Writer: Jeff Lowell
Producers: William Barnett & Jeff Lowell
Director: Lee Shallat Chemel

Episode Length: 22:01
Guest Stars:

Rating:#16 15.91 million viewers 10.9 rating 17 share

First Broadcast: December 10, 1996

Opening sound: Barking Dog

Storyline #1: A Dog-Gone Day
The police commisioner is upset. The administration has been taking too much credit for the recent decrease in crime statistics. In order to smooth things over, Mike promises to do everything he can to promote the police force. His chance comes when Bingo, the most famous police dog in New York, meets his maker. The Staff sets up an elaborate funeral in order to kiss up to the commissioner. There's only one small detail: While transporting the deceased pooch, Paul and Carter leave it in a cab. They proceed to call Mike's apartment where Ashley hears the message and goes nuts trying do decide whether or not to run with the story. Eventually, Mike finds a replacement for Bingo that even fools his partner. Then, while the Mayor is giving his euology, the new dog raises his head and barks. Mike convinces the crowd that canine reincarnation has just occured. Mike eventually tells Ashley the truth, but not Bingo's partner, who looses a purse snatcher when the fake Bingo runs away.

Storyline #2: Air Stuart
Recently, the staff has made some mistakes due to an over-ambitious schedule. So Mike decides to compensate by buying the staff an air hockey table. Stuart seems to think he is the master of this new distraction. However, after one shot by Janelle, we see that Stuart is just full of hot air. He gets beaten so badly, he decides to up the ante and bet on the games. The rest of the staff join in. When Mike finds out, he is appaled and declares that the table will be removed. But when Mike and the Mayor cannot decide where to put the table, they play for it.

Review: Dog Day Afternoon

Overall, a howlingly good episode. I was especially impressed with the way Ashley was used in this story. Now that she's leaving, they are finally find a storyline where she uses (or struggles with using) her connections with Mike. This type of story should have happened a long time ago. I was also pleased to see the increased screen time and laughability of Janelle. It's nice to see her do more than hand Mike papers. The show continues its venture away from telling jokes and more into the realm of physical comedy. The bit with Carter & Paul in the cab was especially nifty, as well as the funeral. Hopefully, the show can continue this good mix. It's also interesting to see Carter being a foil to someone other than Mike or Stuart.

And now a little more about the imminent departure of Carla Gugino. First off, there is one line I still haven't figured out yet. At the end when Mike confesses to Ashley, he says, "Here we are. Back at it again." When were they ever not at it? Or is that just foreshadowing the imminent? There are a couple of clues given as to how they may be able to sneak her off the show. Her mother tells her that she is "wasting time with that Flarety boy." It's possible that Ashley may end up taking her mother's advice. Another way out could be the struggle with not running with the Bingo story. She may decide she can't live like that and moves out.

Rating [5 pt. scale]: 4.5

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