Ep 12. Toys

Barney Miller season 5 episode 12, titled "Toys," is a classic sitcom episode featuring the beloved characters of the 12th precinct. The episode begins with Officer Levitt, an eager and slightly neurotic officer, showing off a brand new electronic toy. The toy, called the "TriPhibianTM," is a futuristic amphibious vehicle that can operate on land, in water, and even in the air. Levitt is over the moon about his new acquisition and can't wait to take it out for a spin.

Meanwhile, the rest of the squad is dealing with a series of unusual cases. Detective Wojo is investigating a string of burglaries in the area, while Detective Harris is grappling with a particularly difficult suspect in the interrogation room. Captain Barney Miller is trying his best to keep all the pieces together and keep the station running smoothly.

As the day unfolds, each member of the squad is drawn into Officer Levitt's obsession with the TriPhibianTM. They all take turns testing out the vehicle and weighing in on its various features and capabilities. However, as they become more and more enamored with the toy, they start to neglect their duties and responsibilities as police officers.

Detective Harris is called away from his interrogation to deal with a situation involving the TriPhibianTM, which has gotten stuck in a tree. Detective Wojo, meanwhile, is distracted from his burglary case by the allure of the vehicle. Even Captain Miller finds himself drawn in, spending precious time away from his paperwork to examine the gadgetry of the TriPhibianTM.

As the day wears on, the members of the 12th precinct become more and more consumed with the toy. They start to argue over who gets to use it next and how best to navigate its complex control panel. Eventually, they reach a breaking point when Officer Levitt announces that he plans to take the TriPhibianTM home with him at the end of the day.

This sparks a heated debate among the squad as they try to determine who actually owns the toy and who has the right to use it. In the end, they realize that they've all been neglecting their duties as police officers and decide to put the TriPhibianTM aside in order to focus on their jobs.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note as Officer Levitt reluctantly agrees to return the toy to its rightful owner. However, the members of the 12th precinct have learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of distraction and the importance of staying focused on their responsibilities.

Overall, "Toys" is a classic episode of Barney Miller that showcases the show's signature blend of comedy and social commentary. It highlights the relatable struggle of balancing work and play, and serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned distractions can have serious consequences.