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Reader reaction: "Homicide" series finale !!!

1st - So far, so good by Serv	May 21st, 1999 07:23:15 PM
Well, Pembelton was mentioned, that's good. More Bayliss, less Falsone, that's great. Can't wait to see the ending.
Bayliss? by Serv	May 21st, 1999 08:05:10 PM
Wow. That was unexpected. Bayliss aced a guy. Odd, no one had a happy ending in this one. G got a promotion he didn't wan't(I think). Munch ended up in a bar instead of his wife's bed. And Bayliss killed a guy. Little G ended up without a job, and not much in the way of a future.
The End! by Agamemnon	May 21st, 1999 08:10:27 PM
That was actually pretty smooth. The series ended in a way it should, in a realistic way: no closure. Just unanswered questions and paradoxical feelings. Bayliss's character really has come long way in seven years. It is fitting for him to leave in almost the same way he came in.
The finest show on television by HombuDojo	May 21st, 1999 08:10:48 PM
Above the countless sitcoms, newsmagazines, and other steaming garbage, stood one show. "Homicide: Life on the Street" was the greatest hour of television, week after week, for seven solid years. The writing, acting, and direction was always top-notch. No other show ever touched it, in my opinion. Cheers and kudos to the cast and crew of Homicide. You will be missed dearly. Thank you for daring to be different, and succeeding to enlighten us. BEK
Ya know... by SPE111	May 21st, 1999 08:12:26 PM
...I liked it. It was very much like what I have come to expect. A story that definitely twisted. Bayliss completely turning around and becoming what he hated. I actually thought he would do it when the killer told him about New Orleans. But what do I know? I thought that this was overall a solid episode. Not much of a finale, but that is just me.
Mixed feelings by Bundren	May 21st, 1999 08:16:15 PM
I was happy to see Homicide wrap itself up so well, bringing up so many of the issues and conflicts it dealt with so superbly over the last several years, and achieving a real sense of resonance, rather than going for a trite, maudlin sense of "closure". But dammit, why does such a great show have to end? No other show has allowed its characters to develop and change to the extent that Homicide did, and I'm going to miss seeing more stories about them. I guess I should just be thankful it lasted as long as it did -- I doubt such a low-rated show has ever lasted as long as Homicide. Its peerless level of quality in the acting, writing, direction departments was probably the only thing that kept it from getting the axe any sooner. Sure, the quality has been a bit touch and go this season, but an episode like tonight's showed that the show still had great potential. Are they still showing the reruns on Court TV? If so, I might have to get that channel just to get my Homicide fix now that it's gone. Thank you to all who were involved with Homicide: it was a great show, and one that will deeply missed.
Gone for Good(e) by Annie R.	May 21st, 1999 08:33:32 PM
I'm so drunk I can barely type, as I was celebrating/mourning the last stand of "Homicide" just now. I felt it was a fitting end for the best damn show on television. I burst into tears when Bayliss admitted to loving Pembleton, and found it hard to really stop afterwards. I'd like to say that I've always suspected Munch for the Gordon Pratt killing, and I'm glad they chose to bring that up tonght. Not that I'd blame him, but I always thought he did it. I wish to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who ever had anything to do with "H:LOTS". Thanks to the actors, writers, directors, craft service people, etc. Thank you for Bayliss, Pembleton, Giardello, Howard, Lewis, Munch, and so many more. Thanks to David Simon. Thanks to Baltimore. Thanks to Barry Levinson. Even to Tom Fontana. From Adena Watson to Luther Mahoney, from "Gone for Goode" until tonight, thank you. "Homicide" will be missed, and long remembered. I loved it, and many others did too.
H:LotS by Aktor!	May 21st, 1999 08:43:09 PM
So, does anybody else think that Bayliss killed that creepy Internet murderer? And was it just me, or did that passed-out drunk in the Waterfront happen to be Tom Fontana? A great finale (and NBC actually had promos on for this one-during ER AND Law & Order, no less!) The show and its impact will be greatly missed, not only on the airwaves, but also in the Baltimore/DC area. You all did it and did it well, the sense of accomplishment and pride that was felt whenever we did a Homicide, whatever our job was. Tom Fontana, Barry Levinson, Jim Finnerty, Eric Overmyer, Pat Moran, Joe Incaprera, Miles, John Strawbridge... everybody who did anything on this show behind the scenes deserves to be in a Crew Hall of Fame.
another fond farewell by omarthesnake	May 21st, 1999 09:57:13 PM
I can't think of much to add to what others have said above me in the posts here. What a great series. I'm proud to have been one of the ones watching from Episode One. I'm glad to see that the show meant something to others here as well.
What will survive? by Edward Peregrine	May 21st, 1999 11:24:59 PM
Now that the end has come, what will this mean for the HOMICIDE site at NBC.com? Will it stay for syndication purposes, and if NBC shuts it down, will someone pick it up? The music to episode guides are extremely helpful, and it would be a shame to lose them for new viewers to the Court TV reruns. Overall, a fitting conclusion that leaves a lot open, as it should. Life (and death) goes on, even if the show doesn't. And since we came in with Bayliss, we properly go out with him. I feel torn over the fact that this opening technically leaves the possibility of a "reunion" movie, but in my heart, I know as nice as it could be, it should not be. So lets close with some lyrics by Clive Gregson: "The place is deserted and I daren't drink alone/So wish me goodnight, say 'see you tomorrow'/Close down this bar and make me go home/Close down this bar and make me go home."
"Damn, I wish I'd written that." by HDB	May 22nd, 1999 12:02:56 AM
That's the real test for me--if a scene or even just a line of dialogue makes me feel a twinge of envy, I know I've found a book or a film or a television show that I will want to keep coming back to, regardless of genre. I will miss the acting, the music, and the narrative risk-taking, but mostly I will miss the words these people said to each other at moments picthed all over the human emotional scale, bleak, horrified, tender, fearful, defiant, enraged, ennobled words.
Perfect Ending by Pony Johnson	May 22nd, 1999 12:16:57 AM
It's hard to believe that when Tom Fontana wrote this he didn't know that the this would be the final episode. This is a perfect ending. In fact, it may be the best final episode of any TV show ever. It ties up many storylines that have been around since the beginning, but even better is the fact that it creates more new questions-especially concerning Bayliss-(I never thought he could become what he hated, but I am not surprised!) Ask yourself 2 questions: 1)Is all murder immoral, and 2)If you could go back in time to 1933 and meet Hitler and know the future, what would you do? P.S. Answer #2 carefully. Know that Pembleton would NOT cut you any slack. [A TV movie comes to mind with Pembleton brought back to investigate the Luke Ryland murder. Could you imagine Frank taking on Tim in the box]? I've always thought that the last episode of Homicide should be Bayliss's last day on the job since the first episode was his first day - But I always envisioned an episode more along the lines of "Stakeout"- not one so inventive and twisted. Thanks Tom, Barry, Julie, James and all the cast too. Thanks not only for last night but for the last 7 seasons. Please know that your audience may not be the size of some other shows, but it is very committed and appreciative. Come back to Baltimore soon.
the end and the beginning by Jamison	May 22nd, 1999 02:00:19 AM
First off, wow! When I read a few weeks ago that the series (one of my all time favourites by the way) was being cancelled, but I really didn't care. I think everyone can agree that the show has been floundering a this season (yes, it is still much better than most everything else on TV, its just not as good as it was), and I felt it might be time to end it. This episode left me wanting more, something that hasn't happened this season. I think in its ending it found the freshness and newness (I doubt thats a word, but hey...) that made it stand out in the beginning. does anyone else feel that the direction its been lacking all season was found in the last 10 minutes?
Homicde: Best damn cop show on TV by UniJammer	May 22nd, 1999 03:04:39 AM
I've watched Homicide since it began seven years ago. It was something, different, shot in a weird deja-vu like documentary style that gripped the viewer by the throat. It was a no-nonsense, gritty realistic portrayal of what police work can be. For once I was absolutely hooked into a television drama show, I enjoyed the nasty remarks of Det. Munch when bad coffee was brewed or when an ex-girlfirend posted a nude picture of him across the station. It's too bad that his character really never had any serious involvement towards the end of the series. The early episodes were fantastic, but soon many cast members left and were replaced. I always felt that the series had to work much harder when cast members left. Anyhow, I have to admit I was never a fan of Bayliss, first he was the new guy, then was distraught over his first case, then he was gay, no wait bi, now wait then he changed his mind again....Sigh..The character never seemed certain of what his purpose was. But this episode, I liked Bayliss. First he gets do angry he basically pushes that lawyer over a pole on to the cement, and then he comes to the realization that perhaps, to achieve his purpose, he must murder that son of a bitch internet killer. Damn, It's like something out of an old west movie.. The more things change the more they stay the same.. In this episode Bayliss found his purpose, however twisted that may be..... I could go on and on, but dammit. I hate to see the show go. Shows like homicide are being tossed up for crap like Nash Bridges and Felicity. No-one seems to care about serious television, only for the next "Worlds most dangerous Videos 5" or "Bitches in heat on Springer". Ok, so am venting.....But I may never see another show like homicide ..ever again.
Baylis by docjay	May 22nd, 1999 05:56:43 AM
So did he quit, or is he just packing up things? Maybe will get a series of movies from this, say one a year. Wouldn't two hours be wonderful... or still, hey HBO I have an idea!
It was perfect... by Phoenix	May 22nd, 1999 09:36:41 AM
This was the most fitting finale Homicide could have had. Kudos to Tom Fontana! I spent all day yesterday pissed off at the world because this show was ending, but after watching it, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction that it was a perfect episode and the completion of a circle. The fact that so many stories are still there to be told and that there is no real sense of absolute closure is just SO Homicide. To have a finale that truly wrapped up all loose ends would have betrayed the rest of the series. But Mr. Fontana did it right... the show ended just as it began. I went back and watched the first few moments of "Gone for Goode," the pilot episode, right after the finale ended. The pilot began with an exchange between Lewis and his first partner, Crosetti, while looking for something in an alley ("If I could only find this damn thing, I could go home..."), then segued to Bayliss entering the squad room with his box of stuff. The finale mirrored this, by giving us Bayliss leaving with his box of stuff, then Lewis and new partner Shepperd in an alley (probably the same one) having a conversation nearly identical to the one Lewis and Crosetti had in the show's very first moments. I had tears in my eyes when this show ended, not because it was ending, but because I knew we had been priveleged to get 7 great years of this show that was too damn good for TV, and this finale proved it. I hoped like hell I'd someday have a shot at directing an episode, but that will never be. I'm envious of all the cast and crew who worked on Homicide -- you all should be proud, because you created something true and unique and powerful -- and I know that I will never get to be involved in something quite that special. Thanks to all who made the show possible. A special thank you should go to David Simon, who wrote the book -- a book all Homicide fans MUST read.
Great Episode by Mr. Bojangles	May 22nd, 1999 11:16:50 AM
I didn't start watching Homicide until the second or third season,and I soon became addicted to it. I was worried about how long it would last after Pembleton left, and this season wasn't as great as those in the past. But the last few episodes picked up steam, particularly the one where Ron Eldard played the man who took his kids hostage. The finale was great. I don't have much to add to what you other guys have said.It left me wanting more, just like those Luther Mahoney episodes from a few seasons back(my personal favorites).All the characters were great, even the ones I didn't like all that much (Sheppar, Garty). I'll miss this show lot, but life goes on.
The best show by coop	May 22nd, 1999 12:11:38 PM
It's a sad day for television. As someone else mentioned, there is an HBO idea brewing in our collective minds. Here's my thought: Tom Fontana, buddy, pal, do us a huge favor with your great show OZ on HBO and bring in the occasional character from Homicide to guest star. I'm not talking about the actors playing some criminal, I mean the actual characters. Just think, what if Pembleton had a brother in Jail.
Crossover? by Entil`Zha	May 22nd, 1999 12:42:45 PM
anyone know if there will be any guest shots for the Homicide characters on Law and Order? They did so many crossovers before that it seems the perfect way to keep the characters alive.
Homicide by J.Craw	May 22nd, 1999 01:25:46 PM
So passes the best hour long programme on the box. I am surprised it lasted this long; intelligent stories like these are not the main stay of American TV. Anyways... someone, please help me... I missed the last episode... there must be someone out there who recorded it. J.
a sad day by cripster	May 22nd, 1999 06:52:30 PM
Not much I can add to what he others here have said, except to say that I agree. Homocide was far and away the best show on the tube these past seven years, and perhaps the best all-around show ever. Hats off to all involved, and to NBC - for once doing the right thing in letting this gem continue to shine despite its low ratings. I like the idea of future TV-movies, and more crossovers with Law & Order, but even if these never happen, the show went out in (the right) style.
re: J. Craw's comment about taping it by Jamison	May 22nd, 1999 06:58:57 PM
I'm sorry I don't have it on tape, but in case you haven't seen them, Court TV started running the 7th season reruns this week (thats waht their site says anyway) so we should expect to see the final show in about 3-4 weeks.
Full circle by chelle12	May 24th, 1999 12:09:23 PM
Ater the final episode of Homicide I switched over to CourtTV to watch the very first episode. In it, Crosetti says to Lewis, "The problem is our job has nothing to do with life." Now, after 7 years we know that this statement is totally false because although these detectives are dealing with death, they are also dealing with life. But what was so great was at the end of the series finale, Lewis turns to Sheppard and repeats Crosetti's statement. This brought the series full circle.
How I know It was great by inticeinst	May 24th, 1999 01:24:38 PM
Richard Preston (Hot Zone) once said about non-fiction "The hardest thing about non fiction is knowing when to stop because the character's lives keep going" Homicide brought it to a close but didn't end it. Like a circle, you can go all the way around but the circle keeps going to infiniti. What I would of liked to have seen was Michale Michelle (I forgot her character's name) get shot because of Meldrick's mistake, that would have given a nice resolution to their conflict for most of the season.
Homicide--A Great Show by Barrymore	May 24th, 1999 10:22:46 PM
I've only watched Homicide for the last few years, but it came to be one of my favorite shows. Clark Johnson, Andre Braugher, and Richard Belzer really stood out. The finale was very good, especially since the fate of the show seemed to be up in the air until the very end. It's a shame it had to end now, especially as the show was really rebounding from losing Andre Braugher. Homicide was just a great show.
Homicide: Life on the Street by Fountainhead	May 24th, 1999 11:11:45 PM
As someone who works for a major city police department, I can tell you that there are two shows that truly capture what police work and homicide investigators are really like...Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order. Forget NYPD Blue, it's 'soap opera' compared to H:LOTS and L&O! I could walk into the Homicide division of the department I work for and find real life investigators that would mirror the characters we've grown to love and dislike over the years. Too bad that the 'suits' at NBC didn't have the courage to continue with a quality show and work at increasing its audience. But, as I recall, H:LOTS did garner quite a few Emmys in the past few years and that's something that all of the cast & crew can always be proud of. Thanks, to all of the cast & crew for bringing a quality show to network TV and to Barry Levinson who had the foresight to bring this groundbreaking series into our homes. Friday nights had become 'stay home' nights again around our house...the last time Friday nights were 'stay home' nights were when "Miami Vice" was on the air! Guess I'll start going to the movies again on Friday nights! Thanks again! If any of the cast or crew reads these postings, please know that you've left your mark on TV history! By the way, is Tom Fontana any relation to D.C. Fontana of "Star Trek" fame, ironically another NBC quality show for its day that was axed by the suits because of low ratings...just curious?
The Last Red Ball by Mirth	May 25th, 1999 05:30:32 AM
At first, I was supremely pissed. Homicide being pulled was an ever-present shadow over the show, and when it came down I wasn't the least bit surprised. But the injustice of it all...Nash Bridges lives and Homicide falls? I just couldn't justify it in my head. And all my venom went at NBC. But then...they kept this show on about 5 years longer than any of us should have expected. The show was already in the ratings cellar at the end of its first season. The high-qaulity crossovers with L&O just didn't seem to help either. So NBC, I obsolve you of sin on this one. I suppose we have to chalk it up to the degredation of taste and appreciation of finer things in our society. What do you expect in a world where Adam Sandler gets $20 million per movie. So farewell Homicide. To all the cast, the crew, and all the fellow fans. It was a good run. Let's savor the time we had, break out the crab cakes, and drink up. That's what you do at a wake: you fondly remember.
The End by never	May 26th, 1999 08:15:09 AM
The more I think about it the more I realize how good the series finale was. I didn't even spot that little exchange between Sheppard and Lewis or realize that Lewis says the same thing Croscetti says in the first ep. The most rewarding part was Bayliss' personal journey and how it ends. Homicide has always been more honest and frank than any other drama on T.V. And seeing the montage of Bayliss' character from the idealistic rookie cop cliche to a disillusioned and burned out cop and ultimately killer was both shocking and sad. It's a much more truthful and painful way to leave a character than that whole boring melodramatic deathbed scene with Jimmy Smits on Blue. Even at the end Homicide has the guts to end it on a down note. We were lucky for the seasons we got because T.V. never really deserved a show as good as Homicide.
My favorite episode by lionswin	May 27th, 1999 01:24:52 PM
It would have been difficult for me to select a favorite episode prior to the 1997-98 season, because the show was uniformly great. Until the episode where the subway passenger was pushed into the path of an oncoming subway. The irony, of course, was that Pembleton and Bayliss could interview the "corpse", who eventually pointed out his murderer. Like millions of others, I squirmed in my seat when confronted with the view of this hapless victim, jammed between the platform and the train, his life slowly ebbing away. That episode was one of the finest moments in TV drama. . .ever, and I railed at the idiocy of the Emmy Awards (and others) people for not recognizing it as such. My favorite line comes from an episode where a girl has shot and killed her abusive father, Pembleton is actually defending her, and Bayliss plays the heavy: "Frank, we'll give her a two-bullet handicap" . . .the writing and dialogue on this show was spectacular. Fans of quality TV will miss Homicide: Life on the Streets.
Headed toward Syndicationville. by Wolfpack	Jul 26th, 2006 08:26:43 PM

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