Kelly claimed afterward that it was just like the ending of a late, late TV movie: the body of the bad guy lying on the floor; the young cop in the arms of the grateful heroine being soundly kissed for his timely assistance; and the young cop’s dumb older partner arriving at the scene too late, as usual, for the action.
From the standpoint of Kelly’s new partner, Birkowitz, however, it was infinitely more exciting and satisfactory than any movie. For three reasons: (1) Because this wasn’t any imaginary adventure dreamed up by some TV writer. (2) Because Birkowitz, a brand-new rookie aching to prove himself, was unexpectedly given the chance to do so on his very first night as Kelly’s partner. (3) Because he was so incredibly lucky as to make his first arrest as a full-fledged cop with adm
