If I told you this episode was broadcast 41 years ago and starred Leroy Jethro Gibbs, would you believe it? Or would you care? It took me a while to recognize him but my wife caught it right away. Good episode and Harmon makes all the rookie mistakes required in a Jack Webb production. By now Molloy was on the way out so he only makes a token appearance. Still a good episode from a time when cops were respected even by the bad guys.
3 Reviews
"You Must Be The One They Call, 'The Kid'." (Gary Larson, "The Far Side")
chashans4 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Malloy is out of the Patrol Car while he fills in for Sergeant MacDonald who is away on special assignment. However, Malloy still plays an integral role and appears throughout the episode.
Reed is partnered with rookie Officer Gus Corbin. Corbin, played by then 24 year old actor Mark Harmon, has a lot to learn. As does any rookie cop just starting out. Leo V. Gordon returns yet again to "Adam-12", but this outing he's only the episode's writer. He unfortunately doesn't appear, therefore missing out on a chance to play one of his usual hulkish tough guys, frightening the tar out of the new kid cop.
"Kid Cop" is exactly Officer Corbin's main problem. He appears too youthful to the public, even being assumed by one young girl to be around 18 years of age. This matter of age problem consumes Corbin and causes him to get sloppy in his work.
It's an interesting aspect of the character. It's also fun to watch Reed being frustrated and worried for the young cop. Viewers will recall that it wasn't so long ago when it was Reed for whom Malloy used to get frustrated and worried. Best though, is actor Martin Milner's Malloy riding the range between quiet concern and blazing fury when the Rookie makes a couple massive mistakes. There are armed bad-guys involved when Corbin makes these mistakes, so Malloy is absolutely correct in his verbal wrath.
One wonders if this episode and the following, were produced with the thought of a possible new path for Adam-12 in a further 8th season of the series. Martin Milner would be exiting, leaving for a new show, "Swiss Family Robinson". Perhaps there were hopes that Kent McCord would continue on the show, teamed with a new partner. Rookies Gus Corbin and Dana Hall (from the next episode) could have been viewed by the show's production team as contending characters to ride in Adam-12's passenger seat. Either character would have been an interesting permanent addition. The Dana Hall character certainly would have presented a very different dynamic in a continuation of the series. However, Adam-12's writers and producers would end up taking actor Kent McCord's Officer Jim Reed character in a very different direction in the upcoming 2-part series finale.
Reed is partnered with rookie Officer Gus Corbin. Corbin, played by then 24 year old actor Mark Harmon, has a lot to learn. As does any rookie cop just starting out. Leo V. Gordon returns yet again to "Adam-12", but this outing he's only the episode's writer. He unfortunately doesn't appear, therefore missing out on a chance to play one of his usual hulkish tough guys, frightening the tar out of the new kid cop.
"Kid Cop" is exactly Officer Corbin's main problem. He appears too youthful to the public, even being assumed by one young girl to be around 18 years of age. This matter of age problem consumes Corbin and causes him to get sloppy in his work.
It's an interesting aspect of the character. It's also fun to watch Reed being frustrated and worried for the young cop. Viewers will recall that it wasn't so long ago when it was Reed for whom Malloy used to get frustrated and worried. Best though, is actor Martin Milner's Malloy riding the range between quiet concern and blazing fury when the Rookie makes a couple massive mistakes. There are armed bad-guys involved when Corbin makes these mistakes, so Malloy is absolutely correct in his verbal wrath.
One wonders if this episode and the following, were produced with the thought of a possible new path for Adam-12 in a further 8th season of the series. Martin Milner would be exiting, leaving for a new show, "Swiss Family Robinson". Perhaps there were hopes that Kent McCord would continue on the show, teamed with a new partner. Rookies Gus Corbin and Dana Hall (from the next episode) could have been viewed by the show's production team as contending characters to ride in Adam-12's passenger seat. Either character would have been an interesting permanent addition. The Dana Hall character certainly would have presented a very different dynamic in a continuation of the series. However, Adam-12's writers and producers would end up taking actor Kent McCord's Officer Jim Reed character in a very different direction in the upcoming 2-part series finale.
Another Busy Shift
StrictlyConfidential29 December 2020
(Officer Reed to Officer Malloy quote*) - Just don't get hung up playing desk jockey."
While Sgt. MacDonald is away on special assignment, Officer Malloy takes the temporary position of being shift commander.
In the meantime - Officer Reed is teamed up with Officer Corbin who is a recent graduate from the LA Police Academy.
From traffic violators, to purse snatchers, to pawn shop robbery - It's all in a day's work for the boys of Adam-12.
While Sgt. MacDonald is away on special assignment, Officer Malloy takes the temporary position of being shift commander.
In the meantime - Officer Reed is teamed up with Officer Corbin who is a recent graduate from the LA Police Academy.
From traffic violators, to purse snatchers, to pawn shop robbery - It's all in a day's work for the boys of Adam-12.
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