Ep 13. The Hero

Barney Miller Season 1 Episode 13 'The Hero' revolves around the story of an old retired officer named Jack Soo, who visits the precinct to get his friend, Detective Barney's advice on his memoir. Jack is a war veteran who fought bravely and won the Medal of Honor. He is currently dealing with his wife who is pressuring him to get her pregnant.

As soon as he enters the precinct, he is greeted with admiration and respect from the squad. The squad members also express their gratitude to Jack for his service and bravery. The precinct's officers, including Wojo, Harris, and Fish also appreciate his heroic acts and share their stories with him.

While he is waiting for Barney's arrival, he meets a young boy, who desires to be a policeman like Jack. This boy is the son of one of the precinct's secretaries who sets up some kind of a meeting between Jack and the boy to encourage him to pursue his passion. The boy listens keenly to Jack's tales, which includes his life struggles, hardships, and how being a cop means doing the right thing even when it is hard.

After Barney arrives, he spends some time alone with Jack and learns that the veteran is struggling financially. Jack reveals that he hopes to publish his memoir and use the proceeds to improve his financial situation. However, Barney decides to help him out in a different way. Barney speaks to the Chief and proposes that Jack be rehired as an officer. Barney cites Jack's experience and exemplary record as a reason for his rehiring.

The Chief isn't convinced by Barney's argument since Jack had already retired from the force. Barney convinces him that Jack deserves a second chance to accomplish further feats of bravery. Soon after, the precinct becomes buzzing with excitement, as the squad shares their joy about Jack's return. The officers admire and respect Jack and are eager to work alongside him.

However, Jack's re-integration into the force is not without its hiccups. Some officers are wary about Jack returning and getting special treatment. Fish is one of them. In a conversation with Barney, Fish reveals that he had a difficult time when he came back from war and believes that Jack would have the same issues. Barney reassures him that Jack is a different person and the past shouldn't impact Jack's future.

The episode concludes with Jack writing a new chapter in his memoir, as he primes up for his first day at his new job. The episode ends with the entire precinct ready for him to prove his mettle in his new role, and the episode comes to a close on the sound of the siren as Barney and the rest of the team rush out.