Ep 5. Heat Wave

Barney Miller season 2 episode 5, titled "Heat Wave," takes place during a sweltering New York City summer. The episode begins with the detectives of the 12th precinct, including Barney Miller (Hal Linden), Wojciehowicz (Max Gail), and Harris (Ron Glass), trying to stay cool in the precinct's air-conditioned office. However, they soon receive a series of unusual calls that draw them out into the blistering heat.

First, a gang of teenagers are reported to be spraying fire hydrants and causing chaos in the streets. Wojciehowicz and Harris respond to the call, but find that the teenagers are actually running a car wash to raise money for a local charity. Despite their good intentions, the teens are causing traffic problems and must be moved along.

Next, the detectives respond to a call about a group of people stuck in an overheated elevator. Upon arriving at the building, they discover that one of the passengers is in labor, and help deliver the woman's baby right there in the elevator. The scene is chaotic yet heartwarming, and the detectives are praised for their quick thinking and bravery.

Meanwhile, Barney and Fish (Abe Vigoda) are dealing with their own heat-related problems - the precinct's ancient air conditioning unit has broken down, and they must call in a technician to fix it. However, the repairman seems more interested in making advances on Barney's secretary, than actually fixing the unit, causing tension between Barney and the technician.

Another call comes in reporting a man shooting water from his fire escape onto passersby. When Harris and Wojciehowicz arrive on the scene, they find that the man is simply trying to cool down his sick wife in their stifling apartment. The detectives decide to let the man continue with his makeshift cooling system and leave him alone.

Throughout the episode, the heat and humidity wear on the detectives, making them short-tempered and exhausted. Adding to their stress, the precinct's phone system breaks down, leaving them unable to communicate with their colleagues in other departments. The detectives are forced to deal with their problems on their own, without the help of backups or additional resources.

Despite the difficulties, Barney and his team work tirelessly to keep the city safe and functioning during the heat wave. They encounter a variety of characters and situations throughout the episode, from a lovestruck repairman to a group of philanthropic teens. Along the way, they demonstrate their commitment to serving their community, no matter the weather or circumstance.

Barney Miller season 2 episode 5, "Heat Wave," is a lighthearted yet meaningful episode that highlights the dedication of New York City's public servants in the face of adversity. The high temperatures and technical difficulties add to the ongoing challenges faced by the 12th precinct, but the detectives persevere with humor, wit, and determination. The episode serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of those who work to uphold the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens.