Ep 10. Gatorbait

In Hill Street Blues season 1 episode 10, titled "Gatorbait," the officers of the Hill Street precinct are faced with a number of difficult situations.

The episode begins with a disturbance at a local park, where a group of black youths are causing trouble. When the police arrive, they find that the gang is armed with knives and other weapons. One of the gang members, a young man named Gator, is arrested and taken to the station. The arresting officer, Bobby Hill, is convinced that Gator is responsible for a recent string of muggings and robberies in the area.

Meanwhile, Captain Furillo is dealing with a number of other issues. He is trying to convince a local businessman to testify against a corrupt city official, and he is also trying to keep the peace between his officers and the local community. Tensions are high, and Furillo must navigate a delicate balance to prevent things from boiling over.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Gator is not the only one responsible for the recent crime wave. Another member of the gang, who was not arrested, is actually the ringleader. Bobby Hill begins to suspect that Gator is innocent, but he struggles with his own biases and prejudices.

The tension between the police and the community comes to a head when a group of protesters gather outside the station to demand justice for Gator. Captain Furillo steps in to calm the situation, but he is met with hostility and resistance.

Overall, "Gatorbait" is a tense and gripping episode that explores issues of race, prejudice, and corruption in the criminal justice system. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the plot is both compelling and thought-provoking. It is a standout episode in what is already a groundbreaking and influential series.