Ep 11. The Dentist

Barney Miller is a classic sitcom that showcases the life and work of a group of police officers in the fictional 12th precinct in New York City. Season 6 episode 11 is titled "The Dentist" and is a hilarious and heart-warming episode that provides a comical look at the everyday challenges of being a police officer.

The episode revolves around a visit from a dentist named Dr. Sears, who has been tasked with providing dental check-ups to all members of the 12th precinct. However, what seems like a routine check-up quickly spirals out of control as Dr. Sears accidentally doses the entire squad with laughing gas.

As the officers begin to feel the effects of the gas, chaos ensues, and they are forced to navigate their way through a hilarious and surreal situation. Meanwhile, Barney Miller, the sergeant in charge of the precinct, is dealing with his own set of problems, including a chronic toothache that he ironically delayed fixing due to his fear of the dentist.

In this episode, we get to see the softer side of the tough and stoic police officers as they experience the effects of the laughing gas. We also see them bond in ways that they never have before as they try to navigate the challenges of the situation.

The comedy in this episode is top-notch, and the performances by the cast are impressive, particularly the scenes where they are under the influence of the gas. Each character gets their chance to shine, and the chemistry between them is palpable.

Despite the comedy, there are also moments of heart and sincerity in this episode. We see the characters facing their fears and vulnerabilities, and learn more about their personal lives and struggles. These moments are balanced perfectly with the humor, making for a well-rounded episode that is both entertaining and poignant.

One of the standout moments of the episode is when Barney finally faces his fear of the dentist and gets his tooth fixed. The scene is touching and shows another side of the usually stoic sergeant. It also serves as a reminder that even tough guys have their fears and weaknesses and that it’s okay to seek help.

Overall, "The Dentist" is an excellent episode of Barney Miller that is both hilarious and heart-warming. It showcases the talents of the cast while offering an insightful and poignant look at the everyday challenges faced by police officers. Even though it was aired decades ago, this episode remains relevant and is definitely worth a watch.