Ep 7. Choice Cut

In the seventh episode of Hill Street Blues' first season, titled "Choice Cut," Captain Furillo is trying to bring together a seemingly fractured force as tensions come to a head between Officer Flaherty and Detective Washington. An African-American teenager is accidentally shot by Officer Flaherty in the heat of a chase, causing Detective Washington to call into question Flaherty's motives. Meanwhile, the in-house investigation of Furillo's department intensifies, and the pressure is beginning to take a toll on the Captain's personal and professional life.

The episode opens with a chase scene as Officer Flaherty and others pursue a suspect through a residential neighborhood. Amid the chaos of the chase and the yelling of fellow officers, Flaherty fires his weapon and hits a teenage boy who was playing basketball. The boy is critically injured and hospitalized, and Detective Washington immediately starts to investigate Flaherty's actions. Washington is a well-respected detective in the department, and his skepticism about Flaherty's motives causes tensions to rise among the officers of the Hill Street precinct.

As the investigation into the shooting progresses, Captain Furillo finds himself struggling to manage the division. He must deal with the fallout from the botched chase and the public outrage that follows, as well as the scrutiny of the department from internal affairs. Furillo is also concerned about the emotional wellbeing of his officers, particularly Flaherty, who is experiencing immense guilt and shame over his actions. Furillo is torn between supporting his team and holding them accountable for the mistakes they make in the line of duty.

The tensions between Flaherty and Washington escalate throughout the episode. Washington is convinced that Flaherty is a racist who purposely shot the teenage boy because he was black. Flaherty vehemently denies this allegation, insisting that he fired his weapon out of fear for his own life. The investigation reveals that Flaherty has a history of involvement in similar cases, further fueling Washington's doubts.

The rift between Flaherty and Washington eventually boils over in a dramatic scene. The two men engage in a physical altercation, resulting in Flaherty being injured and needing hospitalization. The other officers are divided in their allegiances, with some supporting Flaherty and others siding with Washington. The situation is further complicated by the actions of Officer Renko, who mistakenly shoots an unarmed suspect during a separate incident and waits to report it until after the investigation of Flaherty's shooting has concluded.

The episode concludes with Furillo addressing his team, acknowledging the pain and difficulties they are experiencing. He emphasizes the importance of working together as a team, reminding them that they all have the same goal of serving and protecting their community. He offers words of support and encouragement, and the episode ends with the officers looking to each other for support and solidarity.

"Choice Cut" is a powerful and intense episode of Hill Street Blues. It explores complex issues of race, power, and authority within law enforcement and the challenges of managing a team of officers who face constant danger and scrutiny. The tension and conflict between characters are palpable, and the episode's themes resonate with issues that are still relevant today. The stellar performances of the cast and the nuanced writing make this an unforgettable episode in the series' first season.