Ep 1. Sledge Hammer

Sledge Hammer! Season 1 Episode 1: "Under the Hammer"

In the premiere episode of "Sledge Hammer!", titled "Under the Hammer," we are introduced to the offbeat and eccentric protagonist, Inspector Sledge Hammer. Set in the gritty streets of San Francisco, this action-comedy series quickly establishes its unique blend of outrageous humor and thrilling crime-solving.

The episode begins with a bang as we witness the aftermath of a daring bank heist. Inspector Sledge Hammer, a tough-as-nails police officer, enters the scene with his signature 44 Magnum revolver. Outrageously unconventional and possessing a fondness for violence, Sledge takes matters into his own hands as he apprehends the criminals in his own inimitable style, resorting to brute force and excessive firepower.

However, Sledge's unorthodox methods quickly land him in hot water with his superiors. Believing him to be too much of a liability, they decide to forge his retirement for being psychologically unfit. Sledge is demoted to desk duty, which he detests, and forced to work under the oversight of his new captain, the no-nonsense Trunk.

Refusing to accept his fate, Sledge becomes determined to prove himself indispensable once again. His opportunity arises when a notorious serial killer, the "Brain Dasher," resurfaces in San Francisco. The Brain Dasher has been terrorizing the city with his calculated murders, outsmarting the police at every turn. Sledge sees this as his chance to redeem himself, solve the case, and prove that he is the best cop in town.

With his trusted partner, Detective Dori Doreau, by his side, Sledge sets out to catch the Brain Dasher. But Dori, known for her more level-headed approach to police work, finds it difficult to support Sledge's overzealous and reckless tactics. Their conflicting styles make for a hilarious and entertaining dynamic as they track down the elusive killer.

As the investigation progresses, Sledge's unorthodox methods continue to put his team in danger. Despite the skepticism of his colleagues, Sledge's undeniable intuition and determination guide him toward the truth. Along the way, he stumbles upon a series of bizarre clues that challenge both his sanity and his ability to solve the case.

As the episode reaches its suspenseful climax, Sledge and Dori find themselves in a life-or-death confrontation with the Brain Dasher. Facing insurmountable odds and with lives hanging in the balance, Sledge must summon every ounce of his courage and ingenuity to outsmart the cunning killer.

"Under the Hammer" serves as an introduction to the wild world of "Sledge Hammer!" and its unapologetically outrageous brand of humor. With its larger-than-life characters and action-packed sequences, the episode sets the tone for the series' distinctive blend of comedy and crime-solving.

In this episode, viewers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of laughter, suspense, and unexpected twists. As Sledge Hammer, played brilliantly by David Rasche, takes center stage, his overzealous dedication to justice and excessive use of force will make audiences both cringe and chuckle.

"Under the Hammer" lays the foundation for the memorable partnership between Sledge and Dori, played by Anne-Marie Martin. Their contrasting approaches to police work create a delightful and often hilarious clash of personalities.

Ultimately, this episode introduces us to a world where nothing is quite what it seems, where justice is served with a heavy dose of chaos and absurdity. "Under the Hammer" sets the stage for the madcap adventures that await Sledge Hammer, promising a series filled with laughs, action, and hilarious crime-solving.