Reviews: Hill Street Blues

Hill Street Blues is a classic television show that premiered in 1981 and ran for seven seasons. It is considered one of the greatest dramas of all time and set a new standard for the police procedural genre. The show’s creator, Steven Bochco, wanted to create a series that was more realistic and character-driven than the police dramas that had come before it, and he succeeded in doing so.

The show follows the lives of the police officers who work at the fictional Hill Street Police Station in an unnamed American city. Each episode weaves together multiple storylines, ranging from the day-to-day operations of the police department to the personal lives of the officers. The show’s trademark was its use of handheld cameras and rapid-fire editing, which gave the show a gritty, documentary-style feel that was unique at the time.

One of the strengths of Hill Street Blues was its ensemble cast, which featured a mix of veteran actors and newcomers. The show’s breakout star was Daniel J. Travanti, who played Captain Frank Furillo, the head of the precinct. Travanti gave a nuanced and understated performance that made Furillo a compelling and complex character. Other standout performances included Michael Conrad as the gruff Sergeant Phil Esterhaus and Veronica Hamel as the ambitious and tough-talking public defender Joyce Davenport.

The show was also known for its memorable and quotable dialogue, which often tackled complex social issues. One famous line from the show was “Let’s be careful out there,” which became a catchphrase for the dangers faced by police officers on the job. The show tackled topics such as racism, drug addiction, and police corruption, and it did so with intelligence and sensitivity.

Despite its critical acclaim, Hill Street Blues was not always a ratings success. It struggled in its early seasons, but it slowly built a devoted following thanks to its quality writing and acting. The show won multiple Emmy Awards throughout its run, including four consecutive wins for Outstanding Drama Series from 1981 to 1984.

What made Hill Street Blues stand out from other police dramas of the time was its willingness to take risks and experiment with storytelling techniques. For example, in one episode, the camera never leaves the confines of the precinct station, yet manages to weave together multiple storylines in a compelling and dramatic way. The show also featured recurring characters and ongoing story arcs, which gave the show a sense of continuity and depth.

Overall, Hill Street Blues is a landmark television show that set the bar for quality drama. Its influence can be seen in many of the police procedurals that followed, including NYPD Blue, The Wire, and The Shield. The show’s legacy is also felt in the way that it paved the way for other shows to take risks and tackle complex social issues. It remains a classic example of television at its best, and it is worth revisiting for anyone who appreciates quality drama.