Ep 1. Ramon

In the very first episode of Barney Miller's first season, the Brooklyn police department is immediately hit with a case involving a high-strung Puerto Rican gentleman named Ramon. Ramon finds himself in quite the predicament when he walks into the station claiming he has just stabbed his co-worker, but can't remember exactly where he left the body.

Captain Barney Miller tries to get to the bottom of the situation while also dealing with a medley of other cases, ranging from a political activist who's been arrested for disorderly conduct at a local demonstration, to a man who's been caught shoplifting.

Throughout the episode, Ramon repeatedly insists that he wants to confess to the murder in order to simply be put out of his misery. Miller and his team don't quite know what to do with the man, as he insists he doesn't remember where he stashed the body, and even goes so far as to describe various places he definitely didn't leave it, including outside a candy store and in a trash bin.

Despite the severity of the murder case, the episode manages to find plenty of opportunities for some comedic relief. Throughout the episode, there are a few stand-out moments of levity, including one particular exchange between Detective Fish, who's worried about Ramon's insinuations of borderline insanity, and a psychologist who is called in to examine the suspect.

Overall, Ramon does a good job of introducing the audience to the cast of characters at the Brooklyn precinct, with each member of the team contributing something unique to the storyline. The episode is a case study in the delicate art of balancing humor with more serious subject matter, and it does so effortlessly, managing to broach sensitive topics while still leaving the audience laughing.

If you're a fan of classic TV shows that pair police work with humor, Barney Miller, and specifically, Ramon, is the perfect place to start. The episode is a snapshot of a time when TV shows didn't need to rely on graphic violence or explicit language to drum up interest - it's fun, it's witty, and it's just a little bit silly.

With its deft writing and heartfelt performances, Ramon is an excellent introduction to the world of Barney Miller, and it's a perfect example of why the series remains a beloved staple of American television. Do yourself a favor and check it out - you'll be glad you did.