Ep 2. Experience

In Barney Miller season 1 episode 2 titled "Experience," the squad faces a series of unique and challenging cases. The episode opens with three young men getting arrested for breaking into a grocery store. The trio, who are all under the age of 18, claim that they were only trying to get food since they were starving. The officers must determine the best course of action to help these youngsters.

Meanwhile, another case involves a man who has been hit by a car. He was in the hospital for three days, but upon his release, he discovers that his luggage has been stolen. The man is a ballet dancer performing with a theater group, and the stolen items are essential for his performance. The officers scour the city to retrieve the stolen items before the performance.

In addition, the squad comes across a woman who complains that her neighbors are making too much noise. She is a member of the new-age movement and is annoyed by the excessive noise and vibrations, which she believes are disrupting her spiritual energy. The officers try their best to resolve the situation while also maintaining their professionalism.

The detectives also confront a woman who has been stealing money from her husband's business. The woman has been taking small amounts of money for months, and her husband has finally uncovered the theft. The detectives must determine how to proceed in this delicate and personal matter.

Finally, one the members of the squad, Detective Ron Harris, faces a personal dilemma. His girlfriend wants him to get a joint bank account, but he is hesitant. He is unsure about the ramifications of sharing a bank account and is apprehensive about losing control over his finances. His colleagues offer him various opinions and perspectives, but ultimately, he must weigh his options and make a decision.

Throughout "Experience," the officers encounter several ethical and moral dilemmas. They must navigate each situation with empathy, compassion, and professionalism. The episode also illustrates the challenges of police work, showcasing the difficult decisions that officers must make daily.

As in all episodes of Barney Miller, the humor is not forced. The jokes are clever and subtle, providing a welcome respite from the weightier topics the officers must address.

In the end, "Experience" is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode, illustrating the complexity and humanity of police work. The episode shows that being a police officer is not simply a matter of enforcing the law, but also about serving the community with tact, respect, and compassion.