This limited-run summer series – produced by HBO for ABC – was a spoof of reality cop shows shot in mock-documentary style as a cinema verite portrait of veteran police officer Bill Ruskin (Leo Burmester), his slightly dimwitted rookie partner Donny Walsh (Ron Eldard) and Donny’s incredibly heavy-handed baton-wielding older brother, Pete (Chris Mulkey), who were all officers with the (fictional) smalltown Vista Valley Police Department in central California.
Ruskin was dedicated and well-intentioned (if slightly inept) but getting a little too old to work the streets – as evidenced when he lost a foot chase of a suspect carrying a very large television.
Pete Walsh was divorced and angry at life and his estranged wife. Pete was not allowed within 500 feet of his children.
Other regular characters included Bill’s dog groomer wife, Connie (Lee Garlington) and his rather poorly-adjusted children, Rhonda (Amy Hathaway), Bill Jr. (Eric Balfour) and Seth (Joey Simmrin).
Officer Bill Ruskin
Leo Burmester Officer Donny Walsh
Ron Eldard Officer Pete Walsh
Chris Mulkey Connie Ruskin
Lee Garlington Rhonda Ruskin
Amy Hathaway Bill Ruskin, Jr.
Eric Balfour Seth Ruskin
Joey Simmrin
Episodes
Pilot | Homemakers and Hookers | Oaxitajaca | Labor Day | Family Values
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