Ep 7. The Prisoner

Barney Miller season 5 episode 7, titled "The Prisoner," centers around a young man named Jerry Mellman who has been arrested for stealing a microscope from a local science lab. Mellman is a high functioning autistic individual who is unable to communicate effectively with the police officers, leading the team at the 12th precinct to struggle to understand his motivations for the crime.

Throughout the episode, the detectives work tirelessly to deconstruct the details of the case and discover the root cause of Mellman's actions. Along the way, they encounter a series of challenges related to communication and interpersonal dynamics, including a heated disagreement between Wojciehowicz and Harris over how they should proceed with the investigation.

As the story unfolds, Barney and his team come to realize that Mellman is desperate to procure a piece of equipment for his own personal scientific experiments. Despite his limited communication skills and the insurmountable legal consequences he faces following his arrest, Mellman is unwavering in his commitment to his project, refusing to divulge any information about his experiments to the arresting officers or anyone else.

This refusal to share information about his work leads to a number of tense interactions between Mellman and various members of the precinct team. However, it's clear that Barney and his officers recognize Mellman's intelligence and technical skill, and they work hard to accommodate his unique needs and find a way to help him pursue his passion for scientific research in a more productive way.

Ultimately, the detectives are able to convince Mellman to reveal the details of his experiments and work with him to secure the necessary equipment he needs to continue his research. Along the way, they also learn a great deal about the challenges faced by individuals with autism, and work to develop a greater understanding of how to better support those who may struggle with communication issues.

The episode represents a significant departure from the more lighthearted episodes of Barney Miller, delving into complex issues of communication, disability, and understanding. However, it's clear that the talented cast and crew behind the series were more than up to the challenge, delivering a thought-provoking and insightful look at some of the most pressing issues facing individuals with special needs in our society. Whether you're a regular viewer of the series or just tuning in for this episode, you're sure to find this installment of Barney Miller to be both challenging and rewarding.