Television Review: A Shot in the Dark (Homicide: Life in the Street, S1X04, 1993)
A Shot in the Dark (S01E04)
Airdate: 24 February 1993
Written by: Jorge Zamagona
Directed by: Bruce Paltrow
Running Time: 47 minutes
Fourth episode opf Homicide: Life on the Street presents intertwines two significant multi-episode story arcs from previous episode. The resolution of one of these arcs, however, might strike more cynical viewers as overly tidy or conveniently wrapped up.
First arc revolves around the shooting of Officer Chris Thormann, portrayed by Lee Tergesen. Following his injury, Thormann's life is not in immediate peril, but the long-term consequences of his condition remain uncertain. While he is able to communicate, it is revealed that he will be blind for life, a fact that weighs heavily on his friend and colleague, Detective John Crosetti (played by Jon Polito). As Crosetti and Detective Lewis (played by Clark Johnson) interrogate Alfred Smith (Mojo Gentry), who has been identified as Thormann’s shooter by eyewitness Charles Flavin (played by Larry Hull), they face significant challenges. Smith’s refusal to confess and the lack of substantial evidence prompt Assistant State’s Attorney Danvers (played by Željko Ivanjek) to caution them about the slim chances of securing a conviction, with plea deal with reduced sentence more likely alternative. This warning serves to heighten Crosetti’s frustration, as he grapples with the reality that justice may not be served despite their efforts. Fortunately, Lewis's determination leads him to uncover that Flavin himself had boasted about shooting Thormann. This revelation ultimately allows Crosetti and Lewis to close the case successfully. They celebrate this victory at a bar with their colleagues, where Munch (played by Richard Belzer) delivers a memorable karaoke performance of “Mack the Knife,” adding a touch of dark humour to an otherwise intense narrative.
In contrast to this arc, the murder investigation of Adena Watson remains unresolved throughout the episode. Detectives Frank Pembleton (played by Andre Braugher) and Beau Felton (played by Daniel Baldwin) have found a potential suspect who may have transported her body in his car; however, he claims that his vehicle has been repossessed. The detectives spend an entire night scouring various used car dealerships in search of this car, only to discover their efforts yield no physical evidence linking it to Watson’s murder.
Frustration of primary investigator Tim Bayliss (played by Kyle Secor) escalates when Captain Barnfather (played by Clayton LeBouef) publicly divulges sensitive information about the investigation in an attempt to appease community concerns and gain political favour. This breach not only jeopardises their investigation but also incites Bayliss's anger towards Barnfather, leading to call his superior a "butthead." Following this incident, Lieutenant Giardello (played by Yaphet Kotto) advises Bayliss to apologise, which Bayliss very reluctantly does. Later in the episode, Pembleton informs Bayliss that he has obtained a warrant for a suspect known only as "Arab," hinting at potential developments in their ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, another investigation unfolds involving Detectives Munch and Bolander (played by Ned Beatty), who are tasked with solving a double homicide linked to a drug deal gone awry. Their inquiry leads them to an unusual witness: Allison Ashley (played by Jennifer Harmon), a well-dressed woman who was found hiding in a doghouse at the crime scene. While being questioned by Bollander, she flirts with him and later reveals that she was a prostitute hired by one of the victims. Bollander is unsettled by this, as his recent date with Dr. Carol Blythe (played by Wendy Hughes) did not go well. Ashley ultimately points to Newton Stewart, played by Richard Pelzman, as the shooter - a bodyguard who took his employer's instructions too seriously. Near the end of the episode, Bollander reconciles with Blythe.
Directed by Bruce Paltrow, A Shot in the Dark is a solid but not particularly remarkable episode. It provides an interesting mix of dark crime drama, dark humour, quirky characters, and sociopolitical commentary. The latter is seen in a conversation between Felton and Pembleton, who debate whether they should adopt new "politically correct" terms for various streets and racial groups. Felton argues that the term "African American" is less precise than the term "black." Overall, the episode offers a well-rounded and engaging view into the lives of the Homicide Unit members torn between their complex cases and personal lives.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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