10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Watch Homicide Life On The Street

André Braugher's Emmy-winning performance is nothing short of a tour-de-force. Pembleton was highly intellectual and would run circles around suspects and colleagues alike when he so pleased - but his arrogant behaviour would prevent him from getting emotionally attached to anyone. Pembleton was a loner but he wasn't an introvert; he was dramatic, grandiose, and articulate.

In the episode Black and Blue, Giardello pressures Pembleton to elicit a confession from a suspect in order to close a painful case which could potentially ruin another police officer's career. Pembleton knows the suspect is innocent. So does Giardello, though he won't admit it. Pembleton confidently tells 'Gee' that he'll make the suspect confess to the crime – if that is what their superiors so desperately want.

The suspect does confess – no one can withstand Pembleton's persuasiveness. He leaves the room and makes it clear that it is up to Giardello to decide what is more important: loyalty to your fellow officers or the truth.

Tim Bayliss was introduced as a naive rookie cop, but he would undergo some radical changes. The relationship between him and Pembleton was perhaps the core of Homicide. Bayliss attempted to reach and connect with his partner's inner self, but was never allowed to, although he came close in a number of fleeting instances.

Kay Howard was the show's least damaged main character. She exhibited a common sense and a constantly professional attitude towards her job and her co-workers. One recurring theme was Howard's frustration with not receiving the respect from her male peers that she so obviously deserved.

Beau Felton lived a troubled family life and sometimes screwed up investigations because of his carefree attitude - but he was also courageous, loving and humourous.