Self Defense (Homicide: Life on the Street)
| "Self Defense" | |
|---|---|
| Homicide: Life on the Street episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 7 Episode 18 |
| Directed by | Barbara Kopple |
| Written by | Lloyd Ross |
| Cinematography by | Yaphet Kotto |
| Production code | 718 |
| Original air date | April 9, 1999 |
"Self Defense" is an episode of the seventh season of the American police drama television series Homicide: Life on the Street. It originally aired on NBC on April 9, 1999. The episode was directed by Barbara Kopple and written by cast member Yaphet Kotto, who also played as Lt. Al Giardello. The episode is significant in story arcs regarding the romance between detectives Laura Ballard and Paul Falsone and Lt. Giardello's difficulties in his attempts to get promoted to a captaincy.