Hammer Gets Nailed

Hammer doesn't just get nailed, he gets drummed off of the force and winds up pulling crossing guard duty. If I had to pick a favorite episode, it'd be this one. And it's not every day that one of a show's best episodes comes so early in its run. My My fondness is partially due to the imagery (Hammer grudgingly helping school kids cross the road), but it's mostly the main character at his essence: oblivious. Sure, he's a fascist with a hand-cannon, but he's really an overgrown adolescent; a man who's governed by his firepower instead of reason, yet lovable in his own way. The one-liners and sight gags are first-rate, and to me, this is emblematic of the show itself.

Hammer incurs the wrath of a reporter (Ronnie Schell, "The Cat from Outer Space") when the newsman participates in a ride-along that goes badly. As a result of Hammers' behavior, the police force makes drastic cuts to manpower. But Hammer can potentially make things right again when he gets wind of a bomb threat.

Hammer continues to be a great & hilarious character. The best part comes when he himself is kicked off the force, and resorts to being a crossing guard. When he foils a robber, he actually makes the guy eat the VERY old food in the store rather than using his weapon. And his commandeering of a vehicle (when his own car is stolen) naturally ends badly.

The gags and one-liners come at a rapid pace, and there's a simply priceless wrap-up involving Hammer & Trunk. Overall, this really is a bright & clever series; it's too bad that spoof series generally don't last too long (although this, at least, ran for two seasons; only four episodes of 'Police Squad!' ever made it to air).

By the way, I agree that an essential part of Hammers' appeal is that he really is like this overgrown kid who tends to act without thinking too deeply.

Eight out of 10.