jimc@haddock.UUCP (03/02/85)
Any of you out there catch the most recent recent telecast of "Hill Street Blues" (shown on 2/28/85)? It was a rerun of the the series premiere, which was originally shown in 1980. It was definitely interesting to see how the series has matured since then; though the major themes and style of this series was already in place in this first episode, the characters did not have nearly the depth that they do now. Also, the actors were, naturally, far less accustomed to their roles, and it is easy to say that the acting was worse back then, though that may not be an entirely fair assessment. Understand this is not a criticism, but merely an observation. Nothing in the league of "Hill Street" had ever been tried before, and if I had been watching its premiere in 1980, I would have been awed. It is interesting to note how different from Frank Furillo that Daniel J. Travanti really is. Frank's manner in more recent years suggests a maze of pent-up emotions, and though he's fair and competent in both his work and his friendships, it is easy to see why he continually asserts that he is just barely in control of himself and his life. Daniel J. Travanti, on the other hand, is far looser, smiles more often, and doesn't seem to hold much in common with the character he creates. I think we saw more of Daniel J. Travanti in this pilot episode than of the Frank Furillo we know now; again, I am not blaming anyone for this. In fact, if he really is that different from Furillo, as interviews with him, this pilot, and other performances suggest, he is one of the most versatile actors around today. Another interesting detail is how the actors/characters have changed since 1980. It seems that Washington (I believe the actor's name is Taurean Blacque) has put on a lot of weight in recent years -- I could barely recognize him in this pilot. Also, Henry Goldblum (don't know the actor) didn't have a moustache; Andy Renko (Charles Haid) was chubbier and wore a different hair style; and J.D. LaRue (don't know that actor) has acquired considerably more lines on his face since 1980. Also, it was rather upsetting to note how quickly Michael Conrad aged in the last years of his life -- he appeared ten years younger in this episode. Next week, they are going to be showing a retelecast of the season opener, which I thought was a particularly good episode. I am a little disappointed with the volume of "Hill Street" reruns this year, though; I don't really mind it, but I would rather see new ones. Jim Campbell
jims@hcrvax.UUCP (Jim Sullivan) (03/05/85)
I also saw last weeks show, and was amazed !! I kept running to my girlfriend (who was trying to sleep) and telling her the plot. The thing that got me was the drug references. Joyce took a valium ! and offered some to Frank ! Jim Sullivan