Ep 17. Fear of Flying

Barney Miller season 2 episode 17, titled "Fear of Flying," follows the detectives of the 12th precinct as they deal with various cases while dealing with their own insecurities and anxieties.

The episode begins with Detective Stan Wojciehowicz expressing his fear of flying to the rest of the squad. Captain Barney Miller tries to alleviate his fears by telling him that he's flown many times without issue. The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of a man who claims to have been mugged in the park.

While investigating the case, the detectives come across a man named Marty, who they believe to be lying about his involvement in the mugging. However, when they bring Marty into the station for questioning, he suffers from a heart attack, and the detectives are forced to act quickly to save his life.

As Marty is taken away in an ambulance, the detectives receive a call from a man who claims to have shot his wife. The detectives rush to the scene and find the man holding a gun to his head. With the help of a negotiator, the detectives are able to talk the man down and arrest him.

Back at the station, Detective Nick Yemana shares his own fear of dying, which leads to a lighthearted conversation about death and dying among the detectives. Meanwhile, Detective Wojciehowicz receives a call from his girlfriend, who tells him that she's going to Europe for six weeks. This news only heightens Wojciehowicz's fear of flying.

As the day winds down, the detectives receive another call, this time from a group of vigilantes who are patrolling the streets and trying to catch a rapist. The detectives arrive on the scene and try to convince the vigilantes to leave the police work to them. However, the vigilantes are stubborn and refuse to back down.

The episode concludes with Detective Wojciehowicz taking a leap of faith and agreeing to fly with his girlfriend to Europe. In the end, each detective confronts their fears and anxieties, showing that even the strongest of people have their own vulnerabilities.

Overall, "Fear of Flying" is an engaging and emotional episode of Barney Miller, dealing with themes of fear, mortality, and community. The episode's focus on the detectives' personal insecurities adds a layer of depth to the show's already engaging characters, making for a memorable and meaningful viewing experience.