Ep 8. The World According to Freedom

The World According to Freedom is the eighth episode of season two of the critically acclaimed drama series Hill Street Blues. The episode originally aired on November 26, 1981, on NBC.

The episode's central storyline revolves around the arrival of a new character, Freedom, a charismatic and enigmatic street hustler who soon becomes a thorn in the side of the Hill Street precinct. Freedom, played with swagger and wit by actor T.K. Carter, proves to be a force to be reckoned with as he plays cat and mouse with the officers of the precinct.

As the episode unfolds, the officers of Hill Street find themselves chasing down Freedom as he flouts the law with his schemes and cons. Freedom has his sights set on a wealthy businessman in the neighborhood and is determined to swindle him out of his money. The cops of Hill Street must use all of their wits and resources to catch Freedom before he pulls off his latest con.

Meanwhile, the episode also features several subplots, including a gripping storyline involving Officer Bobby Hill (Michael Warren), who finds himself facing disciplinary action after he fails to report his partner's use of excessive force during a bust. Hill must confront his guilt and navigate the politics of the department as he fights to protect his partner.

Another standout subplot in The World According to Freedom involves Sergeant Phil Esterhaus (Michael Conrad), who is forced to confront his own mortality when he undergoes surgery for a heart condition. As he faces the prospect of his own mortality, Esterhaus reflects on his life and the people he cares about.

The World According to Freedom features a host of great performances from the Hill Street Blues ensemble cast, including standout turns from Warren and Conrad. The episode is also notable for its tight pacing and gripping storytelling, as it seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

In addition to its compelling plot and strong performances, The World According to Freedom is also notable for its exploration of themes of power, corruption, and morality. The character of Freedom serves as a powerful symbol of the criminal elements that exist outside of the law, and the difficulties that law enforcement officers face in trying to combat them. The episode also touches on issues of accountability and responsibility, as the officers of Hill Street must grapple with the consequences of their actions and their duty to serve and protect.

Overall, The World According to Freedom is a standout episode in the second season of Hill Street Blues, representing the height of the show's strengths as a police procedural drama. With its intricate plotting, complex characters, and nuanced themes, the episode stands as a testament to the power of television as a storytelling medium and a reflection of the cultural issues of its time.