Chinatown: Part 2

Lt. Scanlon , is reflecting a "current popular culture" social male personality trait, which has recently come to the forefront of our society. His aggressive & abusive behavior is the topic of this episode. Writers have zeroed in on a problem, which should have been dealt with, but was ignored at the time. Brilliant acting in this episode, by the entire ensemble, which made Barney Miller one of the finest TV Shows of the 80's..... needless to say, we look back on these glimpses into real human behavior with much relish..... and much mustard and onions as well. Levitt (as played by Ron Carey) is probably the alter ego counter part to Barney, very much the same as Ensign Parker VS Lt. Commander Quinton McHale, the diametrically opposed balance between the two is so very precious.

"Chinatown," the series' last 2-part storyline, concludes with Harris and Dietrich stuck together in a sleazy hotel room with their uncooperative witness Victor Ling (Chao-Li Chi). Dietrich doesn't appreciate being awakened early, while Harris objects to his partner's frequently playing the clarinet! More than a week passes with no positive results, the desperate Harris threatening to quit before it's over. Meanwhile, Miss Caroline Fitzjames (Joanna Barnes) files another complaint at the 12th Precinct, this time charging harassment from Lt. Ben Scanlon (George Murdock, eleventh of twelve), forever pestering her with unsolicited phone calls or personal visits. Barney and Wojo cannot hide their amusement at this unexpected and certainly unusual turn of events (Caroline: "he does belong to you doesn't he?" Wojo: "he does now!" Caroline: "you know I really don't enjoy doing this!" Wojo: "maybe you're not trying hard enough!"). Scanlon offers the widow a sincere apology, especially for the flowers she'll expect to find at home (Scanlon: "just throw them in the garbage, forget about them!" Caroline: "I will!"). Phil Diskin's role as Gillis is nowhere in evidence, though he still receives on screen billing. George Murdock's final appearance as Scanlon comes in the very last episode, "Landmark."