Ep 6. Cranky Streets

In Hill Street Blues Season 2 Episode 6, titled "Cranky Streets," the Hill Street precinct is faced with an array of challenging situations as the officers try to keep the streets of their city safe. The episode is set against the backdrop of an uptick in crime activity, which puts a heavy strain on the precinct and its officers.

One of the compelling plot points of the episode is the return of Officer Mayo, played by Taurean Blacque. Mayo had a long-standing feud with Detective Washington, which started during the first season of the show. In this episode, Mayo is tasked with working with Washington, as they investigate a case together. While both officers try to keep things professional, tensions arise as they struggle to put their differences aside and work together.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Phil Esterhaus, who is played by Michael Conrad, is dealing with the fallout from a previous case where the victim was left paralyzed. Esterhaus is feeling a tremendous amount of guilt over the incident and is struggling to come to terms with his involvement. He turns to his trusted friend and coworker, Officer Bobby Hill, for guidance and support.

As the day progresses, the precinct is inundated with a wide variety of cases, from minor traffic violations to a bank robbery. Amidst all of the chaos, the officers also have to deal with an unruly homeless person who is causing a disturbance in the precinct. The character, who is known as "The Pitbull," is portrayed by actor Monty McCutcheon. The Pitbull is a frequent figure on the show, and he is often portrayed as an unpredictable and volatile presence.

In the midst of all the chaos, the officers also have to deal with their personal lives. Officer Lucy Bates, played by actress Betty Thomas, is struggling with the aftermath of a breakup, while Lieutenant Howard Hunter, played by James B. Sikking, is grappling with the fact that his elderly mother is starting to lose her grip on reality.

The episode does an excellent job of weaving together the different plot threads and giving each character a chance to shine. There are plenty of tense and emotional moments, as well as some lighthearted moments of humor. One of the standout scenes of the episode involves a hilarious exchange between Sergeant Esterhaus and Lieutenant Hunter, where they discuss the pros and cons of different types of fruit.

Overall, "Cranky Streets" is an engaging and well-crafted episode of Hill Street Blues. It showcases the show's strengths, which are its strong ensemble cast, intricate plotting, and its willingness to tackle complex and challenging issues. Fans of the show will undoubtedly appreciate this episode, which is sure to leave them wanting more.