Ep 17. Shooter

After a rocky start, Hill Street Blues season 2 hits its stride with its 17th episode, "Shooter." The episode revolves around an intense, city-wide manhunt for a sniper who has already killed two police officers and injured several others. The shooter is targeting anyone in a blue uniform, and tensions are high as the police department works to catch him before anyone else gets hurt.

The episode is split between several different plotlines, with the sniper investigation providing the overarching tension throughout. In addition to the manhunt, we see characters dealing with personal struggles and conflicts, both inside and outside of the police department.

Sergeant Phil Esterhaus is dealing with a difficult case involving an abused foster child, who he's trying to place in a temporary home before she's sent to a mental institution. Lieutenant Howard Hunter is struggling to deal with his own issues after his estranged wife shows up at the station, looking for a place to stay. And Sergeant Lucy Bates is dealing with a snitch who's refusing to testify against a gang member, putting her in a dangerous position.

Despite the varied storylines, the tension never lets up as the shooter continues to elude the police. The stakes are high, and the show does a masterful job of building suspense and keeping the viewer on edge. As the episode progresses, we see the toll that the investigation is taking on the officers, both physically and emotionally. The stress and fear are palpable, and the show doesn't shy away from showing the toll that police work can take on those who do it.

The acting in "Shooter" is top-notch, with the entire ensemble delivering strong performances. In particular, the chemistry between Daniel J. Travanti's Captain Furillo and Veronica Hamel's Joyce Davenport is a highlight. Their relationship is complicated and nuanced, with both actors bringing their A-game to every scene they share.

One of the standout moments of the episode is a scene in which Furillo and Davenport discuss their fears and doubts about the investigation. It's a quiet, intimate scene that showcases the depth of their relationship and the strength of their characters. It's a rare moment of vulnerability in a show that's often brutal and unflinching.

Another standout element of the show is its use of music. Throughout "Shooter," we hear snippets of a mournful trumpet solo, which adds to the sense of foreboding and sadness that permeates the episode. The music is used sparingly, but it's incredibly effective when it does appear.

Overall, Hill Street Blues season 2 episode 17, "Shooter," is a masterclass in tension and suspense. The episode never lets up, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat until the thrilling conclusion. It's a showcase for the excellent cast and the talented writers, and it's a reminder of why this show is still regarded as one of the best police dramas of all time.