Rocky IV (1985) – Sylvester Stallone

There are some flaws in the fourth entry in the Rocky series (I’m looking at that ridiculous robot) and I’m not sure the themes of East vs. West, hubris, and capitalism carry through all the way, because, despite all of the things Rocky (Sylvester Stallone who also wrote and directed) gives up during the course…

Rocky III (1982) – Sylvester Stallone

With ‘Eye of the Tiger’ blaring from every radio station in 1982, it’s wild to think of a time before the song, and the film existed. 1982 was a great year for moviegoers, and Sylvester Stallone brought Rocky back to the screen for a third go-round, in Rocky III. Once again, he wrote, directed and…

Hill Street Blues (1984) – Hair Apparent, and Lucky Ducks

Hey look! It’s Andy Garcia in one of his earliest roles. He plays a Diablos gang member in Hair Apparent. Written by Jeffrey Lewis, Michael Wagner, Karen Hall and Roger Director from a story by Steven Bochco, Lewis, David Milch, and Mark Frost. It first aired on 3 May, 1984. Ernesto (Garcia) is upset that…

The Equalizer (1989) – Heart of Justice, and Race Traitors

McCall (Edward Woodward) finds himself on the hunt for a vigilante after an innocent man is arrested for his crimes. Heart of Justice is a very dark story. Written by Gail Morgan Hickman this episode was first broadcast on 11 May, 1989. Michael Gianelli (John Shepherd) wants revenge on the two serial rapists (including Paul…

Hill Street Blues (1982) – Domestic Beef, and Heat Rash

Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti) has his hands full this week in Domestic Beef. Written by Anthony Yerkovich, Jeffrey Lewis and Michael Wagner, it first debuted on 7 October, 1982. Furillo is involved in a review board for Captain Lou Hogan (Robert Hogan), whose precinct has been accused of a number of dirty cops. Furillo…

Hill Street Blues (1981) – Fecund Hand Rose, and Rites of Spring

Alan Rachins wrote Fecund Hand Rose which first aired on 25 March, 1981. The creepy Esterhaus (Michael Conrad) storyline about dating a newly turned eighteen-year-old gets pulled a little into the light. It doesn’t get treated for what it is, he’s been grooming her through high school. They were dating before he turned eighteen! They…