Fingerprint

Earl Holliman has given some of the best performances of anyone in what is generically called "Hollywood." He stole the whole picture in the 1956 "The Rainmaker," with Katherine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster.

In too many pictures and shows, his part didn't require much, but in this "Police Story" episode, he was just perfect.

He was backed up by some other of the best, including that extraordinary James Gregory, the lovely and adorable Pat Crowley, and such superb players as MacDonald Carey, Mary Ann Mobley, and Martha Scott.

Nancy Walker has a touching part, and Tim Matheson has to be seen.

This episode is different in that the protagonist, played by Holliman, is not a detective or patrolman, but the latent fingerprints sergeant, and a man who feels bored by the seeming sameness of his job.

It's one of the best of an genuinely excellent series, one of the best series ever on television. Thank goodness YouTube has most of the series.

"Police Story" was an excellent show for many reasons...the writing, the acting and the types of stories were NOT typical cop show stories. There were shows about cop burnout, cops on the take, cops who were dedicated and cops of all types. I particularly like that many types of policework are shown on the programs...stuff you'd never see in other police shows. With "Fingerprint" the main character, Sgt. Ryan (Earl Holliman) is a fingerprint man working for the Latent Prints department...and I doubt if any other police show ever highlighted one of these men.

Sgt. Ryan is feeling like he's in a rut. While he's good at his job, he's been doing it for eight years...and he's bored with the same old routine. So, he's been sending out feelers with other divisions...nothing definite but he wants to know his options. His boss isn't pleased to learn this and insists that Ryan stay, as he's invaluable. In other ways, Ryan's life seems a bit stagnant as well. He has a nice girlfriend and their relationship is very steady and consistent...but really, it's going no where.

At the same time, a seemingly separate story is taking place. An incredibly nice, religious and polite deliveryman (Tim Matheson) isn't so very nice after all, as he's suffocating older women for kicks. In fact, the expression on his face is one of almost sexual release...and he's obviously one sick puppy! How does this relate to Sgt. Ryan?

Overall, a very well done episode and one that ended very well. Good acting, excellent writing...see this one.