The Rookies

In the introductory episode of the series, the presence of several street gangs contributes to a tension-filled atmosphere. The Rookies are assigned with the challenge of maintaining order amongst the rivaling street gangs, with Willie Gillis arising as the mediator between the gangs.

Terry and Willie, while doing routine spot checks, uncover a petty thief involved in a larger fur scandal. He agrees to give information against the two criminals who orchestrated the plan. However, due to a technicality, their trial is dismissed and they set their eyes on revenge. After several attempts to drag him back into their world of crime, Webster puts an end to the two felons criminal actions.

Willie, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, is struck by a bullet in the leg by a criminal wearing a monster mask. He is left paralyzed temporarily. Further investigation reveals a criminal's passion for horror films. As the case becomes more complex, Terry and Danko track the small-time crooks down to an auction, where they foolishly try to escape the law.

Terry and Willie become involved with Brother Toby, a former drug addict now turned evangelist. They admire his mission to help other junkies become sober. He is framed by the father of one of his followers, because of the father's disagreement with Toby's religious beliefs. He is put in the situation where it appears that he violates his parole by selling drugs. Willie and Terry have the harrowing task of proving Toby innocent, in which they ultimately succeed.

A man disguised as a police officer kidnaps the daughter of a wealthy family, the Sloans. The Police Squad are quick to react to the kidnapping. Meanwhile, the kidnapper writes a ransom note demanding two hundred thousand dollars, only for the Sloans' maid to steal it and concoct her own fake note in an effort to get the money instead. Her devious plot is uncovered and the police get back on track with the real note. Danko, Webster and Gillis notice that Ryker appears to be distracted. A fainting spell places him in the hospital, where he confides in Jill that the kidnapped girl may in fact be his biological daughter. A phone call from the kidnapper cues the officers into searching areas around the airport. Finally, the officers discover the kidnapper along with the girl in a power plant, with Ryker leading the way. After an active shoot-out, the kidnapper is brought to justice as Ryker rescues the girl. Later, Ryker visits her in the hospital, never revealing his paternal relation to

Responding to a robbery complaint, Webster and Gillis arrive at the building and enter into a criminal-chase. Thinking he is being fired at, Gillis returns gunshots. He strikes one of the criminals, David Palmer, only to find out that the teen is unarmed and now gravely injured. Gillis is overcome with guilt. An inquest is scheduled until the teen dies on the operating table. Gillis, on mandatory leave from the Police Squad, attends David Palmer's funeral, observing from a distance. Later that evening, Gillis receives the first of several anonymous phone calls informing him that he did not kill David Palmer; the Squad, consequently, begins further investigation. In reenacting the crime they discover that a third bullet was fired (from the gun of one of the escaped teens), which caused the fatal wound of David Palmer. The two other criminals are caught searching for the third bullet, and it is Gillis who convinces them to surrender, thereby restoring his honor.