Ep 2. Hash

Barney Miller season 2 episode 2, titled "Hash", follows the detectives of the 12th Precinct as they handle a variety of quirky cases on a busy day. The episode begins with Detective Fish arriving at the station in an unusual state. He is acting very erratically and is unable to articulate what he needs. As the day progresses, it becomes clear that Fish has accidentally ingested some hashish that was meant for a suspect in an ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the other detectives are dealing with a range of cases, including a man who has been stabbed in the back by his wife, a store owner who has been robbed, and a young woman who claims to have been raped by a clown. The detectives approach each case with their characteristic humor and professionalism, despite the many distractions caused by Fish's altered state.

As the day wears on, Fish's condition worsens. He becomes increasingly paranoid and hallucinates that he is being pursued by a group of hippies. The other detectives are forced to step in and keep Fish's behavior from escalating out of control. Eventually, they are able to get Fish to a hospital where he can be treated for his reaction to the hashish.

As the episode wraps up, the other cases have all been resolved. The wife who stabbed her husband is revealed to have done so in self-defense, and the store owner's thief is apprehended. The case of the alleged clown rapist turns out to be a misunderstanding when it is discovered that the young woman had actually hired the clown to accompany her to a party.

Overall, "Hash" is a fun and entertaining episode that showcases the ensemble cast's comedic talents and skill at handling a range of difficult cases. While the central plotline of Fish's accidental ingestion of drugs may have seemed daring for TV at the time, the show handles it with its signature blend of humor and sensitivity to real-world issues. Barney Miller season 2 episode 2 is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone looking for a lighthearted take on the serious business of police work.