Why John Meredyth Lucas was a terrific writer. He changed gears for this season premier episode, INSTEAD making Lt. Trench the fall guy. Usually, it was Harry who got the dirty end of the stick, and Trench giving him the business, right? Trench has no choice but to hire Harry O to get him out of hot water.
How'd it happen? An informer for the police department gets knocked off, and since he was dealing directly with Trench, he's framed in one EZ lesson. Pretty clever stuff from the villain's angle, which could also cost him his badge.
But there's more... Enter by the book Captain Gunther (noneother than Harold J. Stone) who resents Trench, claiming he shouldn't have been promoted to lieutanant in the first place. Talk about deuces wild.
Accordingly, Trench goes to Harry for help (amazing!), all trails leading to a heroin operation run by some industrious folks.
What a story, Lucas writing a winner. Lead writer for MANNIX. The cast is prime time, Harold J. Stone always a treat. An actors actor. Rene Auberjonois plays Rabbitt, known for BOSTON LEGAL. Gary Sandy has an early role as a cop, a few years before WKRP. Gordon Jump (another WKRP alum), guest stars. Before sitcom fame, he was cast in many dramatic roles.
Recommended for fans of David Janssen and Anthony Zerbe. SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 remastered Warner Brothers dvd box set. Classic green cover. 6 dvds. Released 2013. Shop around as these sets are pricey.
