Review Details

Cop Shop - Volume 03

Product Review (submitted on 13 December 2017):

I have gorged on Cop Show Volume 3! All 26 episodes have been viewed and thoroughly enjoyed over a very short space of time. Hard to believe these episodes are 39 years old as the series is now up to 1978. I never ceased to be amazed at the quantum leaps the world has taken since this period. Back then, Taylor and O'Reilly's crew had to contend with no computers, no DNA, no cop cars with central locking, daggy police sirens, no google, mobile phones, social media, emails etc etc. Statements were taken on typewriters. Work was contained in manilla folders. Love seeing the red rattlers and the Harris trains (blueys). I know we look at the past quite often with rose-coloured glasses but I yearn for the simplicity of many aspects of this time. There are some superb episodes in season 3. The investigation into Georgiou's manslaughter of a knife-wielding felon is excellent. Poor old Roy Baker was also the subject of a lower profile inquiry after some gallantry at the local defending Valerie's honour, much to the chagrin of JJ. Poor old Roy also fell hard, both literally and romantically for an attractive fellow karate student played by the always delightful Anne Lambert. All but Roy could see inevitable heartbreak yet he completely misread the vibes and proposed to her. Gayle's growing pains, Valerie's incessant chatter, a major test of Glen and Pamela Taylor's marriage are all part of this suite of episodes. There are countless thugs, petty criminals and highly coveted analog colour TVs and microwaves as well as some hugely entertaining car chases to be had here. I must admit I never realised how amusing the banter between O'Reilly, Benjamin and poor old Roy Baker downstairs behind the charge counter was. It has stood the test of time. Mind you a uniformed constable as naïve, verbose and nerdy as Baker stretches credulity a little bit but he is always engaging. The exasperation of the other members of the force when he uses ten words when thee will suffice to make his point is hilarious. So it goes without saying that I eagerly await Volume 4. Better than Homicide? That would be Australian police drama heresy to suggest but It does boast a fine cast, sound production and a brilliant time capsule of Melbourne in the late 70s.