Ep 19. Kojak's Days (1)
- February 1, 1977
- 49 min
Kojak season 4 episode 19, titled "Kojak's Days (1)," follows Lieutenant Theo Kojak as he prepares to retire from the police force after 18 years of service. The episode opens with Kojak getting ready for work in the morning, but he is easily distracted by his wife, niece, and colleagues who all want to celebrate his retirement. Meanwhile, Kojak's team is trying to solve a complicated case involving a woman who was killed by a bomb meant for her husband, a wealthy businessman. The husband, who is a suspect in the murder, is uncooperative and refuses to talk to the police.
As the day progresses, Kojak's colleagues plan a surprise party for him at the station, but Kojak is hesitant to join in the festivities, knowing that he still has a case to solve. Despite his reservations, Kojak eventually relents and attends the party. There, he is surprised by the outpouring of affection from his colleagues and is touched by their thoughtful gifts and kind words.
In the midst of the celebration, Kojak receives a call that leads him to a pawn shop where he finds a piece of evidence that helps solve the case. He rushes back to the station to share the news and is met with cheers from his colleagues, who are thrilled that he was able to crack the case before his retirement.
As the episode draws to a close, Kojak reflects on his career as a police officer and the sacrifices he made for the job. He is grateful for the support of his colleagues and family and feels satisfied knowing that he made a difference in the city. The episode ends with Kojak packing up his office and saying goodbye to his colleagues, ready to start the next chapter of his life.
Overall, "Kojak's Days (1)" is a heartfelt and emotional episode that showcases Lieutenant Theo Kojak's dedication to his job and the love and admiration of his colleagues. It's a fitting tribute to the character and the actor who played him, Telly Savalas, who passed away just a few years after the episode aired.