Ron Glass (Detective Harris on Barney Miller) has died

[Annie-Xmas]

@Miss_Mapp

The Barney Miller storyline I remember was when the police were making a sample porno film to track how that kind of material was distributed, or something. Harris was asked to direct it and instead of doing some cheap little film, wound up making it artsy and “relevant”. It went way over-budget with stock footage, sets, and a party scene that included a director’s cameo (“Hitchcock did it in all his films!”). The men at the 12th precinct watched it, but the viewer only heard the dialog.

And when the head cops decided it had to be destroyed for fear of the dealers yelling “entrapment,” Harris insisted on taking it to the garbage himself. As he is walking out, Dietrich says “Make me a copy too” and Harris gives a smile and thumbs up.

Harris and Dietrich were the best detective comedy team ever.

[Two_Many_Cats]

@Miss_Mapp

The Barney Miller storyline I remember was when the police were making a sample porno film to track how that kind of material was distributed, or something. Harris was asked to direct it and instead of doing some cheap little film, wound up making it artsy and “relevant”. It went way over-budget with stock footage, sets, and a party scene that included a director’s cameo (“Hitchcock did it in all his films!”). The men at the 12th precinct watched it, but the viewer only heard the dialog.

And when the police department wanted to destroy the film, Harris, like a true artist, protested vehemently:

BARNEY: Harris, this is a dirty, sleazy, porno film!

HARRIS: It’s my firstborn!

Nothing could beat the writing on that show.

[Annie-Xmas]

I beat you by 38 minutes. That was one of the best episodes ever, especially the reaction to the end of the film.

Harris: Well, Barney, are you satisfied?
Dietrich: They sure are.

[Biggirl]

@TBG

Yes, it’s the YEAR’s fault, not that people are just old and or ill or experience accidents or whatever. (I don’t mean to rag on you personally for this, but you were the first post I saw blaming 2016 for this so got the quote.)

No! Really? I’m glad you took the time out of your busy schedule to point this out to me. Wow, all this time I stupidly thought the numbers 2, 0, 1 and 6 were actual murderers.

[cormac262]

@Annie-Xmas

Harris and Dietrich were the best detective comedy team ever.

I met Ron at Comic Con while he was promoting the “Serenity” movie. Not yet being a Firefly fan (I know, I know - but I then became a full-on Browncoat), I instead asked him about his “Barney Miller” days. He confirmed that they had a blast during filming. And despite his persona on the show, he told me that Dietrich (Landesberg) was the worst at losing it (laughing or smiling) while trying to do a scene. He said they had to do so many takes because he couldn’t keep it together.

Glass was very friendly and personable.

[Jinx]

I loved Barney Miller, but I always had a suspicion that this was the most underrated sit-com. Would the SD agree? I dunno, maybe because I felt it had no pizzazz. Kinda like the original Bob Newhart Show relying heavily on deadpan. …and Taxi (minus the deadpan) - except Taxi had “Louie” to spice things up…along with “Jim” and “Latka” more than the rest.

[DSYoungEsq]

@Jinx

I loved Barney Miller, but I always had a suspicion that this was the most underrated sit-com. Would the SD agree? I dunno, maybe because I felt it had no pizzazz. Kinda like the original Bob Newhart Show relying heavily on deadpan. …and Taxi (minus the deadpan) - except Taxi had “Louie” to spice things up…along with “Jim” and “Latka” more than the rest.

Well, it was so under-rated that it was nominated seven out of its eight seasons for Outstanding Comedy Series by the Emmys, winning once. Its losses were to MTM Show (x2), All in the Family, and Taxi (x3). So, no, I don’t think it was that under-rated at the time.