The case of bigoted, brutal narcotics detective Charlie Weeks (guest star Charles Hallahan) continues, and Washington uncovers more evidence that Weeks, for all his shortcomings, may well have been telling the truth about the shootout in which he was involved. Hill is obliged to take single mother Shirrets' (guest star Van Nessa Clarke) kids away from her since she doesn't seem inclined to change her ways. But this just might be the wake-up call she's needed. La Rues' unreliability becomes complete and total, and he reaches his lowest point (culminating in an outburst in the station house to which many people are witness). However, he, too, might be able to find redemption. And Officer Coffey (guest star Ed Marinaro) is determined to take his relationship with Bates to the next level, but then something unexpected happens.
This wonderfully written two-part episode (originally aired as a two-hour episode back in 1981) is once again indicative of how many dramatic *and* comedic peaks that the show runners could create. For example, the situation facing La Rue makes him so pathetic and pitiable that one can't help but feel sorry for him. 'Jungle Madness' gets off to a riotous beginning as the decorum of Esterhaus' roll calls is interrupted one morning by an exotic dancer (as it turns out, it was for his birthday). The acting from all cast members is simply superb, with Kiel Martin (La Rue), Charles Haid (Renko), and Michael Warren (Hill) doing some true bravura acting. But as fans know, La Rues' situation is all too reminiscent of the real-life alcoholism that would sadly kill Martin at a too-young age. One aspect that this viewer really enjoyed about the writing was the fact that Washington would go to such lengths to investigate Weeks' story, when he would have plenty of reason to hate Weeks under ordinary circumstances. Even Weeks questions it, to which Washington replies that it's all about doing superior police work, something that a guy like Weeks wouldn't understand.
Several familiar faces turn up: Jon Cypher (as Chief Fletcher Daniels), Eddie Barth, Tom Bower, Mimi Rogers, Jeannetta Arnette, Terry Alexander, and an unbilled Ken Foree as an armed robber.
'Jungle Madness' further proves that 'Hill Street Blues' is one of the finest cop shows in the history of television.
Nine out of 10.
