I enjoy reruns of old favorites as much as the first time I saw them-- except this one. It is just painful to watch. Tyne Daly's voice could grate carrots when she is upset, and her character is upset, nay, hysterical about something in every episode. Usually about something pretty ridiculous. Cagney's character is on full boil at all times, exuding all the charm and calm professionalism of a snarling pit bull. Cagney is routinely impatient with the public, dismissive of victims, and rude to coworkers when she's not at home chewing up the unfortunates who intersect her private life. Lacey behaves more professionally when not preoccupied with the numerous personal non-issues that occupy her in most of the shows, although occasionally a case triggers an earth-mother-level of empathy or the hysteria (and that screech). The only relief from the volcanic temperature these two maintain is the few minutes in which they actually do police work. The other police characters mostly just provide a quiet backdrop, and the only other character with meaningful screentime is Lacey's husband, a great character who provides some sense in the family segments of the episodes. At the time this show first aired women were struggling to be accepted in occupations other than mother, teacher, and secretary and so these two were heroes of their time. I think in today's world (and TV shows) their coworkers would be suggesting they take time off and therapy, or some tranquilizers.
Review of Cagney & Lacey
