Just a few observations of mine about the show.

Barney is left-handed.
They all drink coffee, but a coffee cup is a frequent prop for Barney.
Barney and Wojo's sleeves are usually rolled up.
Wojo wears a tie pin, and his tie is often bunched up.
Wojo chews a lot of gum.
Lt. Luger wears bow ties--and he snaps his fingers before he puts his fist into his other hand.
The floor of the Squad Room is dirty. Litter and papers everywhere.

Anyone care to add more? :)

Also, I read that the Precinct attendance board is on display at The Smithsonian Institute...interesting tidbit.

Barney writes with his left hand but holds his gun in his right.

Some of the names on the board are in the end credits.

Originally posted by JanLady617
Anyone care to add more? :)

Nick always wore a brown leather jacket when leaving the precint.

maclen

The Twin Towers are shown in the opener. :(

Harris, being a writer, is the only detective who can type well. The others use the hunt and peck method.

Men sure wore their pants tight back in the 70s. ;)

Harris drinks tea instead of coffee.

Originally posted by Janice
The Twin Towers are shown in the opener. :(

Harris, being a writer, is the only detective who can type well. The others use the hunt and peck method.

Men sure wore their pants tight back in the 70s. ;)

Harris drinks tea instead of coffee.

OK, here are some obvious ones:

Steve Landesberg first appearance in the show was as a priest.

Ron Carey's first appearance in the show was as a burglar.

George Murdock's first appearance in the show was as an Army Recruiter.

Off the top of my head, the only places shown other than the squad room are: Barney's apartment, Chano's apartment, an apartment they used for a stakeout (first season), Fish's apartment, a hotel room where Wojo and Wentworh went undercover, a hotel room where Dietrich and Harris went to along with a witness, a condemned building where Barney negotiated with the tenants who wouldn't leave, a jail cell where Barney was held, an outside shot of Barney's apartment building (first show). There's also Barney's office and sometimes you can get a glimpse of the bathroom sink. Any more?

The first words uttered by anyone in the squad room were "12th Precint, Detective First Grade Harris speaking!" (Ron Glass sounded like a kid).

Kogan was played by an actor named Milt Kogan (did he show up in the squad room beyond the first season?)

Bernice's maiden name is Gruber.

I need to get out more! :)

maclen

Originally posted by maclen


OK, here are some obvious ones:

Steve Landesberg first appearance in the show was as a priest.

Ron Carey's first appearance in the show was as a burglar.

George Murdock's first appearance in the show was as an Army Recruiter.

Off the top of my head, the only places shown other than the squad room are: Barney's apartment, Chano's apartment, an apartment they used for a stakeout (first season), Fish's apartment, a hotel room where Wojo and Wentworh went undercover, a hotel room where Dietrich and Harris went to along with a witness, a condemned building where Barney negotiated with the tenants who wouldn't leave, a jail cell where Barney was held, an outside shot of Barney's apartment building (first show). There's also Barney's office and sometimes you can get a glimpse of the bathroom sink. Any more?

The first words uttered by anyone in the squad room were "12th Precint, Detective First Grade Harris speaking!" (Ron Glass sounded like a kid).

Kogan was played by an actor named Milt Kogan (did he show up in the squad room beyond the first season?)

Bernice's maiden name is Gruber.

I need to get out more! :)

maclen
LOL, me too. My life is tv and the computer. Actually, your observations aren't so obvious, to me anyway. I had no idea about Steve Landsberg as a priest. I knew about Carey and Murdock. It was good thinking on their part. Dietrich was a great addition to the show. I also can't imagine the show without buttkisser Levitt, and although Lt. Scanlon's Internal Affairs snoop scenes were rare, they were terrific.
As for scenes outside the Precinct house, I think you've covered them although someone mentioned on this board that a 2-parter took place at WoJo's place with his girlfriend. It's on a thread halfway down the board. I never saw the episode.
I'm drawing a blank on Kogan. Who's that? :)

Originally posted by Janice

As for scenes outside the Precinct house, I think you've covered them although someone mentioned on this board that a 2-parter took place at WoJo's place with his girlfriend. It's on a thread halfway down the board. I never saw the episode.
I'm drawing a blank on Kogan. Who's that? :)

You are correct. There is a two-parter that takes place mostly in Wojo's apartment.

Kogan is the sargent in charge of the uniformed officers downstairs. If you notice, they're always calling Kogan with questions, for back-up and such.

maclen

Originally posted by Janice
Anyone care to add more? :)

In later episodes, Dietrich calls Harris "Ron", and Levitt "Carl". Harris also calls Dietrich "Arthur" on ocassion, but always called Levitt either that, or "Little Levitt".

maclen

Originally posted by maclen


In later episodes, Dietrich calls Harris "Ron", and Levitt "Carl". Harris also calls Dietrich "Arthur" on ocassion, but always called Levitt either that, or "Little Levitt".

maclen
Good observations. Of course, Harris called Belview Hospital, the Hotel Silly. The vehicle used to take prisoners to the Hotel Silly--he called the Disoriented Express or the TwinkieMobile.
:crazy: :lol:

Wojo's tiepin is a little pair of handcuffs. Kinda cute. And I think Dietrich's the only detective that doesn't call Barney by his first name.:confused:

Originally posted by egregiousgirl
Wojo's tiepin is a little pair of handcuffs. Kinda cute. And I think Dietrich's the only detective that doesn't call Barney by his first name.:confused:

Actually, it was addressed during one episode, I forget which one exactly; it was the one where a girl with amnesia that Dietrich is helping, and to whom he feels attracted, turns out to be a nun.

Barney tells Dietrich that they've known each other long enough to where he (Dietrich) can start calling him Barney. Dietrich agrees to do so only if Barney calls him Arthur. At the end of the episode, Dietrich changes his mind and tells him that he'll go back to calling him Captain, but actually begins to call him Barney in subsequent episodes.

maclen

P.S. The "Toys" episode just ended. That's when Barney and Liz begin to get back together.

Yes, yes, I remember now. I laughed when Dietrich told the woman what her name was and she said something like, "Yes, that is my name!... I think I'm a nun" and Dietrich says, "I wasn't going to mention it if you didn't." Oh, I felt so bad for him! :(

I just remembered one other thing that I noticed about Steve Landesberg on the show. He seems to have this nervous habit where he sort of wipes at the corners of his mouth with his thumb and forefinger.

Originally posted by egregiousgirl
I just remembered one other thing that I noticed about Steve Landesberg on the show. He seems to have this nervous habit where he sort of wipes at the corners of his mouth with his thumb and forefinger.

I'm taking this thread way off topic, but in that show, it cracked me up when Barney told Dietrich he was sorry about what happened, Dietrich said something like "hey... don't worry about it. When I lose, I lose to the biggest."

maclen

Originally posted by maclen


P.S. The "Toys" episode just ended. That's when Barney and Liz begin to get back together.
I loved that episode. Barney looked so sad, and Liz was crying in the final scene. It appears it was his wife's decision to separate. Do we ever find out why they split? I got the feeling that it was the demands of Barney's job, but I'm not so sure.

Originally posted by Janice

I loved that episode. Barney looked so sad, and Liz was crying in the final scene. It appears it was his wife's decision to separate. Do we ever find out why they split? I got the feeling that it was the demands of Barney's job, but I'm not so sure.

They end up getting back together, and you're correct; Liz's dislike of Barney's job led to the separation. Barney was quite happy at the end of last night's episode though!

maclen

Originally posted by egregiousgirl
Yes, yes, I remember now. I laughed when Dietrich told the woman what her name was and she said something like, "Yes, that is my name!... I think I'm a nun" and Dietrich says, "I wasn't going to mention it if you didn't." Oh, I felt so bad for him! :(

I just remembered one other thing that I noticed about Steve Landesberg on the show. He seems to have this nervous habit where he sort of wipes at the corners of his mouth with his thumb and forefinger.
I felt bad for Dietrich too. He liked that woman. She was so pretty and sweet.
Steve Landesberg did have a few nervous habits. He often held his hands together with his fingers touching. He did do that mouth thing you mentioned, and it was obvious it was difficult for him to contain his laughter. I know he was a standup comedian for years, so perhaps he wasn't too comfortable acting in his early years. I did enjoy his quirky character. He was a terrific addition to the cast. I love how he knew about everything and would start rattling off statistics and information, even if it was what nobody wanted to hear.
Off topic but...I'm wondering, when Jack Soo dies, do they bring on another character?

Originally posted by maclen


I'm taking this thread way off topic, but in that show, it cracked me up when Barney told Dietrich he was sorry about what happened, Dietrich said something like "hey... don't worry about it. When I lose, I lose to the biggest."

maclen
That line was classic Dietrich. :lol:

Originally posted by Janice

...and it was obvious it was difficult for him to contain his laughter. I know he was a standup comedian for years, so perhaps he wasn't too comfortable acting in his early years. I did enjoy his quirky character. He was a terrific addition to the cast. I love how he knew about everything and would start rattling off statistics and information, even if it was what nobody wanted to hear.
Off topic but...I'm wondering, when Jack Soo dies, do they bring on another character?

Well, Steve Landesberg loving tribute to Jack Soo (from the Jack Soo: A Retrospective episode), gives us insight into his laughter:

On the set, Jack and I were like little kids...in the middle of a scene there'd be something deadly serious going on and I'd be trying not to laugh, and I'd look over at Jack's desk and his entire body would be shaking...he'd just be shaking with laughter. He was my friend, and I'll miss him.

Sounds like Steve Landesberg had the same problem!

They did not bring anyone to replace Jack Soo. Dietrich wasn't really a replacement for Fish, since Fish was still in the squad when Dietrich arrived. They did try to bring in a couple of characters, but it didn't quite work out; namely, the female detective with the Italian surname (I don't remember her name. In the show, she came as a replacement for Chano, two years after the request for replacement was submitted! and her husband was a jealous creep who came to the squad room to make sure the detectives didn't hit on his wife), and of course Dorsey. The lady wasn't Battista.

maclen

Originally posted by Janice

Good observations. Of course, Harris called Belview Hospital, the Hotel Silly. The vehicle used to take prisoners to the Hotel Silly--he called the Disoriented Express or the TwinkieMobile.
:crazy: :lol:
Add Fantasy Island to Harris' name for Belview Hospital.

It seems that most of the time, everyone calls Nick Yemana by his first name. Maybe because his last name was a mouthful or maybe it was out of respect (nobody called Barney by his last name...or did they?), but for whatever reason, it appears that way.
On the other hand, they called Fish by his last name, and he had the age and seniority going too.
I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. :happyface

There's an interesting photograph hanging in Barney's office. It pictures some men, and it looks vintage. It's hard to get a good look at it. Does anybody know the deal with the photo? :)

By Janice: Everyone calls Nick Yemana buy his first name They did that with Chano too.

Originally posted by sara
They did that with Chano too.
Thanks. What was Chano's last name? I thought that was his last name. :crazy:

By Janice: What was Chano's last name? His name was Chano Amenguale. No wonder they called him Chano, it's much easier than to say.

Dietrich repeatedly taps or fans things that he's holding in his hands at times. To illustrate, look at the current opening sequence; when Steve Landesberg comes on screen, he's holding some folders, and he's repeatedly fanning them. He does that at times. He also taps his pen or pencil repeatedly in his other hand. Does that make sense? I've noticed this a few times already.

maclen

Originally posted by maclen
Dietrich repeatedly taps or fans things that he's holding in his hands at times. To illustrate, look at the current opening sequence; when Steve Landesberg comes on screen, he's holding some folders, and he's repeatedly fanning them. He does that at times. He also taps his pen or pencil repeatedly in his other hand. Does that make sense? I've noticed this a few times already.

maclen
I've noticed that too. I get the feeling that it's a real life nervous habit. Dietrich is so laid-back so the fanning and tapping doesn't really match his character. Then again, perhaps Dietrich was really insecure and used his vast knowledge to camoflauge that. The characters on Barney Miller were so multi-layered and complex, that it wouldn't surprise me if this was a well-thought out and written character quirk. Them there writers were smart cookies. ;)

Originally posted by Janice
There's an interesting photograph hanging in Barney's office. It pictures some men, and it looks vintage. It's hard to get a good look at it. Does anybody know the deal with the photo? :)
Bumping this up. Does anyone know? :)

Originally posted by Janice
There's an interesting photograph hanging in Barney's office. It pictures some men, and it looks vintage. It's hard to get a good look at it. Does anybody know the deal with the photo? :)

I can't recall the pictures ever been brought up (at least not yet). The closest was when Luger was looking longingly at them and even mentioned one person in one of the pics (Kleiner?). I wonder if Luger can be found in the pics? Good questions. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a reference with the current shows or with the ones I've taped.

maclen

Originally posted by Janice
Anyone care to add more? :)

Harris' middle name is Nathan and Wojo's middle name is Taddeus. Dietrich was never told what the "P" in his name stood for! :) Others with middle names: Phillip K. Fish, and Carl T. Levitt. Inspector Luger has a middle initial too ("D"?), but I forget what it is.

Levitt's parents were 4'8" and 5'2"... his dad liked tall women!

Before 1978, the last time Luger took a vacation was 1948.

Dietrich grows wheat, among other things, in his apartment. Harris has an aunt in Poughkeepsie. Wojo also has a brother and he (Wojo) also plays the flute.

That I've watched, this is by far the show where the characters have been developed the most!

maclen

Originally posted by maclen


I can't recall the pictures ever been brought up (at least not yet). The closest was when Luger was looking longingly at them and even mentioned one person in one of the pics (Kleiner?). I wonder if Luger can be found in the pics? Good questions. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a reference with the current shows or with the ones I've taped.

maclen
Thanks Maclen. That's a big help. I didn't know if it was just an obscure picture hanging on the wall, but now I know it isn't. I missed that episode with Luger looking and commenting on the photo. Since he recognized someone, it solves most of the mystery. I'd bet that Luger himself is in the picture. We'll probably find out on one of his trips down Memory Lane, lol.
Set design is an important element in film making (and TV), and everything is meticulously placed somewhere for a reason, even if the reason is never revealed.
I read an article once on the thought process and planning involved in the set design in Jerry's apartment on Seinfeld. It was incredible. Every box of cereal, things on his refrigerator door, even photos that were his in real life on the wall....it's almost a science--everything has to reflect the character and the surrounding events. I study every little detail on shows. I think most of us here on Sitcoms Online do that. Television buffs do that sort of stuff I guess. :)

Originally posted by maclen

That I've watched, this is by far the show where the characters have been developed the most!
maclen
This is so true. The writers developed these characters beautifully. Each character had their own distinct style and personality as opposed to being cut from the same cloth. Wojo with that often befuddled look and strong convictions...Harris, Ron Glass was amazing in that role--that swaggar in his walk...Dietrich, the perfection addition to the cast--hilarious one-liners from him, and Barney, the looks on his face are priceless. When his eyes open wide in disbelief or shock, it's great.
This is one of the most underrated shows in syndication.

Originally posted by Janice
Anyone care to add more? :)

Other than Barney, Wojo, Harris and Luger, the only other characters that I can think of that went the duration of the whole series as the same characters are: Arnold Ripner (the ambulance chaser), Marty and his boyfriend Darryl Driscoll.

I've also noticed that whenever someone asks "who's in charge here?", Barney replies by introducing himself rather than saying "I'm in charge here".

maclen

Barney doesn't wear a wedding ring.

Harris loves that velvour.

We've all said it before, but Steve Landesberg cannot keep a straight face to save his life. It's distracting to me at times.

Originally posted by Janice
We've all said it before, but Steve Landesberg cannot keep a straight face to save his life. It's distracting to me at times.

I think maybe that's just Dietrich laughing and not Steve Landesberg. ;)

Originally posted by egregiousgirl


I think maybe that's just Dietrich laughing and not Steve Landesberg. ;)
You're probably right, but it seems to happen at inappropriate times. Then again, Dietrich seems to be on another another level than everyone else, almost like he's got this secret knowledge of the human mind.
I agree that it probably was scripted. :)

Levitt always turns and faces the squadroom - just as he does in the opening of the show - on his way out the door.
I think someone mentioned Dietrich being the only one who calls Levitt 'Carl'. That might be one more way the writers used to show that the Dietrich character isn't arrogant about his intelligence.

When the detectives go out on a call, one of them takes his partner's coat off the coat rack for him.

Most everyone that walks through the door of the Squad Room, is complaining or yelling at the top of their lungs.

Barney is a patient man who can keep a secret.

Officer Zitelli has a kind and gentle nature.

The detectives don't appear to hold grudges and are good at moving on after disagreements.

Ron Carey appears to have lost weight in the season that's currently airing.

In 'Contempt', when Barney's psycho cellmate told him he wanted his breakfast milk, Barney told him he only needed a little for his coffee, yet he drinks it black.

It's odd seeing Harris smoke in the Squad Room because it's so not allowed today. I also wonder if Ron Glass smoked in real life, because he inhales.

It's funny how Inspector Luger waits in Barney's office and then makes him feel guilty when he has to handle police matters. "It's okay Barney, just leave me in here alone to stare at an empty bottle of after shave."

Harris NEVER apologizes (for serious stuff that is). He's the only detective who has openly and defiantly talked back to and even put down Barney.

maclen

Barney always decides which two detectives will go out on a call just after he's told about a situation in progress by one of the detectives. And a lot of times one or both detectives -usually just one - grumbles about having to go.

Lots of manpower reports and crime statistics are compiled.

Barney's a bit of a clock watcher and isn't always so flexible with his team. I guess he has to be so he won't be taken advantage of.

Aside from Harris, the men don't have large wardrobes. Barney wears those plaid pants all the time, Wojo has that cordoroy jacket, and Dietrich wears that greyish suit a lot. Inspector Luger wears the same two suits that he probably bought back in the 50s.

Originally posted by kittflynn
Barney always decides which two detectives will go out on a call just after he's told about a situation in progress by one of the detectives.
On a recent episode, Wojo was under hypnosis to remember details of a crime, and he was recalling when Barney was deciding which two detectives he'd send out. Wojo said sarcastically, "Like it's some big decision or something." The look on Barney's face.... :lol:

Originally posted by Janice
Lots of manpower reports and crime statistics are compiled.

holy cazoly, how many statistics can Barney keep looking at?! If I had his job, I'd go crazy. Actually, if I was the guy who had to keep compiling all those statistics, I'd go crazy.

When one of the men want to talk to Barney about something, usually in his office, but they're unsure how to approach him...they'll talk business first, then they don't leave. Barney looks up and says, "Is there anything else?" or "Something else?"

Also, when someone from outside wants to talk Barney out of something or into something, Barney will say, "Mr. Doe, what is it you want from me?"

I was surprised that it was written into the show that Wojo is sterile. They could have handled the Paternity episode differently.
I don't think there's any shame in being sterile. I just get the feeling that Wojo's the type of guy who eventually would want to settle down and start his own family. I felt bad for him.
Having him as sterile seemed too heavy to me, even for this show. I may have missed a follow-up episode, however, where he learns he's not sterile after all. ?

I might be full of beans on this. But I kind of vaguely remember that sterility was an issue in the news at that time. So they were maybe more likely to write it into the script. Like I said, I might be full of beans, lol, but ...?

Chano was the only detective you ever saw in very casual clothes (jeans, sweatshirts, flannel shirts, sneakers). I think I only saw him wear a tie in two episodes. The casual look fit him, though. I like guys who dress down but not too scruffy. :lol:

Despite his rep for being promiscuious, Wojo has actually lived with two of his girlfriends, Janice Wentworth and Nancy (Wojo's Girl). Apparently neither worked out.

Wojo was a Marine who served in Vietnam. Harris was in the National Guard.

Levitt has a deaf sister and knows sign language.

Nick's name was left on the pegboard long after Jack's death but Fish's was erased by Barney seconds after he left the squad for the last time.

Nick's desk was beloved by the squad. When it was taken away by Supply in "The Judge" everyone was shook up. It's also the only episode where the characters talk about Nick being gone, and it's inferred that he's passed away. (before then he was either "in court" or "at the DA's for a couple of days" or "on vacation").

Dietrich is the only detective who couldn't handle mugging detail (he didn't make a convincing woman!)

Wojo is so afraid of needles he faints when he has to get a shot.

Barney must have a green thumb-he always has an assortment of thriving plants on the windowsill in his office!

Elizabeth and Bernice are part of a therapy group of policemen's wives.

Barney Miller kept using many of the same actors over and over again as criminals.

Barney's daughter Rachael is a student at Juilliard.

Barney's son David takes piano lessons.

and the second season is coming in Jan.! WOO-HOO!!!

and the second season is coming in Jan.! WOO-HOO!!!
FINALLY!! :dance: party: :bouncers :jig:

I would like to observe that Detective Arthur Deitrick was an unlikable pr#@k who seriously dragged the show down. If I had to work with some dry, sarcastic jerk in real life I'd probably want to jam the business end of a pistol into my mouth.

I would like to observe that Detective Arthur Deitrick was an unlikable pr#@k who seriously dragged the show down. If I had to work with some dry, sarcastic jerk in real life I'd probably want to jam the business end of a pistol into my mouth.

Well that was rude and uncalled for! I'm sorry you don't like the character, and you are certainly entitles to your opinion, but your post was just hostile and out of line.

Chano is often seen wearing a wool cap in Season 1, but never wears a hat of any kind in Season 2.

holy cazoly, how many statistics can Barney keep looking at?! If I had his job, I'd go crazy. Actually, if I was the guy who had to keep compiling all those statistics, I'd go crazy.
You'd go batty doing my office work. It's nothing BUT stats!!! :eek: :rofl: Also, Harris worked in the legal department of the Coast Guard for two years, according to "Ambush" (Season 2).

Bernice's maiden name is Gruber.

That was also Gladys Kravitz's (Bewitched) maiden name. Wouldn't it explain a lot if Gladys and Bernice were sisters? Just think of all the horror stories Fish and Abner Kravitz could swap. :eek: :crazy: :lol:

In the show, she came as a replacement for Chano, two years after the request for replacement was submitted! and her husband was a jealous creep who came to the squad room to make sure the detectives didn't hit on his wife), and of course Dorsey. The lady wasn't Battista.

maclen


OMG Dorsey was SO annoying! I couldn't stand him..LOL

I was surprised that it was written into the show that Wojo is sterile. They could have handled the Paternity episode differently.
I don't think there's any shame in being sterile. I just get the feeling that Wojo's the type of guy who eventually would want to settle down and start his own family. I felt bad for him.
Having him as sterile seemed too heavy to me, even for this show. I may have missed a follow-up episode, however, where he learns he's not sterile after all. ?

In another episode we find out Wojo may have been exposed to Agent Orange when he was in Vietnam. As I recall he wonders if that caused his fertility issue.

For a sitcom that was as funny as hell, they dealt with a LOT of heavy stuff. Racism, rape, politics, religious tolerance, nuclear war, Vietnam, etc. I still choke up during the ep when they learn Mr. Cotterman, the owner of the neighborhood deli that was always robbed, was murdered, and also the scene at the end of The Hero when Chano breaks down and cries.

Oh, and I sob at the end of Part 3 of Landmark!

Barney Miller was an EXTRAORDINARY show. It was just magic. There will never be anything quite like it again.

^ I always lose it while watching "The Hero". Gregory Sierra did a phenomenal job.