Ep 3. Snow Job

Barney Miller season 1 episode 3, titled "Snow Job," is an entertaining police procedural that first aired on ABC on February 6, 1975. The episode is set in the fictional 12th precinct of New York City, where the detectives deal with a variety of quirky crimes and colorful characters.

The episode opens on a snowy night, with the 12th precinct bustling with activity as the officers deal with the aftermath of a big storm. The comedic tone of the show is immediately apparent, as we see the officers struggling to cope with the chaos and confusion caused by the snow. The mood is light and jovial, with the characters exchanging witty banter as they go about their duties.

As the action unfolds, we meet a colorful cast of characters who have been brought in for various offenses. There's a man who was caught joyriding in a stolen car, a drunken college student who got into a fight, and a delusional woman who believes she is the reincarnation of Cleopatra. But the main storyline of the episode revolves around a robbery that occurred during the storm.

A group of thieves broke into a nearby sporting goods store and made off with a haul of valuable merchandise. The detectives are forced to methodically piece together the clues to try to track down the criminals. As they interview witnesses, examine fingerprints, and analyze the evidence, they slowly start to build a case.

Interspersed with the scenes of police work are various other subplots and comic moments, which help to keep the episode light and entertaining. We see Officer Wojo trying to corral a rowdy prisoner, Detective Fish grumpily navigating the chaos of the precinct, and Barney Miller dealing with the administrative duties that come with his role as captain of the 12th precinct.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives begin to home in on a likely suspect, a man named Dennis Kemper. Through some clever detective work, they manage to bait Kemper into returning to the scene of the crime, where they finally apprehend him. The episode ends on a high note, with the officers congratulating each other on a job well done.

Overall, "Snow Job" is a charming, witty, and entertaining episode of Barney Miller. It captures the whimsical spirit of the series, with its quirky characters, zany situations, and offbeat humor. While the investigation itself is intriguing, it's the characters who really make the episode shine. The chemistry between the actors is fantastic, and the dialog is sharp and snappy. Whether you're a longtime fan of Barney Miller or just discovering the show for the first time, "Snow Job" is an episode that's sure to leave you smiling.