Ep 2. Advancement

Barney Miller is an American sitcom that was televised for eight seasons from 1975 to 1982. It follows the professional and personal lives of the detectives of the 12th Precinct of the New York Police Department, led by Captain Barney Miller. Season 8 episode 2, entitled "Advancement," revolves around the tensions and aspirations of the precinct's detectives as they seek to advance their careers.

The episode begins with Sergeant Harris, one of the detectives in the 12th precinct, trying to convince Captain Miller to fill out his endorsement for the sergeants' exam. Harris is eager for promotion and believes that with the captain's recommendation he'll have better chances of success. However, Miller, who's still recovering from a cold, is skeptical about the value of the exam and the merit system in general, pointing out that merit doesn't always equate to ability.

At the same time, Detective Dietrich is feeling disillusioned with his job. He's been in the force for over 15 years and has yet to be promoted. His latest assignment involves helping a rookie detective, Nash, to apprehend a mugger who's been targeting women in the area. Dietrich is annoyed by Nash's lack of experience and mistakes, and feels that he's wasting his time teaching him the ropes.

Meanwhile, Detective Wojo is excited about the prospect of earning some extra cash. He's been approached by a lawyer who's willing to pay him $500 to testify in a case involving a man who claims he was falsely arrested for drug possession. Wojo is torn between his sense of justice and his desire for financial stability, as the money would be enough to cover his newly acquired mortgage.

As the day progresses, the detectives' aspirations and moral dilemmas clash with the realities of their job. Harris becomes increasingly frustrated when he learns that his recommendation letter doesn't actually carry that much weight, and that the exam is mostly a formality that will likely favor candidates who are well-connected or who've already taken it before. Dietrich's case takes a turn for the worse when Nash accidentally shoots and wounds an innocent bystander, causing him to question his own role as a mentor. Wojo's testimony in court is challenged by the defense lawyer, who suggests that his motives are purely financial, and that he's willing to lie in order to get paid.

Throughout the episode, the characters' conflicts are resolved in different ways. Harris decides to opt out of the sergeant's exam, realizing that the process is corrupt and that his place is in the field, not behind a desk. Dietrich sympathizes with Nash and learns to appreciate his youthful enthusiasm, realizing that he still has a lot to learn himself. Wojo testifies to the best of his knowledge and conscience, reaffirming his integrity and his commitment to the truth.

In the end, "Advancement" is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls and virtues of ambition in the workplace. The characters' struggles reflect the universal desire for recognition, and the difficult choices that come with it. The episode is also an homage to the show's trademark humor and social commentary, as it highlights the absurdities and ironies of the police profession.