Ep 12. Fish

In Season 2 Episode 12 of the classic police sitcom "Barney Miller," entitled "Fish," the detectives of the 12th precinct are thrown into chaos when one of their own goes missing. Detective Phil Fish (played by Abe Vigoda) has been with the squad for over twenty years, but lately he's been showing signs of age and weariness. His colleagues assume that he's taken a sick day off, or gone on vacation, but when he fails to show up after several days, they begin to worry.

The episode centers on the search for Fish, and the various reactions of his fellow cops to his disappearance. Barney (Hal Linden), the precinct captain, tries to remain hopeful, but he's secretly concerned that something terrible has happened to Fish. Detective Wojciehowicz (Max Gail) is frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, and starts to suspect that his colleagues aren't taking Fish's disappearance seriously enough. Meanwhile, Harris (Ron Glass) and Dietrich (Steve Landesberg) are more detached and analytical, approaching the case like any other missing person report.

As the days go by, tension mounts within the 12th precinct. Everyone starts to behave a little bit differently, as Fish's absence casts a pall over the squad room. Some of the detectives are edgy, snapping at each other over minor issues. Others become introspective, contemplating their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. And all of them are haunted by the ghost of Fish, a man whose life and career they have taken for granted until now.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, "Fish" is also a very funny episode of "Barney Miller." The show always excelled at finding humor in unexpected places, and here we see the detectives using gallows humor to cope with the situation. There are some classic moments of deadpan wit, particularly from Landesberg's character, who can wax philosophical about anything from existential despair to the nature of office supplies.

One of the standout scenes of the episode comes when Fish's wife, Bernice (played by Florence Stanley), comes to the precinct to ask for help finding her husband. Her interaction with the detectives is light-hearted and quirky, but we also sense her underlying fear and desperation. Bernice is a fascinating character in her own right, someone whose relationship with Fish sheds light on his personality and history.

Ultimately, "Fish" is a poignant meditation on aging, mortality, and the importance of human connection. While it's a bit of a departure from the show's usual tone, which tends to be more comedic and lighthearted, it's a testament to the writers' skill that they can handle such a serious subject matter with sensitivity and nuance. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Abe Vigoda delivering a touching and understated performance as Fish, and the supporting cast all shining in their respective roles.

Overall, "Fish" is a must-see episode of "Barney Miller," a show that still holds up as one of the greatest police sitcoms of all time. It's a masterclass in how to blend humor and tragedy, and a reminder that even the most jaded cops have hearts that can be touched.