From its premiere episode in 1992, “Homicide: Life on the Streets” struck a chord with audiences with its ultra-realistic documentary feel. The use of hand held cameras, quick edits and real location shooting on the streets of Baltimore added to the gritty ‘you are there’ feel. It was a new breed of cop show, where the good guys don’t always win. I was hooked on this series from the start. Creators Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana, based the series on David Simon's Edgar Award-winning, non-fiction book ‘Homicide: A Year on the Killing.’ Their idea was to create a police drama that didn’t fall back on the overused stereotypes of the genre. As opposed to the obligatory car chases and shoot-outs, they wanted to deliver a well-written show that offered a look at what went on after the crime. Not in the way that “C.S.I.” does, but from the viewpoint of the detectives who have to solve the case.

There were only nine episodes in the first season, but the series went on to gain critical acclaim, winning two Emmy Awards in 1993. Unfortunately, the network was only interested in the ratings, which weren’t very high. They only ordered four episodes for the second season. This seemed like the mark of death for the show, but miraculously the show survived and continued on though seven terrific seasons.

Aside from the great writing, one of the things that really sold the show was the incredible ensemble cast the creators pulled together. They decided to go with a mix of well known (Ned Beatty, Yaphet Koto) and not so well known (Andre Baugher, Kyle Secor) actors to flesh out the characters. One of the surprise bits of casting came in the form of comedian Richard Belzer. But he was perfect in the role of the brash Detective John Munch. His character has even made a few guest appearances over the last few years on other series, including an episode of “The X-Files.”

“Homicide: Life on the Streets” was one of those rare shows that just got better, season after season. At the end of the 4th season, we were left wondering about Pembleton’s, following his stroke. In the 5th season, we get the answer and are treated to some of Andre Braugher’s finest moments on the series. It was also the final season for Melissa Leo, which was a real blow to the series. Hers was a great character and she was certainly missed the in the seasons to follow.

However, I was glad to see the character of James Brodie being given a more expanded role. He was played by Max Perlich, who’s got one of those faces that you’ve seen in a million movies, but you can never quite think of his name. I remember him best from the series “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” as ‘Whistler’, though his character was only in two episodes.

Generally once a series stay around for a 5th season, it’s easy to notice little shifts in quality when it comes to the writing. This was never the case for “Homicide: Life on the Streets.” This was probably the strongest season of the run up until this point, with subsequent seasons continuing to stay strong all the way up to its cancellation. There are so any standout episodes this time around I really don’t even know where to begin. But in the interest of keeping my comments short, I would definitely direct you to the episode, “The Documentary.”

In this particular episode, the detectives get a look a documentary feature that was shot by Brodie. He focuses on the guys in the squad and the work they do. It is a bit uncomfortable as comments are heard that would normally have been kept private. I can empathize with the characters discomfort as I’m working for a haunted attraction that is having a documentary filmed. We’ve all been interviewed and there is a ton of footage that has been shot, where I’m sure some things have been said that may not sit well with everyone. On the bright side of the episode, there is some ‘footage’ of a show that is being shot called “Homicide.” It’s a very cool take on the show within a show.

The new DVD set from A&E Home Entertainment delivers all 22 episodes from the 5th season spread out across 6 discs. I still love the packaging as they utilize those ‘super slim’ cases that are housed in a single slipcover. These cases are much easier to handle than the multifold disc holders some other series use, and take up minimal space on the shelves.

If I have any disappointment this time around, it is only in the fact that there are still less special features than there was on the set for the 1st and 2nd seasons. Though the features that are included are more than worthwhile, I would have liked to have seen a few more (I’m just greedy that way). First up is a commentary by writers Eric Overmyer and James Yoshimura on the aforementioned episode, “The Documentary.” It’s a great episode, as I said, and the commentary is quite interesting. Then there is an interview with David Simon and Yoshimura, followed by a static cast and crew biography.

“Homicide: Life on the Streets” is, in my book, one of the best police dramas ever. And judging from the numerous awards it was nominated for and took home; I’m not the only one who thinks so. If you’re at all a fan of the genre, than I heartily recommend all five seasons of the show. (The first and second seasons come in a single set.)

Episodes:
Hostage, Part 1
Hostage, Part 2
Prison Riot
Bad Medicine
M.E., Myself and I
White Lies
The Heart of a Saturday Night
The True Test
Control
Blood Wedding
The Documentary
Betrayal
Have a Conscience
Diener
Wu’s on First?
Valentine’s Day
Kaddish
Double Blind
Deception
Narcissus
Partners and Other Strangers, Part 1
Strangers and Other Partners, Part 2

Starring: Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, Reed Diamond, Isabella Hoffman, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto, Melissa Leo, Kyle Secor, Max Perlich
Extras: Commentary on The Documentary with Writers Eric Overmyer and James Yoshimura, Inside Homicide: An Interview with David Simon and James Yoshimura, Cast and Crew Biographies
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Arts & Entertainment
Release Date: 9/28/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Homicide: Life on the Streets - Season 5 a B.