In some ways, "Night Maneuvers" is a very average episode of 'Stingray'. It shows someone in trouble reaching out to Ray via his barter ad, Ray responding to them, then Ray going undercover to help the person out. But it's also rather off-key as it's done mostly from the client's point of view.
This means that there isn't a lot of Ray, and whole scenes go by without him being involved at all. The focus is primarily on Thomas O'Conner (Doug Savant) as Ray's client. And... he's a one-dimensional version of Maverick from 'Top Gun'. Does he not do well with authority figures? Check. Does he have a hapless roommate/friend? Check. Does he deal with a hostile but vaguely superior immediate DI? Check. Does he eventually learn the value of military discipline? Check.
It doesn't help that Thomas announces at the end that he wants to go with Ray. There's been no indication that he and Ray have bonded in any way, shape, or form. So the announcement comes out of left field.
So when the focus is on Ray, the episode is good. When it's on Thomas and his 'Top Gun' mini-playlet, not so much. But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
This means that there isn't a lot of Ray, and whole scenes go by without him being involved at all. The focus is primarily on Thomas O'Conner (Doug Savant) as Ray's client. And... he's a one-dimensional version of Maverick from 'Top Gun'. Does he not do well with authority figures? Check. Does he have a hapless roommate/friend? Check. Does he deal with a hostile but vaguely superior immediate DI? Check. Does he eventually learn the value of military discipline? Check.
It doesn't help that Thomas announces at the end that he wants to go with Ray. There's been no indication that he and Ray have bonded in any way, shape, or form. So the announcement comes out of left field.
So when the focus is on Ray, the episode is good. When it's on Thomas and his 'Top Gun' mini-playlet, not so much. But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?