The Big Sorrow

Originally Aired: December 27, 1951 Dragnet #133, "The Big Sorrow," Sergeant Joe Friday arrives at the Robbery Detail to face devastating personal news. Captain Diddy informs him that his partner of eleven years, Detective Ben Rommel, has died suddenly from a heart attack that morning. Ben collapsed while getting ready for work, and despite rescue efforts, he couldn't be saved. Friday struggles to process the loss of not just a partner but a mentor and close friend who taught him everything about being a cop from his first day on the force. After visiting Ben's widow to offer comfort, Friday must return to duty despite his grief. With Sergeant Ed Jacobs temporarily assigned as his new partner, Friday continues working on an urgent case involving two dangerous armed convicts who escaped from the state penitentiary and are believed to be heading toward Los Angeles. The investigation leads them to the Cathedral of St. Augustine, where they question Father Newman about Stanley Blair, one of the escaped prisoners. As Friday pursues the case, he must balance his professional responsibilities with the profound personal loss that has suddenly changed everything about his job.