Hill Street Blues (TV Series) The Belles of St. Mary's (1983) User Reviews

On the money episode

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 7 July 2015]

LaRue (Kiel Martin in peak sleazy form) tries to take advantage of sharp-tongued comic Vic Hitler (a spot-on sidesplitting portrayal by Terry Kiser), who has a ton of unpaid parking tickets. Belker (well played by Bruce Weitz) endangers his relationship with Robin (solid Lisa Sutton) by trying to protect her. Goldblume (an excellent Joe Spano) and Calletano (an able Rene Enriquez) clash over rank and seniority. Coffey (likable Ed Marinaro) has his hands full dealing with a man who's high on PCP.

Calletano's concern about how he's getting older and hence is afraid he hasn't achieved all of his goals that he set for himself provides several strong and touching moments. Ditto the situation with Furillo (the always outstanding Daniel J. Travanti) worrying about Davenport (a top-rate Veronica Hamel) leaving him if she accepts a new job offer. Harry Caesar and Whitman Mayo are both funny and moving as a couple of elderly homeless guys who want to go to jail in order to improve their dire lots in life. Dennis Burkley contributes a frightening turn as monstrous brute Sonny while Pat Corley makes a welcome appearance as cagey coroner Nydorf. Plus it's a kick to see a young pre-Brat Back Ally Sheedy as a member of a group of visiting high school students.

Another cracking episode.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 27 May 2023]

Once again, Frank is having to deal with a lot of things. While Ray & Henry have a heated exchange, and Ray pouts over his lack of advancement, Fay drops a bombshell on Frank. He is also NOT doing a good job of accepting Joyces' possible career advancement, and the possibility of losing her.

Mick causes Robin some embarrassment when he steps in for her during a brawl with out of control perp Lynn Tatum (Willard E. Pugh, "The Color Purple"). Later, Tatum is found dead in his cell, and with Joe being one of the last people to see him alive, he falls under suspicion. J. D. Thinks he sees another opportunity to strike it rich by promoting fast-talking comedian Vic Hitler (a very engaging Terry Kiser, of "Weekend at Bernie's" fame). He becomes Vics' advocate, just as Mick does for old men Barney (Whitman Mayo, 'Sanford and Son') and Fred (Harry Caesar, "The Longest Yard"). Desperate for money, the two sad cases had staged an armed robbery.

'The Belles of St. Mary's' rates as more top entertainment, as only this cast & crew can deliver. It achieves an admirable balancing act between silly comedy (an addict played by Marco Rodriguez is always acting out inside the station) and some poignant drama. You do feel bad for the old men, and can't help but like the upbeat Vic, who naturally doesn't like to have to utter his last name.

Recurring players such as Pat Corley, Gregory Sierra, and Trinidad Silva (a hoot as always) combine with other superb guest stars like Ally Sheedy ("The Breakfast Club"), Dennis Burkley of "Mask" (playing a thug named Sonny Crockett) and Larry D. Mann ("The Sting"), while the entire main cast is in typically fine form.

A treat to watch from beginning to end.

Eight out of 10.

The Appearance of Hitler

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 17 July 2021]

LaRue, always the opportunist, decides to help comedian Vic Hitler who owes the city a bunch for parking tickets he has not paid. A man who was jailed on pcp dies in his cell and somehow Joe becomes a possible suspect. Frank is incredibly childish when it comes to Joyce's possible promotion. He is really in her face about this. Two old men who tried to hold up a grocery store to get something to eat face charges and Belker becomes their advocate. Callatano continues to pout but his job is administrative.