Television Review: Fits Like a Glove (Homicide: Life on the Street, S3X02, 1994)

Fits Like a Glove (S03E02)

Airdate: 21 October 1994

Written by: Bonnie Mark
Directed by: Ted Demme

Running Time: 48 minutes

The second episode of Season 3 of Homicide: Life on the Street, titled Fits Like a Glove, continues the narrative threads established in the season premiere, yet does so in a manner that is technically proficient but ultimately unremarkable and uninventive. This episode exemplifies a trend where a once highly esteemed police crime drama begins to resemble more mainstream broadcast television fare, losing some of its earlier grit and originality.

The episode opens with news reporter Matt Rhodes delivering a report on the murder of Catherine Goodrich. He adheres to his ethical obligations by withholding critical information regarding the victim, specifically that gloves were placed by the killer. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the detectives are at an impasse. The primary investigator, Gaffney, has mishandled and contaminated what could have been crucial evidence at the crime scene. When reprimanded by Russert, Gaffney responds with misogynistic insults, resulting in his removal not only from the case but also from the Murder Unit entirely. This leads to Pembleton stepping in as the new primary investigator. The plot thickens when another victim is discovered, suggesting that a serial killer is at work. Drawing on his Jesuit education and details from the latest body, Pembleton concludes that the killer is likely Catholic.

As Rhodes learns about the second murder, he warns Russert that he can no longer withhold this information from the public. Following advice from Giardello, Russert instructs Rhodes to wait, deceitfully claiming that police have a suspect in custody and that a story will break within 24 hours. Meanwhile, detectives encounter Fuchs, portrayed by Hugh Hodgin, an eccentric collector of serial killer memorabilia who has arrived in Baltimore after hearing about the murders on what he describes as online news service. Despite his peculiarities and knowledge about the gloves, Fuchs possesses an airtight alibi and is not implicated as a suspect. Instead, he provides a vital clue: the murders resemble similar incidents in other cities, indicating that this serial killer has been active for years. The episode concludes ominously with the discovery of a third body.

Another subplot involves Felton's personal life as he appears to have moved into Russert's home. His wife Beth offers him an opportunity to meet their children; however, Felton confides in Howard about his affair with Russert. When he finally meets his children, Beth reveals that her invitation was merely a ruse to entice him back home for reconciliation. Felton's deep infatuation with Russert complicates matters further; he reacts angrily and leaves his family behind.

Simultaneously, Lewis and Munch face obstacles in their attempt to open a bar due to city authorities discovering that one of their applicants has a criminal record which was not disclosed in their application. Initially suspecting Munch due to his fondness for marijuana, it is revealed to everyone's surprise that Bayliss is actually the source of the problem; he had previously been involved in a pyramid scheme during college in 1983. Fearing potential perjury charges, Bayliss submits an amended application.

Despite being well-acted and decently directed by Ted Demme—nephew of Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme—the episode suffers from an unimaginative script that leans heavily on clichés and "red herrings," rendering its plot predictable. One glaring example is Gaffney's portrayal as an elite detective who behaves so foolishly that he is easily sidelined from the investigation. What begins as a single high-profile murder escalates into a case involving a serial killer; this shift makes Homicide increasingly resemble a Hollywood production rather than maintaining its original essence as a gritty portrayal of life in a drug-ridden city.

Interestingly, Fits Like a Glove is notable for introducing one of the most chilling coincidences in the series' history. During his interrogation, Fuchs expresses hope that notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer would be executed since it would increase the value of his memorabilia collection. Just over month after this episode aired, Dahmer met his violent end at the hands of another inmate while serving life in prison.

While Fits Like a Glove maintains technical proficiency and features solid performances from its cast, it ultimately falls short due to its reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot developments. As such, while it contributes to ongoing character arcs and broader themes within the series, it lacks the originality and depth that initially set it apart in the realm of crime dramas.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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