How good is this?

I have watched it occasionally, and it plays well and realistically. This A.M. I watched No Margin For Error, which I think was either a condensed version of three episodes or a TV movie. Whatever it was I found it intense and exciting. The acting was off the charts. Brilliant story, it wasn't gimmicky like the later Hill St. Blues, which I also watch on the H&I channel.It wasn't like any other police series I've ever seen. Different, steady, the emotions are strong, and scenes sizzle with feeling: rage, guilt, regret and love. It's all there. I think it's one of the other top contenders for best in its field, along with The Naked City and Hill Street Blues being the other two.The three hour show I just saw was a riveting experience. I was deeply touched at times, never felt manipulated. It was never preachy or pc; nor was it good clean family entertainment even though it played by the rules of 1970s television. A near masterpiece for the kind of show it is.

I watched a few episodes of the spin off TV show, too young to recall it back then. I liked the HS undercover drug episode. That was sad when the junior HS kid almost ODed,but hopefully it opened teen viewers eyes up.