Arnold Laven (1922–2009)

A rewatch. I absolutely loved and adored Hill Street Blues when it was first shown in the 1980s. I was a teenager and Thursday nights it was sit down and shut up to watch it intently. I loved the characters who were both loveable and flawed. My absolute favourite was Mick Belker who appeared as the rough & tough undercover detective but was actually as soft as butter underneath. And the writers put him through so much. And I also really liked and admired Captain Frank Furillo. It's strange looking back because I can see in his character so much of what has influenced me in how a manager should behave towards their team - both caring about and supporting them but being tough when necessary.
I can't believe this series is now nearly 40 years old, yet in many ways it still stands as a great series.… (more)