COPS AND ROBIN (1978)
TV-Movie
Article 3733 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing Date: 10-22-2011
Posting Date: 11-3-2011
Directed by Allen Reisner
Featuring Ernest Borgnine, Michael Shannon, Carol Lynley
Country: USA
What it is: Follow-up to FUTURE COP

Many years ago, a partner of Officer Cleaver’s was killed by a millionaire, and the only witness (the murdered man’s wife) disappeared because she was too scared to testify. When the wife reappears on the scene, authorities convince her to testify, but she fears for the safety of her five-year old daughter. Can Cleaver and his android partner Haven protect the girl from the thugs the millionaire has sent out to kidnap her?

I rather liked the TV pilot movie FUTURE COP, and this follow-up to it has some of the same strengths; some good writing and thoughtful acting keep the premise from seeming silly, and it refuses to rely on the cliches you’d think would be guaranteed with the premise; the android has neither super strength nor invulnerability. In fact, as far as I can tell, there’s only one time where the android’s abilities are called on to help things along, and it’s the power of super-smell along with his efficient computing ability that makes the difference. Granted, since it was the android’s flaws that ultimately caused the situation that required his services, one is finally left with the question of just how useful the android would be to the police force overall. Nevertheless, it’s the nice balance and chemistry between Ernest Borgnine and Michael Shannon that makes it all likable, and I found myself enjoying this one as well as the previous one.