Adam-12 (TV Series) The Dinosaur (1971) User Reviews

Semi-cringeworthy

[tforbes-2 · 9/10 · 4 March 2020]

"The Dinosaur" concerns a police officer who had been off the force for eight years before returning. Officers Malloy and Reed end up being saddled with the officer, played by Warren Stevens. What we end up seeing is a case where someone who had been a highly respected officer back in the day not making it in times that have changed greatly.

The story line does not put the LAPD in the best light, but the acting here is good, and the story end pretty much sums up what was likely to happen. Given Mr. Stevens' good acting, one can wonder if he himself might have made a good addition to the series. The episode gets a high rating from his presence.

These Are The "New" Police Policies And Procedures

[StrictlyConfidential · 5/10 · 18 September 2020]

"The Dinosaur" is yet another episode from TV's "Adam-12" that (IMO) had both its fair share of good moments, as well as its not-so-good moments, too.

Anyway - As the story goes - After 8 long years of absence from the LAPD (due to on-the-job injuries), Art McCall is now returning to resume his duties as a patrol cop.

Teamed up with Officers Reed & Malloy - McCall soon finds out that his idea of being a good cop is now somewhat outdated with those who are presently on the police force.

And, with that in mind - It doesn't take long for McCall to realize that he is, indeed, a real dinosaur whenever he's among his fellow officers, trying to enforce the law.

McCall (Then) - A Great Cop - (Now) - A Lousy Cop

[strong-122-478885 · 3/10 · 18 March 2018]

Since this TV series smugly boasts that its incidents are, in fact, "true" - That, to me, renders this particular episode as being an unfavourable look at certain practices of the LAPD.

What I'm talking about is that police officer McCall had been out of the force for 8 long years and before giving him a proper refresher course on updated police procedures - He was sent directly out on real-life police duty with Malloy and Reed. And, with that, expected to fit right in. No questions asked.

If you ask me - If this was truly how the LAPD re-recruited ex-cops - That, to me, is a really sorry statement about their operation procedures. It really is.