Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the affectionate side of a hard man: a tough, incorruptible cop who closes a moment with a growl of charm, lollipop in the corner of his mouth. The question is the point, because it invites you to say it back. Savalas turned it into a hit album title, and generations of impressionists and parodies of 1970s cop shows have used it for the swaggering, bald, slightly sweet detective.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for KojakShow the scene
The line is the signature phrase of Lieutenant Theo Kojak, the bald, dapper New York detective played by Telly Savalas in Kojak (CBS, 1973-78), who runs the 13th Precinct with sergeant Bobby Crocker at his side. Kojak says it as a wry sign-off to suspects, colleagues and friends alike; it is a catchphrase that recurs across the series rather than a single scene. It sits beside his lollipop habit, which first appears in the season 1 episode "Dark Sunday" (December 12, 1973), when he reaches for a Tootsie Pop instead of a cigarette. Savalas later released an album titled Who Loves Ya, Baby (1976).
Sources (3)
- Wikipedia: KojakLead and CharactersReference checked
- Wikipedia: Telly SavalasCareer and DiscographyReference checked
- Kojak Wiki: Theo Kojak (1973)OverviewReference checked
Context reviewed