adukovic I may be in the minority here, but I felt that the series finale was the perfect end to the Homicide saga. Tonally, it was right on the money, and it was pretty obvious that Bayliss killed the Internet Killer if you read between the lines. Bayliss's discussion with Munch about Gordon Pratt--which was pretty much asking Munch if he was able to live with killing a suspect--was followed by the scene where he apologizes to Danvers, seemingly at peace. This was artful, and requires multiple viewings to unlock, but in retrospect it's as clear as day.Evidently people didn't get it, though, so the TV movie was made to spell it out literally. The moment where Tim confesses is a compelling one, largely because of Pembleton's presence, but those of us who figured it out earlier didn't feel the full power. The rest of the movie plays like a mediocre Homicide episode--Gee's transition into politics was sudden from a guy who, in the last episode, was complaining about ascending too high in the department and being too far from the streets. I guess he solved this problem by moving even further up the food chain (and nobody seems to remember that he was a Captain). To some extent the move to legalize drugs makes sense as most homicides in B-more were/are drug related, but this connection isn't made in the movie. And the movie functions mostly as an exercise in nostalgia as everyone ever associated with the show makes a return, and most are given little or nothing to do aside from being present. Die-hards may get a kick out of seeing Munch and Bolander together again, or seeing Brodie stop by, but that is most of the movie.It looks like the movie has gone out of print, and honestly it's not essential viewing. If you felt like the final episode was a letdown, just watch it again, and I promise you you'll appreciate it more. The Homicide movie eventually winds up feeling more generic and less authentic than the show, and far too sentimental to truly count as part of the Homicide canon. It's sort of like The Clash's Cut The Crap--a swan song that doesn't live up to the greatness of the rest of the canon, and that is more or less forgotten.

a-kos To be sure, Homicide (the series) deserved a TV-movie after it's unsatisfying series finale, which was admittedly rushed (NBC cancelled the series only a few weeks prior to the end of the 1999 season). Indeed, viewers were left hanging as many storylines were left unanswered, and "Homicide: The Movie" does work as a coda for the series. However, it seems like a series finale elongated to fill 90 minutes.The premise is extremely promising (for those who don't know): Lt. Giardello is the front-running Baltimore mayoral candidate, whose primary issue is the decriminalization of drugs. During a campaign stop, he is shot (but not killed) by an unknown assailant. This event brings every regular character (and I mean everyone) back to investigate the crime and visit Giardello in the hospital. [This brilliant premise is also frustrating to me as a long-time fan. If NBC had given the show one more full season (and let the producers know it would be the last) there could have been some intriguing episodes leading to the campaign.]As a fan it's satisfying in sense to see all the regular characters again, but it's also a tremendous burden on the film. Several scenes do nothing to enhance the story: Shepherd and Ballard repeatedly watch videotape of the shooting in an an attempt to find a lead; Mike Giardello and Kellerman roust everyone who might have a grudge; Med. examiners discuss medical advancements at Gee's bedside. These and a few other scenes only serve to give some members of the bloated cast a reason to make an appearance. What probably would have worked brilliantly as a 40-minute series finale just doesn't cut it as a full-length film.Fortunately, this substantial shortcoming is largely redeemed by the film's conclusion, which is set-up perfectly by the writers. The final twist is a complete and devastating surprise that's entirely believable and satisfying in the spirit of the original series. Even if "Homicide: The Movie" is more than a bit diluted, it works as an appropriately bitter-sweet coda for one of the best shows in the history of television.

Bryan Wayne For anyone who liked the series this movie will be something to watch. However, it also leaves you wanting more. I loved the way that every character (detective)made an appearance. Least with the ending of who is the fourth chair for they leave a reason for another movie. My guess is Bayless of course. This like the series was a very well put together series of scenes. This is a series I wish had lived on. Thanks to the cast for some wonderful TV.

leo-96 HLOTS the series, especially the first few seasons, was breathtaking: gritty, ultra-realistic, without ado and with superior writing and camerawork.HLOTS the movie was none of that, the final scene found me with a sour taste at the back of my throat, and cemented that feeling of having been let down badly. That scene killed everything that the series stood for -- once and for all.While it was nice to in general see the old characters again (the only reason I didn't go lower with my vote), I do hope no one gets the idea of making another one like that. Fontana should have left well alone.Each original episode is far superior.