Reviewing Movies

Never was a fan of Dennis Franz. The show portraits cops as dirty,
lying, cheating, deceptive, scum; little better than the crooks they
chase. Granted they spend their days among the lowest level of society
and it has to have an effect upon them but watching this program leaves
one wondering, just how do they differentiate between what's legal and
what's not. Do they really ruff people up like that when they
interrogate them. The courts don't come off much better. Truth matters
little, justice is what can be proven in a court of law. No wonder
lawyers have such a reputation for being oily and sleazy shysters!

I would like to think that Canadian Police do not engage in the kind of
practices portrayed here. Is beating a confession out of a suspect
justified or intimidation an acceptable tactic? That informants get paid
for their testimony makes it seem tainted. Can one blame neighbours for
turning a blind eye or claiming ignorance when they know that to come
forward will make them liable to become the objects of bullying or
worse. Testifying against major crime bosses makes those who inform as
much victims as the people who were robbed.

The show introduces one to a new vocabulary, though not one that
improves it:

skell--lowlife
hinky--dubious
bodega--spanish alcohol and groceries
collar--arrest
rat squad--Internal Affairs
snitch--informant
on the job--in law enforcement
like--believe responsible for (a crime)

It was also infamous for its nudity and profanity. Although the show ran
for 12 seasons only 5 of them appear to have made it to DVD. One might
observe that being Andy's partner was not good for one's health given
the parade of partners he leaves behind.

Just finished watching Season 4 which ends with a typical cliff-hanger.
Since Seasons 5-12 are not available on DVD unless I decide to stream
the shows online I won't be seeing how things turn out.