotion.) I especially loved the scene where Phil consoles Ray, who does earn some sympathy; it's never easy being the butt of jokes. The moments with Mick & Robin are very appealing as we get to see more of a domestic side of Mick. The material involving Henry is most effective. When *he* loses his cool, you can hardly blame him, although he does have the smarts to later admit his mistake to Frank. Fay also gets a memorable scene where she actually confronts Judge Grogan (Donnelly Rhodes, 'Da Vinci's Inquest'), her former lover, in his court, over the matter of their failed relationship. And those final moments with Frank & Joyce as Frank confesses his fear of losing her is just riveting stuff.
The impressive roster of guest stars also includes Gregory Sierra ('Barney Miller'), De'voreaux White ("Die Hard"), Steven Williams ('21 Jump Street'), Ernie Sabella ("The Lion King"), Martin West ("Assault on Precinct 13"), and David Wiley ("Society").
Eight out of 10.
