Ep 9. The Judge

The popular 1970s police procedural sitcom, Barney Miller, was watched by millions of people across the United States during its eight seasons. The show's sixth season was particularly memorable, and one of the stand-out episodes in this season was "The Judge."

The episode opens with Barney Miller, the show's eponymous protagonist, overseeing the night shift at the 12th precinct of the New York City Police Department. Miller is a gruff but fair captain who is responsible for managing a cast of quirky characters who make up his team. In "The Judge," Miller and his staff are tasked with guarding a high-profile judge who has been targeted by a group of criminals seeking revenge. The judge, who has made a name for himself by handing down tough sentences, is being targeted by a group of criminals who are angry about his decisions.

Throughout the episode, the cops experience various challenges as they try to keep the judge safe. At times, the situation feels dire, as the perpetrators are both clever and determined to get to the judge. The gangsters take a variety of approaches to try to get to their target, including disguising themselves as couriers, trying to bribe the cops, and even making threats against the lives of the officers' families.

As the night wears on, the stakes get higher and the tension builds, and the audience can't help but feel a sense of anxiety about the outcome. Despite the danger, Captain Miller and his team have an unwavering determination to keep the judge safe, even in the face of mounting risks.

As the episode unfolds, we see glimpses of the individual personalities of the officers on the night shift. There’s Fish, an aging but knowledgeable detective who is always ready with sage advice, Harris, the intellectual and sometimes quick-tempered detective, Wojo, the by-the-book cop who takes his job very seriously, and Chano, a streetwise but good-hearted officer with a passion for salsa dancing. Together, they display a wide range of emotions, from fear and frustration to determination and clever strategy.

One of the great things about "The Judge" is that it's not just a gripping thriller. It also explores themes of justice, revenge, and the moral dilemmas that come with being a cop. Throughout the episode, we see the characters wrestling with their own beliefs and values about the nature of justice, and they're faced with some tough questions about what it means to be on the right side of the law. The characters debate on issues such as capital punishment and race relations in law enforcement.

Another standout aspect of "The Judge" is its ability to show the intricacies of policing and law enforcement. The show accurately depicts the real-life challenges that come with keeping people safe while also respecting civil liberties. We see the police walking a tightrope between being effective and keeping their charges safe without trampling over the rights of the people they're trying to protect. Barney Miller and his team are good cops who are dedicated to the people they serve, and they are committed to upholding the law, even when it's difficult.

Overall, "The Judge" is an excellent episode of a classic '70s sitcom that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are richly drawn, the writing is sharp, and the pacing is excellent. Viewers who appreciate smart, well-written television will undoubtedly enjoy this episode of Barney Miller.