Frank Furillo

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Francis Xavier (Frank) Furillo was the captain of the fictional Hill Street Station on the American television series Hill Street Blues. He was played by actor Daniel J. Travanti.

Frank was introduced in the pilot as a put-upon, outspoken, sometimes fast-talking police captain. Almost immediately thereafter, though, he was written as a rather introverted, by-the-book commander whose general even-temperedness became an important character trait. He was greatly admired by those working under him for his impeccable character and his concern both for the welfare of his men and the precinct in general.

In his private life, Frank carried on a very passionate relationship with Public Defender Joyce Davenport, with whom he was often seen lying in the dark at the end of many an episode. It was this complex balance that made Frank Furillo an unusual central character for an American network drama.

[edit] Pre-history

Furillo was a recovering alcoholic whose problem was under control by the time the series began, though he did slip in one episode while in a very depressed state. Frank reveals in an anecdote that once, while intoxicated at a police luncheon, he loudly and publicly berated a superior officer after the latter had told a number of "paisan" jokes in Frank's presence.

He was already divorced from his ex-wife Fay when the series began and paid alimony as well as child support for his son Frank, Jr. During the course of the series, Frank's relationship with Joyce, who called him "Pizza Man" in private, became public and he married her in a brief ceremony during his lunch hour. His relationship with Fay changed significantly as well: whereas she was for several seasons a clinging, suspicious woman who constantly sought contact with Frank (whether positive or not), she eventually became more independent and more mature, which made their interaction less stressful for Frank.

[edit] Allies

Although nearly all of Furillo's men were fiercely loyal to him, his closest allies were his lieutenants, Ray Calletano and Henry Goldblume. (His third lieutenant, Howard Hunter, was loyal but often disagreed with Furillo's general outlook on life. Alf Chesley, who preceded Henry, was seldom seen.) Sgt. Phil Esterhaus was a close confidant and the only person in the series who called him "Francis." Assistant DA Bernstein proved an indispensable ally in the justice system.

Two of Frank's more unusual relationships were with his superior, Chief Daniels, and with a gang leader named Jesús Martinez. Frank made every effort to show Chief Daniels the respect he deserved, but it was clear that he could barely contain his disgust for Daniels's paranoia and numerous inappropriate remarks. Martinez was the head of the Diablos and thus an enemy of the police department. Frank, however, recognized that Martinez was an intelligent and clever man, and an important ally to have on the street. (Jesús called Frank "Frankie" [e.g., "Ehhhh, Frankie, I get the distinct impression you're suggesting gang involvement here"] but this eventually became somewhat endearing toward him, rather than a deliberate show of disrespect.)