Published: Friday, November 27, 1992
Heading
the list of television genres due for a comeback is the police drama,
the kind of precinct yarn that had its last burst of energy with "Hill
Street Blues." It could happen, especially with Joseph Wambaugh deciding
to try. A former Los Angeles cop, Mr. Wambaugh began putting his 1960's
street experiences to creative use back in the 70's as a writer ("The
New Centurions," "The Blue Knight") and as a television consultant, most
notably for the NBC anthology series "Police Story," which ran from
1973 to 1977.
Mr.
Wambaugh is now back on NBC, this Sunday at 9 P.M., with the pilot for a
possible series of police movies, much like the network's occasional
"In the Line of Duty" drama specials. "From the Files of Joseph
Wambaugh" is described as having been inspired by the writer's
experiences on the beat. But inasmuch as the pilot takes place some time
after the Persian Gulf conflict, his files are apparently bulging with
contemporary clippings.
The
Wambaugh touch, though, is unmistakable in this portrait of a veteran
police detective on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Five years earlier,
while pursuing bank robbers, Mike Mulick accidentally shot and killed a
plainclothes officer. Now he is drinking heavily, reeling from a
marriage that lasted only eight months, and going through police
partners like tissues. Portrayed grittily by John Spencer ("L.A. Law"),
Mike is the quintessential cigarette-puffing tough guy living uneasily
with his ghosts. He still parks secretly outside the home of the widow
of the policeman he killed.
Now
working with a younger partner, Tommy Alomar (Eddie Velez), Mike begins
investigating a series of gang-related murders, wandering into
neighborhoods and lives in which violence is common. The sympathetic
Tommy sets up a date for Mike with his widowed sister-in-law (Rachel
Ticotin). Mike's exasperated immediate boss (Dan Lauria) tries
desperately to help his friend and former partner. Mr. Wambaugh keeps
getting the details just about perfect, from the menacing camaraderie of
a cop bar to the eyes of dead victims ("maybe they're looking into
eternity").
This
somewhat sketchy pilot does not compare favorably with the best of "In
the Line of Duty," but the basic premise is promising. A police
officer's lot is not generally conducive to the kind of upbeat punch
preferred by prime time; but, hey, as Mr. Wambaugh puts it in a closing
comment: "If you're looking for love, join the Fire Department."
From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One (1992) TV Movie
Cast: Cheryl Paris, Dan Lauria, Eddie Velez, John Spencer, Rachel Ticotin
Blooper noticed with the military medals. Shown was a Purple Heart and a Medal of Honor, dialogue was about a Silver Star (not displayed)???
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