Ep 4. The Hammer and the Glove

In the Heat of the Night is a TV crime drama series that ran from 1988 to 1995. The show is set in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi, and follows the investigations of the town's police chief, Bill Gillespie (played by Carroll O'Connor), and detective Virgil Tibbs (played by Howard Rollins).

Season 2 episode 4, titled "The Hammer and the Glove," follows the investigation of a series of armed robberies in Sparta. The first robbery took place at a gas station, where the store clerk was shot and killed. The second robbery took place at a convenience store, where the owner was severely beaten. The perpetrator in both cases was described as a black male.

As the investigation progresses, the Sparta police department receives a tip from a paid informant that leads them to a suspect: a young black man named Bo (played by Michael Spound). Bo has a criminal record and fits the description of the robber, but Tibbs is skeptical of his guilt and insists on further investigation.

Meanwhile, Gillespie is dealing with his own problems. He is being investigated by the city council after a citizen complains that he used excessive force during an arrest. He is also dealing with personal issues, as his daughter and her husband are going through a divorce.

As the episode progresses, Tibbs uncovers evidence that suggests that Bo may not be the real culprit. He enlists the help of a former criminal associate, Hammer Purdy (played by Moses Gunn), to gather information on the actual perpetrator. Hammer is reluctant to get involved, but Tibbs persuades him by appealing to their past friendship.

With the help of Hammer, Tibbs is able to track down and arrest the real robber, a white man named James (played by Ted Marcoux). James confesses to the crimes and gives the police information on his accomplice, who is also apprehended.

In the end, justice is served and the town of Sparta can rest easy knowing that the perpetrators have been caught. Gillespie is cleared of any wrongdoing by the city council, and Tibbs has once again proven his investigative skills. The episode ends with a touching scene between Gillespie and his daughter, where they reconcile and reaffirm their love for each other.

Overall, "The Hammer and the Glove" is a thrilling episode of In the Heat of the Night that showcases the show's engaging storytelling and talented cast. The themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption are explored in a thoughtful and thought-provoking way, making this episode a must-see for fans of the series.