Ep 5. The Election

Barney Miller season 3 episode 5 titled "The Election" follows the detectives of the 12th precinct on Election Day. As the team attends to their daily duties, they find themselves in the midst of a political scandal. A senatorial candidate has been accused of bribery and corruption, and the detectives are tasked with investigating the case.

Meanwhile, Barney Miller, the precinct captain, leads a heated debate among the staff about their own voting habits. Harris, Dietrich, and Wojo, each express different views and reasons as to why they choose to vote or abstain from voting. Personal politics and underlying beliefs are revealed, leading to a quarrel that overshadows the task at hand.

As they question witnesses and gather evidence, the detectives realize the complexity of the case as the accused senatorial candidate is known for his charitable work and noble deeds. Despite this, Barney Miller urges his team to remain unbiased and follow the trail of evidence laid out before them.

The detectives must navigate through political red tape, media scrutiny, and public opinion to uncover the truth. The investigation takes an unexpected turn when they discover a connection between the candidate and his accuser. The team is left to grapple with the moral dilemma of a case that is not as clear cut as it initially seemed.

Amidst the chaos and political pressure, the detectives must deal with their own personal struggles. Chano has to deal with an ex-girlfriend who unexpectedly shows up at the precinct. Meanwhile, Wojciehowicz is conflicted with his own political beliefs as his father runs for political office.

As tensions rise, the detectives come together to solve the case and make their own decisions when it comes to their civic duty. In a final twist, the team unravels a sinister plot that could upend the entire election process.

"The Election" is a thought-provoking episode that delves into the complexities of politics and morality. It tackles issues such as corruption, voter suppression, and the power of the media. The episode showcases the talents of the cast as they navigate through the intricate web of politics and justice.