 " A Many Splendored Thing " was written by Noel Behn and directed by John McNaughton , who previously directed Homicide star Richard Belzer in the film Mad Dog and Glory ( 1993 ) . Like the other three second season episodes , the script for " A Many Splendored Thing " was already finished by the time the first season ended , but due to poor Nielsen ratings throughout the duration of the show , NBC executives asked for several refinements – including fewer episode subplots and less camera movements and jump cuts – before approving a second season . " A Many Splendored Thing " was the second season finale . The season premiere , " Bop Gun " , was originally meant to serve as the finale , but NBC decided to instead open the season with it , with the hopes of getting increased ratings from a guest appearance by actor Robin Williams . 
