Ep 1. Trial by Fury

An intense and gritty police drama, Hill Street Blues follows a squad of officers working in an inner-city precinct as they navigate the complexities of their job and personal lives. Season 3 kicks off with the episode Trial by Fury, which begins with the aftermath of a violent protest in the city. As the officers struggle to restore order, tensions run high between the police and the community they serve.

The episode opens with the precinct in chaos after a night of riots sparked by the controversial verdict in a high-profile police brutality case. Officers Bobby Hill (Michael Warren) and Mike Belker (Bruce Weitz) are sent to investigate an abandoned building that has been set on fire, and they discover a group of homeless people inside. Meanwhile, Captain Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti) faces pressure from his bosses to restore calm to the streets, even as he privately questions the actions of his fellow officers.

As the situation worsens, tensions arise between the police and the African American community. Officer Coffey (Ed Marinaro) becomes the target of a group of angry protesters, while undercover detective Neal Washington (Taurean Blacque) struggles to maintain his cover as a drug dealer. In the midst of the turmoil, detective Mick Belker is pursued by a gang of thugs determined to exact revenge on him for his role in a recent arrest.

As the officers gear up for a grueling day's work, they face not only physical danger, but also a moral dilemma. The trial of the police officer involved in the high-profile brutality case is about to begin, and everyone involved in the case knows it could spark even more violence on the streets. Furillo grapples with the knowledge that he may have to testify against his own officers, while other members of the squad are forced to confront their own beliefs about justice and the role of the police in their community.

Trial by Fury is a powerful and thought-provoking episode, exploring themes of race, violence, and the complex relationship between the police and the community they serve. With its gritty realism and complex characters, Hill Street Blues continues to be one of the most compelling police dramas ever to air on television. Fans of the show will be enthralled by this intense and unforgettable episode.