Ep 3. Politics as Usual

Set in a fictional police precinct in the city of Chicago, Hill Street Blues follows the lives of the officers who work there as they navigate various cases and personal struggles. Season 1 episode 3, "Politics as Usual," focuses on the political entanglements that can arise in the world of law enforcement.

The episode begins with the precinct facing a crisis as a mayoral nominee is set to visit the station, but the officers are fighting amongst themselves over who should lead the honor guard that will greet him. The situation quickly devolves into a scramble for power, with officers taking sides and jockeying for position. This tension sets the stage for the rest of the episode, as the various characters deal with their own conflicts and ambitions.

One plotline centers around Sgt. Phil Esterhaus, who is asked by Captain Frank Furillo to speak at a community meeting in support of a new police contract. Though Esterhaus is a respected member of the force, he is also nervous about public speaking and unsure of his stance on the issue. As he prepares for the meeting, he grapples with his own doubts and anxieties, and eventually decides to take a stand based on his own convictions. Meanwhile, Furillo struggles with his own political maneuverings, as he tries to keep the precinct running smoothly while also dealing with pressure from the mayor's office.

Another plotline involves Officer Bobby Hill, who is shown to be struggling with addiction issues. As he deals with mounting debts and the temptation to use drugs, he also becomes embroiled in a scheme to sell confiscated weapons on the black market. Hill's storyline is balanced with that of his partner, Renko, who is portrayed as more level-headed and responsible. The two characters provide a contrast between those who can maintain their integrity in the face of temptation, and those who succumb to it.

In a third storyline, Officer Lucy Bates faces sexism from some of her male colleagues, who refuse to take her seriously as a cop. We see her struggle to prove herself and push back against these stereotypes, even as she faces obstacles in the form of both her coworkers and external threats on the job.

Overall, "Politics as Usual" highlights the many challenges that police officers face both on and off the job. Whether it's navigating political alliances, struggling with addiction, or facing discrimination, the episode demonstrates the complexity of the characters' lives and the high stakes of their work. At times intense and thought-provoking, the show also manages to offer moments of humor and levity amidst the drama. As the precinct braces itself for the mayoral nominee's arrival and deals with the fallout from various conflicts, we are left with a sense of the unpredictable nature of police work, and the complicated web of relationships that exists within any organization.