The Gas Man
"The Gas Man" | |
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Homicide: Life on the Street episode | |
Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 20 |
Directed by | Barry Levinson |
Story by | Tom Fontana Henry Bromell |
Teleplay by | Henry Bromell |
Cinematography by | Jean de Segonzac |
Production code | 320 |
Original air date | May 5, 1995 |
Guest appearances | |
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"The Gas Man" is the season finale of the third season of the American police drama television series Homicide: Life on the Street. It originally aired on NBC on May 5, 1995. The episode was written by Henry Bromell and directed by Barry Levinson. The episode focuses on characters played by guest stars Bruno Kirby and Richard Edson, with the detectives who normally serve as the protagonists here serving the function as secondary characters.
Plot summary
The story focuses on Victor Helms, whose life has fallen apart while he was in prison, serving a six-year sentence for negligent homicide. Victor had incorrectly installed a gas heater in a home, resulting in a leak that killed the entire family living there. Frank Pembleton was the primary investigator and key prosecution witness for the case against Victor, so when Victor is released from prison, he immediately seeks revenge.
Victor
Production
According to the DVD commentary by director/producer Barry Levinson, NBC was on the fence about whether to renew Homicide for a fourth season; the show was earning critical acclaim, but struggling in the ratings. Levinson claims that the network led him to believe that the show would be cancelled, and yet failed to give him a definitive answer. Levinson's decision to give the show's acclaimed regular characters minimal screen time was an act of defiance aimed at the network.
Cultural references
Danny listens to a constant stream of disco songs from the 1970s; the list of songs is provided on the DVD release of the episode.
References
1. Kalat, David P. (1998). Homicide: Life on the Street: The Unofficial Companion. Los Angeles, California: Renaissance Books. p. 102.
2. Levinson, Barry. (2003) (Audio commentary). Homicide Life on the Street - The Seasons 1 & 2. [DVD]. A&E Home Video.