In the Heat of the Night
Overview
Set against the backdrop of a racially charged Southern town, the series follows police chief William Gillespie, portrayed by Carroll O'Connor, and African-American detective Virgil Tibbs, played by Howard Rollins, as they tackle crime and social issues. Based on the acclaimed film and novel, the show aired on NBC from 1988 to 1992, later moving to CBS until 1995. With executive producers including O'Connor himself, the series explored deep themes of prejudice and justice. The first season was released on DVD by TGG Direct on August 28, 2012.
Episodes
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1
Pilot (1)
Virgil Tibbs comes back to Sparta to take on the role of chief of detectives. However, his return is met with hostility from police chief Bill Gilles...
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2
Pilot (2)
The probe into the shocking homicides of a young girl and the prime suspect draws Tibbs and Gillespie to the son of one of Sparta's richest and most ...
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3
Road Kill
The murder of a wealthy woman's husband ignites a chain of events tied to his affair with her estranged cousin. Virgil quickly suspects the two but fa...
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4
Fate
Racial discord intensifies as a married white woman engages in an affair with a black businessman from New York. Simultaneously, Virgil finds himself ...
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5
Blind Spot (1)
Virgil clings to resentment towards a wealthy ex-classmate who wronged him by taking a scholarship. The classmate has assured city officials he will ...
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6
Blind Spot (2)
A furious Gillespie demands to know the truth after a longtime friend is gunned down. Meanwhile, Virgil narrowly dodges a fatal encounter while invest...
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7
A Necessary Evil
In this comedic episode, Virgil and the Chief apprehend a man for bigamy. However, things take a twist as the situation escalates into a polygamy case...
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8
...And Then You Die
The Sparta police are on the hunt for a murderer and his girlfriend, but the investigation takes a dark turn when Althea and the grandson of one of t...
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1
Don't Look Back (1)
A disturbing unsolved murder resurfaces as a copycat begins to mimic the crime, sending shockwaves through the community. Tensions rise for Gillespie...
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3
Family Secret
The brutal killing of a revered community leader uncovers a startling revelation about his family's past. As investigators delve deeper into the case,...
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4
The Hammer and the Glove
Virgil is thrilled to receive a visit from his old partner Matthew, who arrives from Philadelphia. However, he quickly discovers that Matthew has ult...
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5
Prisoners
Sweet puts everything on the line to uncover the truth behind the racially charged murder of a young man he knew from high school, believing the Sher...
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6
Hot Nights
Bubba finds himself captivated by a captivating writer who harbors ulterior motives beyond mere romance. Concerned for their friend, Bill and Virgil f...
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7
Gunshots
Virgil finds himself in a harrowing situation when he has to discharge his weapon during an armed robbery, ultimately shooting a teenage girl. Struggl...
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8
Country Mouse, City Mouse
In the episode titled "Country Mouse, City Mouse," Virgil's niece and Bubba's nephew join forces to break free from the monotony of their rural surrou...
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9
Stranger in Town
Gillespie becomes wary of JoAnn's new chef, believing they may have ties to the recent murder of a young sex worker. Meanwhile, Virgil has a differen...
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10
Tear Down the Walls
In a remarkable effort to foster inclusivity, a minister invites Virgil and Althea to his church services. However, the atmosphere of acceptance takes...
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11
A Trip Upstate
In this compelling episode, Gillespie is taken aback when a man he previously arrested requests a meeting with him on the night before his execution. ...
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12
A.k.a Kelly Kay
JoAnn's past resurfaces when she encounters a fugitive from prison. The unexpected meeting forces her to confront unresolved issues and secrets she th...
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13
These Things Take Time
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14
Intruders
Authorities are on the lookout for a thief targeting senior women in the community. The investigation takes a twist when the leading suspect emerges:...
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15
The Creek
As Virgil delves into a potential assault case, he finds himself haunted by troubling and disorienting memories from his childhood. The investigation ...
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16
Sister, Sister
A lively socialite's return to Sparta brings joy to her sick father and childhood friend Virgil, but her sister is far from pleased about the reunion....
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17
Walkout
On a frigid day in Sparta, tensions boil over as a contentious labor strike unfolds, igniting a series of events that culminate in a shocking murder....
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18
Accused
Bubba attempts to save a woman from a rapist, but she mistakenly identifies him as her assailant. Meanwhile, Gillespie finds himself in a confrontatio...
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19
Fifteen, Forever
The community of Sparta is in mourning following a tragic accident involving a drunk driver and a group of high school cheerleaders returning from a g...
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20
Ladybug, Ladybug
While the Chief is away in Quantico, Bubba and Virgil set out to apprehend a serial arsonist. The situation escalates when a death occurs in one of t...
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21
The Pig Woman of Sparta
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22
Missing
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1
Rape
Once freed from his kidnappers, the chief realizes that his kidnapping was merely a piece of a larger scheme aimed at eliminating a prominent civil ri...
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2
Fairest of Them All
Virgil finds it challenging to support Althea following her assault by a colleague. Darnell expresses skepticism about securing a conviction, as the ...
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3
Murder Most Ancient
Amidst the glitz of a beauty pageant, tensions rise when a mother’s relentless drive to see her daughter win leads to scandalous blackmail. As secr...
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4
First Girl
A discontented wife enlists her lover to secretly plant an explosive device in her husband's truck, who has been abusive towards her. As tensions ris...
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5
Crackdown
Sparta P.D. gets it's first black policewoman.
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6
Anniversary
A troubling new dealer has emerged, peddling crack to local teens, and Sweet is determined to intervene. As he witnesses the devastating impact on o...
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7
Time of the Stranger
When a private investigator, who was on the trail of a vanished child, turns up dead, suspicion falls on a nearby dance instructor—someone Parker ha...
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8
Vengeance
An outlaw clan plots their revenge against Bubba after he is compelled to shoot one of their members during a robbery. The gang's leader advises Bubb...
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9
My Name is Hank
A young refugee asserts that he is the child of a Sparta police officer who lost his life during the war. However, he soon finds himself implicated i...
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10
King's Ransom
The F.B.I. attempts to persuade a former boxer to testify against a mobster he previously collaborated with. However, the ex-fighter views the scenar...
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11
Epitaph for a Lady
A close acquaintance of the Chief directs menacing accusations toward a physician he blames for his wife's demise. Following the doctor's murder, he e...
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12
Triangle
After discovering his wife in an affair with another man, a man takes a drastic step and kills them both. He then escapes to a secluded cabin with his...
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13
Hello in There
Bubba is determined to clear the name of his former teammate, who has been accused of embezzling money from their bank. He believes his friend was set...
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14
December Days
The Sparta police delve into a perplexing death at a local nursing facility, raising eyebrows and questions among residents and staff alike. As detect...
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15
A Loss of Innocence
Darnell is set to charge a young girl with murder when her father is discovered dead in the basement and her mother is nowhere to be found. However, G...
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16
Bubba's Baby
Someone abandons a baby at Bubba's door.
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17
Home is Where The Heart Is
Maybelle, the notorious madam, makes her way back to Sparta, bringing along her "nieces." She establishes her business just beyond Gillespie's reach, ...
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18
An Angry Woman
After the shocking murders of a mother and father, Althea steps in to care for their two young children. As she navigates her new responsibilities, i...
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19
Indiscretions
Althea remains unaware that a former friend from Philadelphia is concealing a troubling secret. Meanwhile, Sweet, who has developed feelings for this...
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20
Night of the Killing
In a volatile atmosphere fueled by racial discord, a white taxi driver is found dead in a troubled neighborhood. The shocking crime sends ripples thro...
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21
Citizen Trundel (1)
Harriet's sibling falls victim to a brutal murder orchestrated by the affluent white man who is the father of her child.
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22
Citizen Trundel (2)
Harriet struggles to gather sufficient evidence to prosecute V.J. Trundel, leading to disappointing results. The Chief expresses skepticism about the...
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1
Brotherly Love (1)
Virgil travels to Philadelphia to look into the mysterious death of a friend. Meanwhile, Bubba, albeit with some hesitation, steps up to take on the r...
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2
Brotherly Love (2)
Virgil finds himself wrongfully accused of murder, prompting Gillespie to journey to Philadelphia to assist in proving his innocence.
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3
Lessons Learned
Gillespie assigns Parker the task of investigating a local truck stop, suspecting it serves as a cover for a prostitution ring. The situation escalat...
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4
Perversions of Justice
A gentle and unassuming educator finds himself facing grave allegations of child molestation. As the community grapples with the shocking accusation, ...
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5
And Justice For Some
Gillespie and his team are infuriated when a drug courier, who struck and killed the son of Virgil's neighbor, manages to strike a deal with the F.B....
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6
Hearts of Gold
Bubba reconnects with his former high school love, igniting a spark of joy in his life. However, his elation quickly fades when he discovers that she ...
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7
Quick Fix
When authorities dig into the tragic passing of a forsaken baby, their inquiry unexpectedly points to a teenager with intellectual disabilities. As t...
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8
Homecoming
A lawyer is driven by personal motivations to secure the early release of a man imprisoned for an accident resulting from his drunk driving. As she n...
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9
A Problem Too Personal
Harriet and Eugene find themselves heartbroken when Gene’s father is taken into custody on murder charges. As they grapple with the shocking news, t...
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10
A Final Arrangement
Sweet is devastated after the tragic killing of a kind elderly woman who had become his friend while running her quaint bookstore. Her untimely death ...
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11
Family Matters
Virgil hopes to strengthen his bond with his Aunt Ruda and her son, but his aspirations crumble when his cousin becomes involved in a series of theft...
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12
Bounty Hunter
Gillespie learns that a former Spartan has been implicated in the murder of a socialite in Houston. However, a relentless bounty hunter, dispatched by...
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13
Blessings
During a festive Christmas gathering, the officers come together to reminisce about past experiences, all while a reporter from the Sparta Herald capt...
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14
Shine on Sparta Moon
A tragic incident unfolds when a bottle of spiked moonshine results in a devastating accident, leaving one teenager dead and another permanently blin...
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15
Execution of Trust
Dr. Gillespie learns from a psychiatrist that a patient has admitted to committing a crime for which an innocent man is facing execution. Despite the...
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16
Child of Promise
This narrative revolves around two brothers: one is a top academic achiever whom Althea envisions a bright future for, while the other is entrenched ...
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17
Paper Castles
Virgil quickly realizes he made a mistake when he confides in an old acquaintance about the police scrutiny facing his new business associates. As the...
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18
Laid to Waste
Parker steps in to safeguard a visually impaired woman who inadvertently overheard the chilling murder of her neighbors. As they navigate the dangers...
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19
First Deadly Sin
A serial rapist stalks Sparta.
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20
Just A Country Boy
Bubba heads to Los Angeles to apprehend a suspected arsonist. However, when the suspect is killed to silence him, Bubba joins forces with an attractiv...
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21
No Other Road
Harriet works tirelessly to support Eugene as he struggles with the possibility of his father's impending execution. Meanwhile, the police are on the...
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22
A Turning
After witnessing the grim consequences of a lethal shooting at a roadhouse, Althea believes it's time for Virgil to consider a different career path....
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1
A Woman Much Admired
Gillespie's former love comes back to Sparta to take care of some unfinished business and reconnect with Bill. However, tragedy strikes when she is fo...
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2
Baby for Sale
When Bubba's cousin takes in a baby, her husband soon finds himself in a precarious situation. The biological parents of the child resort to blackmail...
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3
Obsession
A charming and flirtatious educator finds herself the target of a dangerously obsessed individual. As the lines between admiration and insanity blur, ...
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4
Liar's Poker
A game of high stakes poker ends in murder.
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5
Ruda's Awakening
Aunt Ruda, Virgil's relative, finds herself as the sole observer of a confrontation between Bubba and a teenage robbery suspect, which tragically resu...
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6
Unfinished Business
Bubba makes his way back to Los Angeles to take the stand in a murder case, where he crosses paths once again with Pat Day. Together, they work to sa...
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7
The More Thing's Change
A businessman commits murder by killing his partner and cunningly sets up the partner's estranged daughter to take the fall. His ulterior motive is to...
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8
Sweet, Sweet Blues
A haunting blues song unveils the tragic tale of a murder that took place half a century ago. The victim is none other than Sweet's grandfather. The ...
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9
Sparta Gold
A deputy is assigned to safeguard a cotton farmer involved in an illegal marijuana cultivation scheme. However, the situation takes a disastrous turn ...
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10
An Eye for an Eye
In a shocking turn of events, the father of a man that Gerard successfully prosecuted for kidnapping takes matters into his own hands by abducting th...
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11
The Littlest Victim
Lonnie stumbles upon a devastating truth regarding a woman from his high school days whom he once dated.
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12
The Landlord
In a gritty urban setting, a ruthless slumlord involved in drug trafficking meets his demise at the hands of his own partners in crime. As tensions ri...
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13
Fool for Love
A physician devises a sinister plan to rid himself of both his spouse and his lover. As he navigates the treacherous waters of deceit, his intentions ...
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14
Love, Honor and Obey
While delving into a purse theft case, Parker uncovers a shocking truth: a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. As he navigates the complexities...
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15
Odessa
A group of racists disrupts a heartfelt event dedicated to celebrating the legacy of a civil rights hero. As tensions rise, the community rallies toge...
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16
A Time to Trust
Althea becomes increasingly concerned for one of her students when she discovers that the girl's mother's partner is tied to a criminal network impli...
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17
By Means Most Foul
A restaurant owner and her boyfriend, who works as a mechanic, devise a plan to get rid of her husband, but their plot takes an unexpected turn. Mean...
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18
Trundel's Will Be Done
After the death of V.J. Trundel, his wife files a lawsuit to secure custody of Eric, Harriet's nephew. However, Harriet is resolute in her belief that...
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19
Moseley's Lot
Gillespie discovers that the son of a longtime acquaintance struggles with a gambling addiction. Desperate to escape his debts, the young man pleads ...
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20
Family Reunion
An ex-con, recently released from prison, sets out to reclaim the stolen money he stashed with his estranged wife and her new partner. This light-hea...
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21
Sanctuary
An undocumented political prisoner seeks refuge in a monastery, hoping for safety from persecution. Gillespie and Tibbs clash with Sheriff McComb as ...
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22
The Law on Trial
Gillespie, Tibbs, and Father DiMarco find themselves facing legal repercussions as they are put on trial for allegedly harboring a fugitive and obstru...
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1
A Small War (1)
The tranquility of Sparta is shattered when ruthless crack dealers from a major city descend upon it. Eugene finds himself a witness to the shocking...
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2
A Small War (2)
The local police launch an aggressive campaign against the influx of major drug traffickers into Sparta. Meanwhile, Eugene uncovers the identities of ...
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3
Brother's Keeper
Louann is taken by surprise when her troubled brother comes back to their hometown after serving time in prison. As she grapples with a mix of emotio...
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4
A Frenzied Affair
Althea risks her own safety to assist a troubled and aggressive student who has become a suspect in a murder investigation. As she navigates the dange...
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5
Discovery
Althea struggles to cope with the brutal murder of a student, grappling with the emotional aftermath. Meanwhile, young Megan Fowler enters a risky rel...
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6
Random's Child
Lana Gillespie arrives in Sparta to secure her inheritance, only to find herself being pursued by a mobster with ties to her mother. At the same time,...
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7
An Occupational Hazard
When a secretary finds herself facing persistent sexual harassment in the workplace, she decides to take bold steps to safeguard her well-being. As sh...
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8
Last Rites
Virgil becomes increasingly anxious about his Aunt Ruda's well-being when a series of murders transpire at the hospital where she is receiving care. ...
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9
When the Music Stopped
Eddie Larran, a renowned singer, makes his way back to Sparta for a highly anticipated concert. However, not everyone welcomes his return. A disgrunt...
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10
Flowers from a Lady
A dedicated city councilwoman finds herself increasingly fixated on Bubba, a local figure. As her infatuation deepens, her actions grow more reckless,...
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11
Private Sessions
Virgil's former law school peer finds himself in custody after the tragic passing of his ex-girlfriend. He maintains that her demise stems from the p...
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12
Judgement Day
A cunning judge devises a plan to eliminate his wife when she threatens to expose a hidden truth from his past in exchange for a divorce and a hefty f...
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13
Falsely Accused
Sweet finds himself at the center of baseless allegations from two unscrupulous and prejudiced car salesmen. As the accusations escalate, he must nav...
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14
A Step Removed
After an incident involving Parker's stepfather, Roy, he confronts Parker's former employer with threats. When the boss turns up dead, all evidence po...
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15
A Deadly Affection
A woman seeks Harriet's assistance in overturning an eviction order. Meanwhile, the chief presents Parker with a new radar gun, a decision he quickly ...
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16
The Leftover Man (1)
A racist politician concocts a sinister scheme to eliminate his wife's lover. His plan involves framing black radicals for the crime, leveraging racia...
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17
The Leftover Man (2)
A far-right politician devises a sinister plot to eliminate his wife's secret lover, intending to frame the crime on a group of black activists. As h...
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18
A Dish Best Served Cold
When a con artist returns home, his arrival throws his wife and the families of those he deceived into turmoil, particularly affecting Etta. Tension r...
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19
Legacy
A prosperous landowner seeks to fulfill a long-standing commitment made to a black sharecropper by bequeathing land to the sharecropper's descendant....
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20
Even Nice People
Greedy developers target Lana's beloved farm, hoping to acquire it for their next project. When Lana stands firm against their offer, they resort to h...
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21
Lake Winahatchie
Bill uncovers the true intentions of a criminal organization trying to infiltrate Sparta, revealing their obsession with acquiring Lana's property. A...
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22
A Correct Settling
Eugene believes that a prominent minister might be the key to saving his father from execution. However, the Reverend’s arrival in town is jeopardi...
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1
Child's Play
Chief Gillespie faces termination from the city council, paving the way for Hampton Forbes, the newly appointed police chief of Sparta. As Bill wraps...
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2
Hatton's Turn (1)
Hampton Forbes steps into the role of Chief of Police, while Bill takes on the position of Sheriff in Newman County. Wade Hatton, a former Spartan, re...
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3
Hatton's Turn (2)
Wade and Sarah work tirelessly to protect young Henry from facing consequences for a crime he didn’t commit, while Forbes and his team are on the h...
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4
A Depraved Heart
The daughter of a former acquaintance approaches Bubba, seeking justice for the man who deliberately infected her with AIDS. Determined to help, Bubb...
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5
Incident at Brewer's Pond
A night of revelry at a local pond turns deadly.
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6
A Love Lost
Lana is taken by surprise when her former boyfriend pays her an unexpected visit, bringing along a stash of illicitly acquired rifles. As tensions ris...
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7
Singin' the Blues
Luann takes to the stage as a vocalist at a local nightclub, where she unexpectedly sparks a romance with the club's proprietor. However, her bliss is...
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8
Virgil Tibbs, Attorney at Law
Virgil Tibbs makes his way back to Sparta, eager to start a new chapter in his legal career. He quickly finds himself taking on his inaugural case as...
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9
Every Man's Family
Bubba heads to Atlanta to support his nephew following a drug overdose. Determined to make a difference, he joins forces with a savvy police officer ...
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10
A Baby Called Rocket
A neglected baby stirs maternal feelings in Luann.
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11
Little Girl Lost
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a teenage girl grappling with alcoholism makes a devastating mistake while behind the wheel. Distracted and impaire...
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12
Your Own Kind
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13
Good Cop, Bad Cop
Virgil steps in to represent Parker, who faces wrongful allegations of excessive force made by a local drug dealer. The key testimony against him com...
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14
Maybelle Returns
Maybelle has hit it big with her phone sex venture, thriving in a market she never expected. However, trouble brews when one of her employees chooses ...
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15
The Last Round
Forbes is thrilled about a visit from his fiancée, Angela. However, his excitement quickly turns to dismay when he discovers that their visions for ...
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16
Ches and the Grand Lady
Lonnie finds himself in a protective role when his beloved Aunt Cordelia's close bond with Ches Collins stirs up jealousy in one of his cousins. As te...
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17
Conspiracy of One
Virgil takes on a role at a prestigious law firm, but his past as a police officer complicates matters when he discovers that one of the firm's client...
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18
The Rabbi
After a long absence, a Rabbi comes back to Sparta, only to find his synagogue defaced by racists. Shortly after, the Torah goes missing. Forbes steps...
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19
Hard Choices
Eugene finds himself in a precarious situation as he strives to shield a friend who inadvertently became involved in a robbery. His efforts to suppor...
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20
Time's Long Shadow
Harriet battles against a conceited developer intent on obliterating a significant archaeological location. As she rallies support from the community,...
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21
Poor Relations
In this humorous episode, Parker's wayward stepfather makes a reappearance in Sparta, accompanied by a new spouse, a purloined masterpiece, and two b...
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22
Dangerous Engagement
As Bill and Harriet prepare for their upcoming nuptials, their plans take a dark turn when a sniper confuses Bill for Sheriff McComb. The unexpected ...
