Ep 7. The Recluse

Barney Miller season 3 episode 7, titled "The Recluse," follows the detectives of the 12th precinct as they try to solve a mysterious case involving a famous author who has been living as a recluse for decades.

The episode begins with Barney and his team discussing their current cases when they receive a call from a woman claiming that her husband, a famous writer named Ronald Pelchat, has gone missing. According to his wife, Pelchat has been living as a recluse for the past 30 years and rarely leaves his apartment. His wife is worried because he did not leave a note or any indication of where he may have gone.

Barney and his team immediately begin their investigation by visiting Pelchat's apartment. Upon arriving, they find that the apartment is in disarray and there are no signs of forced entry. However, they do find a manuscript that Pelchat had been working on, entitled "The Recluse." The novel tells the story of a man who chooses to withdraw from society and live as a recluse.

As they continue to search for clues, the detectives begin to unravel the mystery of Pelchat's disappearance. They discover that he had become increasingly paranoid in recent months, convinced that someone was spying on him. They also learn that Pelchat had been receiving threatening letters, which had caused him to become even more reclusive.

Armed with this information, Barney and his team narrow down their pool of suspects to a few individuals who had been in contact with Pelchat in the days leading up to his disappearance. They interview each of these suspects, hoping to find a break in the case.

As the investigation continues, tensions begin to rise between the detectives. Fish is particularly on edge, due to a personal issue that is affecting his job performance. However, Barney helps him work through these issues, allowing him to refocus on the task at hand.

In the end, the detectives are able to solve the case and uncover the truth about Pelchat's disappearance. The episode ends on a poignant note, as Barney reflects on the idea of living as a recluse and the impact it can have on a person's life.

Overall, "The Recluse" is a compelling episode of Barney Miller that explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the human desire for connection. With its expertly crafted storyline and memorable characters, this episode is a standout example of the show's ability to blend humor and drama in equal measure.