For a pilot, this is an excellent script and most of the elements of the soon-to-be hit television series are firmly in place here. The unfortunate part is the miscasting of Loretta (Hot Lips) Switt as Christine Cagney. I can't help but think that the story line about a killer in the midst of the Hasidic community was somehow inspired by the movie "Marathon Man." The script is quite exciting, and worth a watch, but Ms. Swit and the actor who plays Harvey Lacy almost sabotage the film but not quite. After the pilot sold, Meg Foster played Christine Cagney until she was removed from the series under much speculation that the partnership of her with Tyne Daly was seen by executives as two lesbians. Eventually, Sharon Gless got the part that was intended for her in the first place, and a much better theme was also added to the mix. I can't remember the name of the actor who played Harvey in this pilot, but he seemed far too wussy to be a respected construction worker. I can only think of that this was an attempt by the producers to make a sensitive male. Anyway, I much preferred John Karlen in that role. Apparently, so did most viewers. It is interesting to see the differences from one actor to the next in the second lead, but Sharon Gless will forever be the greatest Cagney for me and millions of others. I can't think of a better testament to an actor than that. Tyne Daly is always a joy to watch, but then I may be slightly prejudiced since I have been a fan of hers and her work since they view guest starring roles on her ex-husband's old TV show "The Rookies."
