Television Review: Happy to Be Here (Homicide: Life on the Street, S3X05, 1994)

Happy to Be Here (S03E05)

Airdate: 18 November 1994

Written by: Julie Martin
Directed by: Lee Bonner

Running Time: 48 minutes

The fifth episode of Season 3 of Homicide: Life on the Street, titled Happy to Be Here, exemplifies a recurring frustration within the series: an overemphasis on the detectives' chaotic personal lives at the expense of their professional duties. However, in this instance, the exceptional quality of both writing and acting culminates in one of the most memorable moments in the show's history.

The regular crime plot begins with Sam Thorne, an activist and crusading newspaper publisher, who, while visiting a site of a drug-related murder, claims to have information regarding the Colombian drug cartels' involvement in Baltimore's violence. Tragically, shortly after making this assertion, Thorne is executed in a public restaurant. This brutal act prompts Lieutenant Giardello to demand that his detectives investigate Thorne's murder, as he was his personal friend. The investigation quickly leads to Matt Cameron (played by Darryl Wharton), a simple-minded young man who was talked into committing the murder for a mere $500—money he intended to use for a mountain bike. Cameron’s confession highlights the tragic reality that while he faces life imprisonment, those who orchestrated the hit remain free. Giardello's visit to Thorne's daughter, Monica (played by Maggie Rush), serves as a reflective moment that compels him to reach out to his own estranged daughter, illustrating how personal loss can resonate deeply within professional lives.

In a parallel storyline, Bayliss and Pembleton effortlessly solve the case of a decomposing old lady, which is eventually revealed to be a non-homicide, as she died of natural causes, and her senile husband had been treating her corpse as if she were still alive. Bayliss, however, is far more affected by the disintegration of his relationship with Emma Zoole, which, despite providing great sex, becomes increasingly complicated due to Emma's refusal to cease seeing Andy (played by Paul Morella), and even more so when Bayliss discovers that Emma was briefly physically assaulted by Andy. Bayliss's attempt to confront Andy only serves to enrage Emma, leading to the demise of their relationship and leaving Bayliss in a state of utter distress. In a desperate bid to drown his sorrows, Bayliss finds himself 11 cents short at a liquor store, and in a shocking turn of events, he pulls a gun on the clerk (played by Bruce Dworkin), effectively committing an armed robbery. Fortunately, Pembleton's intervention quickly resolves the issue, which is attributed to a misunderstanding, but Bayliss is nonetheless forced to atone for his actions by working as a security guard at the same store.

Meanwhile, Munch is frantic to salvage his bar scheme after Bayliss opts out, and he attempts to recruit his colleagues, friends, and acquaintances, albeit with little success. Felton, on the other hand, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his children have been taken away by Beth, who has disappeared without a trace. His efforts to locate her are in vain, as are his attempts to enlist the help of Beth's family in his quest.

Happy to Be Here represents a marked improvement over much of Season 3, particularly through its portrayal of Sam Thorne's murder. While some may argue that Thorne's death feels somewhat contrived for narrative convenience, it resonates more authentically than other plotlines involving female serial killers with multiple personalities that have been explored in earlier episodes. The episode’s focus on real-life issues—drug violence and familial strife—anchors it in a more relatable context.

One of the standout aspects of the episode is Bayliss's unravelling, which provides Kyle Secor with the opportunity to deliver a strong performance, particularly in the liquor store scene. This moment of raw emotion and desperation is a testament to Secor's acting prowess and serves as a highlight of the episode. The scene is expertly crafted, with the tension building to a boiling point as Bayliss's frustration and desperation come to a head. The aftermath of the incident, with Bayliss being forced to work as a security guard, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of his actions and provides a sense of closure to the storyline.

Happy to Be Here is a notable episode in the series, marked by strong performances, particularly from Kyle Secor, and a more grounded storyline.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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