Turner & Hooch Review: Arf Appreciation (Season 1 Episode 8)

Turner & Hooch hits a bit of a snag with the case of the week on Turner & Hooch Season 1 Episode 8, “Arf Appreciation.” There’s nothing particularly wrong with the case; it’s just extremely boring. Seriously, there’s nothing exciting happening.

Sure, Scott whipping up a PowerPoint is amusing, and anytime Erica is involved things get slightly better, but neither one of them can save us from the extreme boredom that is asset forfeiture.

Part of the point of the storyline is that Scott finds his task boring and would rather be hunting down money launderers with Xavier and the T-squad, but that doesn’t mean that we have to suffer along with Scott.

Once Hooch is accused, there’s hope that maybe Scott will do his own little investigation, which will pique our interests. But, that never happens. The closest we get is the snout print situation and examining the painting, which honestly someone should’ve done in the first place.

Aside from the boring assignment, part of the reason why this case is so unsuccessful is that Scott and Hooch are off on their own.

The case tends to be more entertaining when Scott has a human partner or at least is working with multiple colleagues. Sure, Scott and Hooch are lovable and can be entertaining all by themselves, but it’s not the same as if he was off working with Xavier or even Trent. The case itself being a bit more intriguing than watching paintings get cataloged would help too.

In addition to the case of the week being a bit of a dud, Laura’s side investigation isn’t any better. Their dad’s old case has yet to really pick up steam, but the main issue during the hour is Laura.

She is becoming increasingly frustrating. At first, her lack of skills when it comes to investigating is cute and showcases how she’s not a professional sleuth. We get some brother/sister banter when Scott tries to get her to not break into a guy’s house in the name of collecting evidence.

However, there’s a difference between her ignoring laws that cops and federal agents have to follow when they’re conducting an investigation and her being an idiot. Because she’s kinda being an idiot right now.

Laura announcing to Walton that she was at his job site and watching him is one of the dumbest things she’s ever done.  You don’t tell a bad guy that you’re following him and trying to take him down. You don’t share information that could make you appear as a problem to a bad guy.

He shows up at her work, unannounced! Sure, it is a small town where most people probably know where she works, but that is all kinds of scary. It should’ve sent off a variety of red flags. She also could have simply not volunteered all that information to him, and he could’ve still somehow convinced her that he was a good guy.

Their dad was a cop, so he had to have instilled some knowledge on working investigations or just being safe to both Laura and Scott. After all, Scott became a Marshal, so their father clearly taught them something.

Turner & Hooch needs to start showcasing Laura’s brains a bit better. She clearly has them. Her being unintentionally reckless during this investigation isn’t doing her any favors.

What did you think of this episode of Turner & Hooch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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