Barney Miller & Frank Reagan: Great NYC Cops

Barney Miller is reputedly something of a liberal (in the classical sense of that word) while Frank Reagan is something of a conservative (in the classical sense of that word). And they are more like each other than not:

Both place their people's needs above administrative requirements.

When they can, at least. Barney dislikes Internal Affairs snoop Scanlon for placing Barney's people, especially Wojo, under unfair scrutiny. Barney protects Wojo, even when it places Barney himself at risk.

Frank is so concerned with staying connected to his men that he brings on Danny's boss, Sid, to give him the views of the men in the ranks.

Both support the rule of law.

Neither man is a Sherlock Holmes/House who skirts the line of legal and ethical behavior. There is something to say for that approach--but Barney and Frank are believers in the system. They are realists--the system isn't perfect--but they ultimately believe it is better to support it than not: to leave one's apartment and engage ("The Recluse"); to support laws about Stop, Question, and Frisk despite personal disagreement.

Both support the exercise of private rights.

Both men want their people to show up to work on-time. Otherwise, their personal lives are their own business. In face of Wojo's persistent questions, Barney defends the right of every American to have a private vote. Frank protests when he is asked to take a stance on his people's activities behind closed door, a perspective I expand on here.

Both men have similar personalities.

Barney is possibly more extroverted. Frank is possibly more gruff. They are both somewhat reserved, dryly humorous, excitable under the right circumstances, capable of argument yet quick to tire of pointless criticism and objections.

Both have a mustache!

And very handsome mustaches.