escapades, but in one episode (season 5, "Washington Deceased") when the tables are turned on him, he is shown to be a poor sport. He has an adversarial relationship with Belker, who he frequently insults; he often comments without thinking, not realizing that such remarks make people angry with him. Detective Neal Washington (Taurean Blacque, 1981–87) A former football player whose career ended due to a knee injury, Washington is the partner of LaRue. He is a very good undercover officer, much respected by his captain. Though Washington admits that he learned "almost everything I know" about undercover from LaRue, LaRue's drinking, schemes, and libido cause him no end of trouble. (He even feels compelled to remind LaRue on several occasions about the penalties for sex with minors, once when he facetiously said he had three words for his partner, "statue tory rape".) Neal's trademarks are a toothpick in the side of his mouth and a habit of referring to people as "babe" or, when he is angry, "sucker!" His nickname for his partner is "Lover." When frustrated by LaRue, he usually turns his head and mutters "Ohh, maaaaann..." He develops a promising relationship with a young woman during the sixth season, only to be shot in the back by her pre-teen son during an argument (an attack that he survives). Lieutenant (later Captain) Raymundo "Ray" Calletano (Rene Enriquez, 1981–86) Colombian-born but a naturalized American citizen and former Marine, Calletano serves as Furillo's "right-hand man" and he has responsibility for staff and day-to-day precinct administration. His fluency in Spanish often comes in handy, especially in dealing with Hispanic youth gangs such as the Diablos. Ray's relationship with Howard Hunter is sometimes awkward, as Hunter likes to use Spanish words show camaraderie with Ray but he comes off as unintentionally patronizing. Though Ray has reached the rank of lieutenant and Furillo depends on him on a daily basis, Ray's leadership abilities are sometimes called into question (even by Furillo himself). Ray is jealous of the attention lavished by Furillo on Henry Goldblume. When he is eventually promoted to captain of the Polk Avenue Precinct, he is proven to be a poor leader, and an explosion of racial tensions at Polk Avenue result in him being relieved of command and made an advisor to Chief Daniels. By the end of the series, Ray has resigned from the force and is instead providing