Ep 15. Happy New Year

Barney Miller is a classic police sitcom that aired from 1975-1982 and has become a beloved favorite of many viewers. The show is set in New York City's 12th precinct and follows the daily lives of the police officers who work there. Season 2 episode 15, titled "Happy New Year," is a lighthearted and festive episode that deals with the New Year's Eve celebrations in the city.

The episode starts off with the precinct getting ready for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations. Everyone is in high spirits, looking forward to the party that will be taking place later in the evening. The officers are discussing their plans for the night and joking around with each other, making small talk about their hopes and dreams for the new year. It's a fun and light moment that shows the camaraderie and friendship that exists between the characters.

As the night progresses, the precinct receives several calls from people celebrating the new year a bit too loudly. The officers head out on their rounds to take care of these disturbances, each encounter bringing its own set of comedic moments. They encounter a group of teenagers vandalizing a storefront, a couple who have had too much to drink and are causing a disturbance in a restaurant, and a man who has lost his dog in the crowd.

The officers handle each call with their usual mix of professionalism and wit, defusing potentially dangerous situations with humor and creativity. The episode is filled with one-liners and witty banter, showcasing the comedic talents of the cast.

However, the episode is not all fun and games. A subplot focuses on Detective Fish, a gruff and elderly member of the precinct who is feeling alone and depressed on New Year's Eve. He's been through a lot in his life and has lost many friends and loved ones, making him somewhat of a curmudgeon. However, as the hours tick by and he becomes more and more despondent, the other officers begin to realize that he needs some company and support.

They rally around him, inviting him to the party and making sure he's not left alone. It's a heartwarming moment that shows the softer side of the usually tough and cynical Fish. The officers are like a family, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life, and this scene perfectly captures that sentiment.

As the night wears on, the precinct becomes even more festive, with music, dancing, and champagne flowing freely. The scene is raucous and joyous, with everyone letting loose and enjoying the moment. It's a fitting end to a fun and memorable episode, celebrating the hope and promise of a new year.

In conclusion, Barney Miller season 2 episode 15, titled "Happy New Year," is a classic example of the show's comedic style and heart. It's a fun and festive episode that captures the spirit of New Year's Eve in New York City, with great performances from the cast and plenty of comedic moments to keep the audience laughing. At the same time, it also has a touching subplot that shows the deep bonds that exist between the precinct's officers. It's an excellent episode that perfectly sums up what made Barney Miller such a beloved show.