Title: Protection
Directed by: Noam Pitlik
Written by: Chris Hayward, Danny Arnold, and Tom Reeder (story), Tom Reeder (teleplay)
Air Date: December 18, 1975
Previous: Hot Dogs
Next: Happy New Year
Guest Starring: James Gregory, Jack Somack, Ray Sharkey
"Protection" is the 14th episode of the second season of Barney Miller.
A panicky hoodlum barges into the 12th Precinct, confesses to robbing Mr. Cotterman's store, and begs the cops to arrest him. When Barney and the gang try to figure out what the heck he's talking about, the hood reveals that word on the street is that the 12th Precinct is going to be dissolved, so local business owners have started paying protection money to the mob. The hoodlum (Ray Sharkey) turned himself in to the 12th to avoid the wrath of the mafia.
The cops bring in Mr. Cotterman, who refuses to ID the hoodlum or even admit that his store was robbed. Soon after, Inspector Luger drops by with confirmation of the sad news: the precinct is being dissolved, and the building will be demolished.
Tropes:
- Aerith and Bob: When asked for names of possible suspects involved in the protection racket, Mr. Barelli comes up with Dugan, Bigelow, and Feldman.
- And Starring: James Gregory gets his usual "Special Guest Star" credit.
- The Big Rotten Apple: One of many episodes touching on the desperate financial straits New York City found itself in during this time period. Cops are getting laid off and crime is rampant because the city can't afford to pay police.
- Continuity Nod: Harris notes "They did close the 33rd last week." It was actually two weeks prior in "Fish". (That episode was the first appearance of Detective Sgt. Dietrich, who was transferred from the 33rd to the 12th.)
- Forgetful Jones: At one point during questioning, Mr. Barelli's foggy memory comes up with Don Corleone, but Barelli isn't quite certain about this.
- Manly Tears: Inspector Luger the goof starts to cry when taking down the picture of him with his old cop buddies that hangs in the office, after telling Barney that the precinct is being dissolved.
- Protection Racket: Barney is horrified to find out that local business owners are paying protection to the mob because they think the cops are leaving.
- Ripped from the Headlines: The detectives listen to the actual speech by President Ford (The one that inspired the famous Daily News headline "Ford to City: Drop Dead
"), and celebrate when he says that even though he intends to veto any measure to bail out NYC, he intends to keep funds going to essential services such as Fire and Police.note - Sarcasm Mode: Fish says "Some cold weather we're having, huh?". Mr. Cotterman does a mental eye roll and says "You detectives, such eye for detail."
- Stock Footage: Audio stock footage. A clip from the actual Gerald Ford speech can be heard in the episode.
- You're Cute When You're Angry: Yemana says that he "really gave it" to their bosses, telling them that Barney says that if they won't fix the furnace they should buy a new one. Harris laughs and says "You're beautiful when you're angry."
