Goldblume (an excellent Joe Spano) gets taken to task after he releases junkie Rivera (well played by Jorge Gil), who a day later runs several people over with a car. Buntz (the fantastic Dennis Franz) tries to save Furillo's (the always terrific Daniel J. Travanti) marriage after hearing a rumor that Davenport (sturdy Veronica Hamel) has been unfaithful. Belker (essayed with trademark growly gusto by Bruce Weitz) goes after a purse-snatching dog.
Goldblume really gets put through the ringer in this episode by both the press and his superiors alike, although it's more the fault of poor new regulations that don't work than his own fault. Moreover, it's nice to see Hunter (a fine James Sikking) get his lieutenancy back and try to help out Goldblume in his time of great need, plus Jack Andreozzi makes a welcome and amusing return appearance as the ever-amorous Sal the Plumber. In addition, this episode acquires a strong extra emotional punch by showing the grave consequences of one's own mistakes: Despite figuring out a way to beat the system and making a few positive changes, Goldblume still has to live with the guilt about the people who were killed by Rivera.
Goldblume really gets put through the ringer in this episode by both the press and his superiors alike, although it's more the fault of poor new regulations that don't work than his own fault. Moreover, it's nice to see Hunter (a fine James Sikking) get his lieutenancy back and try to help out Goldblume in his time of great need, plus Jack Andreozzi makes a welcome and amusing return appearance as the ever-amorous Sal the Plumber. In addition, this episode acquires a strong extra emotional punch by showing the grave consequences of one's own mistakes: Despite figuring out a way to beat the system and making a few positive changes, Goldblume still has to live with the guilt about the people who were killed by Rivera.
