905-Wild

Whether a separate project edited into an episode of "Emergency!", or an episode of "Emergency!" meant from the start as a backdoor pilot, this clearly*was* a trial run for another series idea, in this case about animal services.

Unfortunately, it fails on several levels.

First and foremost is dramatic jeopardy. The tension seems forced throughout this very long, slow hour. It's impossible to imagine sustaining a level of interest through multiple episodes of a series.

Then there's dialogue. There's a certain timbre and cadence to a "Joe Friday" lecture. Jack Webb had it (obviously), because he originated it. So did Robert Fuller. David Huddleston simply did not.

Finally, there are the production values. The level of OBVIOUS stock footage breaks the feeling of continuity, without adding anything.

Taken all together, an interesting concept tgat fails in both execution and viability.

OK this might not have been the best of the best Emergency episodes ever made but knowing what Animal Control officers go through on their day to day work load this was close to some of the adventures my Dad had gone through working in the City. Of course he never met a Tiger or Lion other then those who played on the Detroit Home Teams. But other then that he did come across some interesting events where they had to rescue Cat's and Other animals in house Attic's and other wild animal you might be surprised to find in a Big City.

I liked seeing a Very Young Mark Harmon in only his third TV appearance I'm surprised that the writers of NCIS haven't made a In-Joke about the team going after a Tiger or other Animal would be a Wink at the followers of Mark Harmon saying see where he got his start?

I can't figure out why this series would not have garnered at least an attempt, from this Pilot! It is easily MY favorite, of the whole series! Would have been good to see some crossover episodes worked in as well! Too bad they decided not to persue it. This episode kept my interest from start to finish!

Watching this all the way through and reading most of the reviews, I really appreciate this episode. Fast forward to 2024 to see "Animal Control" staring. Joel McHale based in Seattle Washington.

Now I could have gone for a spoof like "Airplane" being spun off this. Nowadays, with so many streaming production companies it would probably fly high.

(yeah cheesy pun intended)

Reading about Jack Webb he always took his work seriously and also guarded the professions of the characters portrayed. Yet, from only what I've read, had a very good sense of humor about himself.

True to his form, he selected some of what became among the top talent in this production. I totally enjoyed watching this and anyone can spot the corny scenes and takes all very familiar with every show made during that ear from "the Waltons", "Little House on the Prairie ", and so on.

Emergency is a good watch to go back through as I am also doing with "Law and Order:". Yes some of these shows can make you cringe, either for what the reality they portray, or, how they do it. It's still worth watching and keeping in tack. Laugh with it or at it, just enjoy it because that was the best work for it's time and is so much better that a lot of what's made today.

It's not good form to comment on other reviewers but I make a brief exception here. It's one thing to dislike something for articulable reasons, but quite another to characterize it as 'creepy' (one of the most egregious but casually tossed around deprecations made these days) without stating why. For me it says more about the commentator than the target.

Not to mention that reducing Harmon's role as a 'dog catcher' illustrated the point of the episode! That said, this episode was formulaic, predictable and looked very much like a pilot for a spin-off. Nevertheless I found it fun and informative. Though I love them, Jack Webb's public service shows tend to be clunky in dialog but this one was better than usual. It was corny, but when the injured firefighter at Rampart gave up his place in line, so to speak, for treatment of the goat, I gave him my applause.

If nothing else, watch this one for the by-play between all the ER professionals, Brackett and Dixie in particular. David Huddleston makes a great case for DVMs as well, and humanizes Brackett in the process.