In the first of a potential series of films inspired by the real-life experiences of Los Angeles police officer turned bestselling author Joseph Wambaugh, an on-the-skids detective, with memories of having accidentally shot and killed his partner while they were pursuing a pair of bank robbers, tries to put his life back in order.
Acting
John Spencer's crumbling detective — pure sweaty desperation.
Director
Alan Metzger
John Spencer
Det. Mike Mulick
Eddie Velez
Det. Tommy Alomar
Rachel Ticotin
Christine Avila
Eugene Clark
Det. Dick Price
Sal Lopez
Alfredo Ramirez
Red West
Sgt. Bob Maddox
Ronald William Lawrence
Francis Odom
Julian Reyes
Cowboy Flores
Dean Norris
Det. Russell Dahl
Jon Van Ness
Rudy Karlotts
Dan Butler
Asst. DA Mendelson
Margot Rose
Marilyn Butler
Dan Lauria
Det. Andy Toffenelli
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Wambaugh's work revolutionized police procedurals by making cops flawed humans instead of heroes — this was meant to launch a franchise that never happened.
John Spencer would later play another damaged authority figure on The West Wing; this is basically Leo McGarry's origin story if he'd stayed in uniform.
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