Ep 18. Hearts and Minds

In Hill Street Blues season 1 episode 18, titled "Hearts and Minds," the officers of the Hill Street precinct must handle a range of crimes and conflicts. The episode begins with Sergeant Phil Esterhaus leading the morning roll call briefing, during which he reminds the officers to keep an eye out for a potentially dangerous suspect who is targeting women in the area.

One of the central storylines of the episode involves the attempted rape of a young woman named Lisa. When Lisa goes to the police station to report the attack, officer Andy Renko is tasked with interviewing her. Renko is initially skeptical of Lisa's story, but as he continues to talk to her, he realizes that she is telling the truth. Renko and Detective Bobby Hill work together to track down the perpetrator, but they face a number of challenges along the way.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Phil Esterhaus is dealing with a crisis of his own. His ex-girlfriend, Grace, has come to visit him at the precinct, and she has some troubling news. Grace tells Esterhaus that their daughter, whom Esterhaus has not seen in years, is in trouble. Esterhaus is torn between his duty as a police officer and his desire to help his daughter.

The episode also includes a number of smaller subplots, each of which adds color and depth to the world of Hill Street Blues. For example, Officer Lucy Bates deals with a rowdy group of teenagers who are causing trouble in a convenience store. Detective Henry Goldblume visits his old friend and mentor, who is dying of cancer. And Captain Frank Furillo tries to negotiate a union contract with the officers of the precinct.

As always, the episode is characterized by the complex relationships and rich, nuanced characters that make Hill Street Blues such a beloved and enduring television show. Each of the officers must navigate their own personal struggles while also dealing with the often-harrowing realities of their job. "Hearts and Minds" is a powerful example of the show's ability to tackle difficult subjects with grace and sensitivity.