Adam 12 was more free flowing. Mostly little vignettes with a wrap up at the end. Or not. Most weren't working one case, like the Dragnet formula. But they were street guys having to deal with bikers like the Monkee's Mickey Dolenz and people that open fire during traffic stops. The amount of gunplay was outrageous. Popping some hippie in the back that's running away from a pot deal was perfectly acceptable.

Let's not forget the other Webb vehicle Emergency. In depth look at the real lives of paramedics. It's on after the Dragnet/ Adam 12 block. I loved it as a kid, but I have no interest now. Too much hanging in the kitchen at the station.

Honestly I love the back and forth of Dragnet. It's such a full package of overacting and poorly written but incredibly sincere dialog.