Bates's (well played by Betty Thomas) new partner McBride (an excellent Lindsay Crouse) gets accused of sexually harassing a hooker. Hunter (sold James Sikking) requests that a still crazy Ballantine (an amusing turn by Gary Miller) be reinstated. Buntz (an outstanding Dennis Franz) comes down hard on his corrupt former partner Donahue (a fine portrayal by David L. Crowley).
This episode nicely explores the theme of loyalty, with Bates going to bat for her new partner while Buntz is clearly disgusted with Donahue for playing him. Rookie cop Lipsky (amiable Chris Noth) messes up a situation involving a jumper (a memorable bit by J. C. Quinn) that Goldblume (bang-up work from Joe Spano) tries to pin the blame on him only to have Jablonski (a stand-out Robert Prosky) take Goldblume to task for doing so, which provides an extra strong statement about responsibility to go along with the theme of loyalty. Laurence Fishburne makes a sterling guest contribution as smooth pimp Haynes.
This episode nicely explores the theme of loyalty, with Bates going to bat for her new partner while Buntz is clearly disgusted with Donahue for playing him. Rookie cop Lipsky (amiable Chris Noth) messes up a situation involving a jumper (a memorable bit by J. C. Quinn) that Goldblume (bang-up work from Joe Spano) tries to pin the blame on him only to have Jablonski (a stand-out Robert Prosky) take Goldblume to task for doing so, which provides an extra strong statement about responsibility to go along with the theme of loyalty. Laurence Fishburne makes a sterling guest contribution as smooth pimp Haynes.
