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HomicideWireShield
April 25, 1983
To be continued.....
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Reviews
Homicide: Life on the Street: Happy to Be Here (1994)
"There are no mountains in Baltimore."
This is a top episode not only for the central dramatic storyline but also for a very memorable scene in a convenience store involving Kyle Secor's character Tim Bayliss.
After an inexplicable tragedy occurs to an old friend of Lt. Al Giardello, we are given deeper insight into his character through this episode. He spends the majority of the episode in a state of shock and frustration. One of the great things about this show is that all of the terrific principal actors get a chance to shine and this was one of Yaphet Kotto's. It's most evident in two quietly affecting scenes, one being an inquisitive conversation with a suspect and the other between him and journalist Sam Thorne's daughter Monica, late in the episode.
Munch has a few funny moments; there's also a continuing subplot involving Det. Beau Felton (Daniel Baldwin). The rest of the ensemble offer quality support to the main action. Guest starring as Sam Thorne, Joe Morton (also seen in the previous episode) is his usual first-rate self and Maggie Rush, as his daughter, is effective in a smaller role.
"Happy to Be Here" is overall an excellent episode with memorable dialogue.
Homicide: Life on the Street: Three Men and Adena (1993)
This episode blew me away.
After The Wire ended in 2008, I was immediately desperate to find quality entertainment to occupy my TV time. Being a huge David Simon fan, I looked for anything he was associated with. I am ashamed to say that it was only then that I became familiar with Homicide: Life on the Street. I find it hard believe that this wasn't on my radar in the 90s. Yes, there were plenty of great television shows during that era but I honestly can't think of one that tops this series.
The series has a plethora of riveting episodes but this one really stands out. The writing and direction is absolutely fantastic. As another reviewer pointed out, this episode (and series as a whole) definitely set the standard for many current television dramas. It would be a disservice not to mention the acting. All of the principal actors are superb and each get a chance to shine in any respective episode. Andre Braugher and Kyle Secor truly shine in this episode. A brilliant performance is also given by guest star Moses Gunn.