I thought it was terrific, one of the best finales of any TV series I've ever seen. I like how the writers decided to focus on the closing of the 12th precinct rather than the aftermath of the characters. It made me sad to think of the gang being split up to other precincts around the city but I realized this thing happens quite often in real life; this was a series known for being rooted in realism and they maintained that right til the end. Reintroducing the most memorable recurring characters over the years was a nice touch and I'm really glad Barney finally made Deputy Inspector and Levitt finally got promoted to Sergeant, as they both deserved it. The goodbyes were natural and not overdone and the final flashbacks of departed detectives was sweet.

What did everyone else think of the finale?

I watched it recently too, and I thought it was great. I loved how Barney had different types of goodbyes with each officer, especially hugging Wojo, who I felt he had a father/son relationship with, and also with Levitt, with whom he had such a sometimes hostile relationship. It was right that Barney had the room to himself in the end, and had him thinking about the officers who past through the station over the years.

Barney Miller is one of those shows that stands up very well to time, and the final season was excellent. It was perfect for Barney to finally get that promotion. The episode that aired today (third episode of season 1) has Barney up for that promotion and not getting it, and rationalizing why he didn't get it. I didn't realize it was an ongoing issue throughout the whole series, but what great continuity!

It was perfect for Barney to finally get that promotion. The episode that aired today (third episode of season 1) has Barney up for that promotion and not getting it, and rationalizing why he didn't get it. I didn't realize it was an ongoing issue throughout the whole series, but what great continuity![/QUOTE]

I too saw the episode "Snow Job" yesterday for the first time (I didn't watch Seasons 1-2 the first time around) and he tells Fish he may be promoted, even before he tells his wife, and Fish is so happy for him but of course, in the end, he doesn't get it. The wonderful Season 6 finale "Fog" has his turned down for the third time. It's quite a dramatic episode, as we see a depressed Barney sitting in his office in the dark and the guys trying to cheer him up. I'm so happy he finally he got it in the end (and the slimy Lieutenant Scanlon was the one who unwittingly told him!)

This should really belong in the "Did You Notice?" thread but I'll post it here instead: In Scanlon's last scene, he is wearing the exact same paisley tie that Barney has worn in a few episodes (also wearing it in the opening credits in Seasons 6-8).

I loved it. I just wish Fish and Chano had come back to say goodbye.

One of the best series finals ever.