Entertaining episode as two women commit robberies disguised as men(loosely disguised). Two murders happened while robberies in progress(whoops). Captured by Mathews and Larrabee hiding(poorly hiding under brush in back of hideout property). Why they were not frisked for the weapons they carried including the patrolman's gun is a slipup or maybe cuffing them having a female office do the search for weapons back at HQ??? Oh well it was fun to see women take the lead as the perpitrators with three patrolemen with Dan searching for them in the back forty of their hideout. The brunette drops the eye brow pencil while being rushed to escape by her blond partner(whoops). Dan found the pencil and realized the bandits and murderers might be women(you think).
Reviews
275 Reviews
How do you figure it? I don't.
29 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Crossfire
Season 4 Episode 8
featuring Don Gordon as Private Stevens
Review named How do you figure it? I don't.
The concluding conversation between Lt. And Sgt. Says something about trying to understand the behavior of the private in action. He was a one-man killing machine thinking he had to do it all no matter what the odds. Private Stevens. Ingrained to shoot first and ask questions later goes around to have the would-be-court-marshalled Stevens killed by the German enemy fire.
Saunders tells Hanley I was taking him to be court marshalled now I owe my life to him. That's the hard part when Hanely asks for an explanation of Stevens behavior and Saunders responds I don't. Hanley closes with let's go.
Stevens subconsciously had to kill fighting his kind of fight rarely coming out of the character want to win at all costs by removing the enemy.
This above average episode wins because of Don Gordon acting ability pulling off the disturbed Private Stevens character.
Saunders and Hanley sum up the death to Stevens by trying to understand what exactly occurred since Stevens joined the squad and with their Jeep driver, he and Sunders encounter the Germans with the driver dead from fire and Stevens running right into the battle past Saunders. A study in human behavior that cannot be explained other than Stevens did not give a damn.
Somewhere in Stevens psyche there was the need to charge into the enemy fire from D-Day onward with probably the inevitable to meet the private with fatal results.
The concluding conversation between Lt. And Sgt. Says something about trying to understand the behavior of the private in action. He was a one-man killing machine thinking he had to do it all no matter what the odds. Private Stevens. Ingrained to shoot first and ask questions later goes around to have the would-be-court-marshalled Stevens killed by the German enemy fire.
Saunders tells Hanley I was taking him to be court marshalled now I owe my life to him. That's the hard part when Hanely asks for an explanation of Stevens behavior and Saunders responds I don't. Hanley closes with let's go.
Stevens subconsciously had to kill fighting his kind of fight rarely coming out of the character want to win at all costs by removing the enemy.
This above average episode wins because of Don Gordon acting ability pulling off the disturbed Private Stevens character.
Saunders and Hanley sum up the death to Stevens by trying to understand what exactly occurred since Stevens joined the squad and with their Jeep driver, he and Sunders encounter the Germans with the driver dead from fire and Stevens running right into the battle past Saunders. A study in human behavior that cannot be explained other than Stevens did not give a damn.
Somewhere in Stevens psyche there was the need to charge into the enemy fire from D-Day onward with probably the inevitable to meet the private with fatal results.
I Was His Partner
11 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This Miami Vice episode was certainly entertaining of the one-hundred eleven total broadcast in the 1980's. The series was one of my very favorite programs. I would never rate any of the episodes lower than a seven as I considered the number equal to a B grade (above average) on a one to ten scale. I first saw this in 1985 as an original broadcast and then a number of times since including yesterday.
The premise being a mobster named Tony Arcarro was released on a technicality in1977 then disappeared while some think he surfaced and is conducting business as usual. There is a new mobster around named Freddy Costanza claimed to be working with Arcarro at least according to retired Detective Hank Weldon who walks into Vice headquarters offering help to Crockett and Tubbs in the hopeful capture of both drug kingpins. The look on Lieutenant Castillo's face when Weldon enters the squad room is priceless; skepticism and distrust are written on his face, especially due to Hank's behavior as being out where the buses don't run. Crockett acknowledges Weldon as being very good at his job when he worked the vice squad. From the start Hank Weldon is a unique individual continually showing signs of mental instability with his quips and actions around the detectives. He does help get the results Crockett and Tubbs were seeking getting Costanza and his cronies.
There are notable confrontations within the episode such as the takedown of the pusher on roller skates knocked to the ground by a woman serving preacher Marvelle Quinn's (Little Richard) efforts to collect cash offerings and the chase of an assassin at lunchtime with Crockett tracking the buffet table heading out of the restaurant. Very little dialogue is expressed by the guest cast members leaving speaking parts to Hank, Sonny and Ricardo for most of the program. Hank had a partner, now FBI agent Marty Lang, who explains to the detectives why Hank is no longer with the force. Hank was institutionalized for two years, his wife relocated changing her name from Lorraine. Hank's obsession with Tony Arcarro forced the detective into the psychiatric lockup after he had built a case with three years work against the mobster only to have him released on a technicality. Weldon named his personal computer after his wife and had a record of the Arcarro case file stored on it.
Weldon is certifiable yet with excellent detective skills predicting Freddy Costanza's demise at the restaurant. Weldon also tipped off Miami Vice of a drug deal going down at a house on stilts or pilings in the off-shore waters; the shootout is noteworthy. Hank also insists Arcarro is behind all this illegal activity but with no evidence to support his claim.
Weldon later calls for Tubbs to meet him at an abandoned house which he insists Arcarro is present. Crockett and Tubbs enter the empty room seeing nothing but graffiti walls until Weldon smashes the drywall revealing Arcarro's corpse entombed since 1977. Crockett confronts Marty Lang about knowing of Arcarro in the wall all along and Lang admits to his assistance because Hank was his partner; Lieutenant Castillo had arrived with Lang witnessing the open wall with Arcarro inside.
Kudos to Bruce McGill for his excellent portrayal of Weldon and a nice touch including preacher Little Richard.
The premise being a mobster named Tony Arcarro was released on a technicality in1977 then disappeared while some think he surfaced and is conducting business as usual. There is a new mobster around named Freddy Costanza claimed to be working with Arcarro at least according to retired Detective Hank Weldon who walks into Vice headquarters offering help to Crockett and Tubbs in the hopeful capture of both drug kingpins. The look on Lieutenant Castillo's face when Weldon enters the squad room is priceless; skepticism and distrust are written on his face, especially due to Hank's behavior as being out where the buses don't run. Crockett acknowledges Weldon as being very good at his job when he worked the vice squad. From the start Hank Weldon is a unique individual continually showing signs of mental instability with his quips and actions around the detectives. He does help get the results Crockett and Tubbs were seeking getting Costanza and his cronies.
There are notable confrontations within the episode such as the takedown of the pusher on roller skates knocked to the ground by a woman serving preacher Marvelle Quinn's (Little Richard) efforts to collect cash offerings and the chase of an assassin at lunchtime with Crockett tracking the buffet table heading out of the restaurant. Very little dialogue is expressed by the guest cast members leaving speaking parts to Hank, Sonny and Ricardo for most of the program. Hank had a partner, now FBI agent Marty Lang, who explains to the detectives why Hank is no longer with the force. Hank was institutionalized for two years, his wife relocated changing her name from Lorraine. Hank's obsession with Tony Arcarro forced the detective into the psychiatric lockup after he had built a case with three years work against the mobster only to have him released on a technicality. Weldon named his personal computer after his wife and had a record of the Arcarro case file stored on it.
Weldon is certifiable yet with excellent detective skills predicting Freddy Costanza's demise at the restaurant. Weldon also tipped off Miami Vice of a drug deal going down at a house on stilts or pilings in the off-shore waters; the shootout is noteworthy. Hank also insists Arcarro is behind all this illegal activity but with no evidence to support his claim.
Weldon later calls for Tubbs to meet him at an abandoned house which he insists Arcarro is present. Crockett and Tubbs enter the empty room seeing nothing but graffiti walls until Weldon smashes the drywall revealing Arcarro's corpse entombed since 1977. Crockett confronts Marty Lang about knowing of Arcarro in the wall all along and Lang admits to his assistance because Hank was his partner; Lieutenant Castillo had arrived with Lang witnessing the open wall with Arcarro inside.
Kudos to Bruce McGill for his excellent portrayal of Weldon and a nice touch including preacher Little Richard.
What you use to trap your victims trapped you
20 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Well-played episode of a familiar scheme where hitchhikers rob people providing them with a lift based on prior knowledge of the driver carrying cash. After a fatal encounter occurs when the female suspect shoots a driver the Highway Patrol is put into action solving the deadly crime.
Chief Matthews and Officer Morse are at the victim's car and notice the lingering aroma of a perfume.
Chief Matthews commented to Officer Morse, Mr. Childs carried the same perfume scent when he first met Childs in his motel room providing further clues to solving the crime. Matthews and Morse had already discussed the possibility of an organization behind the holdups, a blond and another woman. Someone had to get knowledge of people carrying currency while they traveled, e. G. truck delivery personnel and traveling salesmen were past victims. The cafe owner heard a customer offering a woman a ride, telling Matthews the female hitched a ride with the future victim, Doyle Houston.
Matthews and Morse leave a bluff message to Childs as he sits at the cafe counter when they confidentially plan on following him to his hideout when he leaves the cafe. Dan solicits the help of a young motorist when Childs drives by, Dan calls in the plate number from his car, drives the other car with its owner along requesting the helper to contact the HP to bring backup to Matthews' location.
Dan nabs Childs and one woman outside of the house as Morse pulls up with siren on. Chief Matthews enters the house quickly capturing the other woman with her gun he says the lab with likely identify as the weapon that killed Mr. Houston. The blond asks how did he know she was in the closet, Matthews answers, "your perfume, what you use to trap your victims trapped you." The Blond killer is cuffed and lead out of the house to the awaiting car with her male and other female accomplices.
Parting comment is the clowns at the circus are real funny but on the highway they are murder.
Minutia is the list of actors for S2 E24 Female Hitchhiker on YouTube belongs to S1 E23 Plane Crash.
Chief Matthews and Officer Morse are at the victim's car and notice the lingering aroma of a perfume.
Chief Matthews commented to Officer Morse, Mr. Childs carried the same perfume scent when he first met Childs in his motel room providing further clues to solving the crime. Matthews and Morse had already discussed the possibility of an organization behind the holdups, a blond and another woman. Someone had to get knowledge of people carrying currency while they traveled, e. G. truck delivery personnel and traveling salesmen were past victims. The cafe owner heard a customer offering a woman a ride, telling Matthews the female hitched a ride with the future victim, Doyle Houston.
Matthews and Morse leave a bluff message to Childs as he sits at the cafe counter when they confidentially plan on following him to his hideout when he leaves the cafe. Dan solicits the help of a young motorist when Childs drives by, Dan calls in the plate number from his car, drives the other car with its owner along requesting the helper to contact the HP to bring backup to Matthews' location.
Dan nabs Childs and one woman outside of the house as Morse pulls up with siren on. Chief Matthews enters the house quickly capturing the other woman with her gun he says the lab with likely identify as the weapon that killed Mr. Houston. The blond asks how did he know she was in the closet, Matthews answers, "your perfume, what you use to trap your victims trapped you." The Blond killer is cuffed and lead out of the house to the awaiting car with her male and other female accomplices.
Parting comment is the clowns at the circus are real funny but on the highway they are murder.
Minutia is the list of actors for S2 E24 Female Hitchhiker on YouTube belongs to S1 E23 Plane Crash.
"I guess I messed it up, huh?"
28 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The opening scene has a shooter taking shots at guys performing road work training in a wooded country setting; a well-publicized assassination-attempt, in all the papers according to Pete, Jacoby and Sobey. Pete has to leave Edie, who hands his phone message from an old contact, Sobey Webb, who in turn hands Gunn a note with directions to a bridge on the country training grounds of a tired boxer; Webb lifted cash from the gunman and the note. Sobey tells Pete the shooter has a scar running up his arm; attempts were made on the boxer while doing road work with his training partner Otis Calder and his manager Charlie Toomey. The all but washed-up boxer is Billy Cochrane, having taken too many punches to the head where it is now his death sentence whenever he is struck again. The shooting was a way to up the betting line on an upcoming fight, particularly with certain conditions of boxer Billy; Billy's ex-wife, Joanna hangs around the camp for alimony and Les Durant appears with the shooter as the grease-ball fight fixer.
Now while alimony is still being demanded from the ex-wife, Joanna discloses she still owns half of Billy's contract. Jacoby informs Gunn about the increased bets placed on the upcoming fight, where before the shooting, there was little interest in the fight. Two and two will get you where you want to be as the fight nears; there is no way Billy can win, he has had it as a boxer, but it will draw more ringside. Training partner Otis Calder informs Pete no punches have been thrown at Billy's head while sparring giving rise to dubious events at the camp.
Pete intends to meet Charlie that evening, eight o'clock, near the bridge. Joanna Cochrane makes a play toward Gunn as he surveys the area near the bridge and the shooter's body floats by face down in the water. The floating, scarred shooter is dead, Charlie being a no-show and Joanna is screaming at the sight of the body. Jacoby says the floater was clubbed to death and thrown in to the water, per the lab boys. The ID comes back on the dead man, a hood named Soto, prompting further snooping on Gunn's part. Pete visits Joanna, she wants him and Gunn wants info but he is not getting any from her. He explains current matters are more dangerous since they identified the murdered shooter.
After talking with Otis, Pete checks in with Billy who is in bed and restlessly sleeping. Otis comes over alerting Gunn he found Joanna dead in her room. Pete has to make a phone call and is met by Charlie; frantic he cannot find Billy. He finds him, gives him water and a pill. Charlie confides to Pete that Billy has a form of glaucoma, one punch could put him down forever. Billy had his problems as Charlie explains issues with the ex-wife bleeding him dry and gambling losses owed to Durant .
Les Durant and his henchman enter the room, guns drawn, the inevitable shootout begins, the henchman is down with Durant but Charlie also catches a bullet. He had confessed the shooting was faked to drive up the odds. Durant killed Soto to keep his mouth shut. Charlie tells Pete he killed Joanna thinking they would blame it on the assassin; "I guess I messed it up, huh?"
Now while alimony is still being demanded from the ex-wife, Joanna discloses she still owns half of Billy's contract. Jacoby informs Gunn about the increased bets placed on the upcoming fight, where before the shooting, there was little interest in the fight. Two and two will get you where you want to be as the fight nears; there is no way Billy can win, he has had it as a boxer, but it will draw more ringside. Training partner Otis Calder informs Pete no punches have been thrown at Billy's head while sparring giving rise to dubious events at the camp.
Pete intends to meet Charlie that evening, eight o'clock, near the bridge. Joanna Cochrane makes a play toward Gunn as he surveys the area near the bridge and the shooter's body floats by face down in the water. The floating, scarred shooter is dead, Charlie being a no-show and Joanna is screaming at the sight of the body. Jacoby says the floater was clubbed to death and thrown in to the water, per the lab boys. The ID comes back on the dead man, a hood named Soto, prompting further snooping on Gunn's part. Pete visits Joanna, she wants him and Gunn wants info but he is not getting any from her. He explains current matters are more dangerous since they identified the murdered shooter.
After talking with Otis, Pete checks in with Billy who is in bed and restlessly sleeping. Otis comes over alerting Gunn he found Joanna dead in her room. Pete has to make a phone call and is met by Charlie; frantic he cannot find Billy. He finds him, gives him water and a pill. Charlie confides to Pete that Billy has a form of glaucoma, one punch could put him down forever. Billy had his problems as Charlie explains issues with the ex-wife bleeding him dry and gambling losses owed to Durant .
Les Durant and his henchman enter the room, guns drawn, the inevitable shootout begins, the henchman is down with Durant but Charlie also catches a bullet. He had confessed the shooting was faked to drive up the odds. Durant killed Soto to keep his mouth shut. Charlie tells Pete he killed Joanna thinking they would blame it on the assassin; "I guess I messed it up, huh?"
I did It for him
26 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A believable story well told and solidly acted about an ATF agent pursuing an armament dealer when he is gunned down, left while his self-medicated partner lie sleeping in their vehicle. The agent awakens from a coma years later to WITSEC marshal Shannon explaining his status with the looming trial forthcoming where his testimony incarcerates the murderous arms dealer. The agent agrees to the commitment but wants to see his girlfriend; he travels to see her ahead of the trial against wishes from the prosecuting attorney. His encounter with the girlfriend proves heartbreaking and thought provoking when he discovers his former partner and the girlfriend are married with their two-year-old son.
The trial brings out the best character trait of the wounded agent when he praises his old partner while denouncing in no uncertain terms the ruthless criminal. He explains to the former partner and the ex-girlfriend he said the words of praise in support of the child, not either of the adults.
Mary Shannon faces a different dilemma at home when Raf breaks off their engagement citing their union is not meant to be, they will not be able to make it work. Mary's Mom hugs her at work while she cries over the split.
Courage to the ATF agent able to see beyond any selfishness and lift his head high moving on with his life after the discovery of how life changes over time. Sadness befalls our lead character Mary when Raf delivers his decision. The episode is certainly one of the best in the series conveying a powerful message how events change our world.
The trial brings out the best character trait of the wounded agent when he praises his old partner while denouncing in no uncertain terms the ruthless criminal. He explains to the former partner and the ex-girlfriend he said the words of praise in support of the child, not either of the adults.
Mary Shannon faces a different dilemma at home when Raf breaks off their engagement citing their union is not meant to be, they will not be able to make it work. Mary's Mom hugs her at work while she cries over the split.
Courage to the ATF agent able to see beyond any selfishness and lift his head high moving on with his life after the discovery of how life changes over time. Sadness befalls our lead character Mary when Raf delivers his decision. The episode is certainly one of the best in the series conveying a powerful message how events change our world.
Platoon Officer Cask Departure
19 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Saunders' outnumbered squad has to find a way to escape with a wounded Lt. Hanley brought in by the Germans to a winery enclosure soon after the Sergeant entered the same area. All the men are low on ammo and Hanley is sequestered in a building guarded by sentries making the task of rescue and escape unlikely.
Superb acting in a no-gunfire episode prompts Saunders to concoct a plan to access the lieutenant, grab him and leave under the enemy's watchful eyes. While I missed Kirby and his B. A. R., Caje proved to be the man to watch as he fools the Germans pretending to be the handicapped winery owner's relative insisting he help load and deliver wine casks to the village close by.
The episode does not feature an up-and-comer actor rather it focuses on Saunders avoiding the enemy while gaining access to Hanley while Caje impersonates the winery employee wanting to take product to market, encasing the lieutenant in an empty barrel. Caje works by distracting the German Captain with their best wine while the Sergeant maneuvers through the storeroom to move Hanley.
Ultimately the Captain offers his men to assist Caje loading the barrels and has them push the loaded truck when the winery owner cannot start the engine. There is a tense moment when the German leader sees Saunders in a doorway but a detached private fatally stabs the man while his men are pushing the truck out through the enclave. A worthwhile watch to witness the men work to rescue their platoon leader and move out to fight again.
Superb acting in a no-gunfire episode prompts Saunders to concoct a plan to access the lieutenant, grab him and leave under the enemy's watchful eyes. While I missed Kirby and his B. A. R., Caje proved to be the man to watch as he fools the Germans pretending to be the handicapped winery owner's relative insisting he help load and deliver wine casks to the village close by.
The episode does not feature an up-and-comer actor rather it focuses on Saunders avoiding the enemy while gaining access to Hanley while Caje impersonates the winery employee wanting to take product to market, encasing the lieutenant in an empty barrel. Caje works by distracting the German Captain with their best wine while the Sergeant maneuvers through the storeroom to move Hanley.
Ultimately the Captain offers his men to assist Caje loading the barrels and has them push the loaded truck when the winery owner cannot start the engine. There is a tense moment when the German leader sees Saunders in a doorway but a detached private fatally stabs the man while his men are pushing the truck out through the enclave. A worthwhile watch to witness the men work to rescue their platoon leader and move out to fight again.
Cal Went Without
17 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
One of the better stories with a good character actor in a supporting role, Regis Toomey as Cal Sellers where Cal asks Pete to help find his partner's killer. Pete reviews the three-year-old bank heist case with Jacoby, discussing Cal in the process. Gunn tracks down the written clue, it was not on Cal's partner nor in their office so they look, finding it in the church near to where the murder took place. The clue was a location the stolen money was hidden with two individuals scooping the loot up for transport to a more secure spot. Pete shoots both occupants, one dead the other is a brute resurfacing to shoot it out with Cal, where Cal catches a fatal bullet dying in Pete's arms.
Peter Gunn
(1958–1961)
That is Sick Mitch, Very Sick
16 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Trying to make any sense out of this meaningless crime; kill the hatcheck girl because the headliner is in love where performer is not a singer at all. Pete is sent on a fool's errand, a set up to be cuffed by the murderer who sent him on the mission. The cab driver was an known actor with plenty of legitimate credits, the singer and the hatcheck girl were nothing and Gavin MacLeod, pass. The cast regulars carried this sick story to its conclusion with Herb Vigran and Roy Glenn in acceptable supporting roles. Three seasons composed of 114 episodes from 1958 into 1961 were not all gems but what can be expected with so many in a television year. Craig Stevens pulled this Mancini jewel off assisted with Bernardi and Albright making the noir private detective era a winner for the period of black-and-white.
An Acceptable Wrap to a Thought Provoking Drama
25 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The questions concerning primary and secondary cast members were answered as the series came to a close after too few total episodes, 61, compared to other law-enforcement television programs. The series could have had at least 100 episodes considering the subject of witness protection is an ongoing entity with all sorts of to-be-well-written scripts; the talent is there with the leading characters.
The witness being a teen model with a head on her shoulders played out for the better. Mary's dysfunctional family continued to be well, dysfunctional; Mary did the right thing spreading her father's ashes on the race-horse track, Dad would have liked that effort.
A very watchable last episode seeing how situations worked themselves out with Stan off to D. C., Marshall now Chief of Albuquerque and moving toward married life with Mary's approval. It comes highly rated because it deserves the wrap-up award but we wanted more nonetheless.
The witness being a teen model with a head on her shoulders played out for the better. Mary's dysfunctional family continued to be well, dysfunctional; Mary did the right thing spreading her father's ashes on the race-horse track, Dad would have liked that effort.
A very watchable last episode seeing how situations worked themselves out with Stan off to D. C., Marshall now Chief of Albuquerque and moving toward married life with Mary's approval. It comes highly rated because it deserves the wrap-up award but we wanted more nonetheless.
Entertaining End for Season One
29 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The closing episode of season one comes with a surprise attack on headquarters after an undercover cop is assassinated in a warehouse by a masked killer while the accomplice watches. The perpetrators are after evidence taken by the cops when the victim was found in a pool of his own blood. The evidence is a pack of cigarettes found on the victim and the victim's partner arrives at the warehouse outraged the man has been murdered; believing he was sent there alone.
Many police are at the crime scene looking for anything that will help them solve the homicide. There was a witness hiding while smoking crack and she is brought in for questioning. Detective Rizzoli comes with the victim's partner to HQ, slipping the cigarette pack into her jacket on her way to the lab before locking it in evidence. While Jane is talking to the witness the drug-ring cast of heavily armed men enters HQ, kills the desk sergeant, shoots Frankie Jr. While making their way to the evidence lock-up. They knew the location of the evidence lockers which hints strongly at an inside informant; they shoot locks off lockers but cannot locate the missing evidence.
Maura has gone to feed her tortoise in the lab when she hears weapons firing while Jane leaves the witness in the stairway corner realizing they shot her brother. Maura attempts to save Frankie while on an examiner table while Jane works on a plan to escape since her brother needs hospital attention. Korsak finally reaches Jane on a homicide portable phone and learns HQ has been violently compromised and her brother in a dire situation. Vince hears the victim's partner tell of his partner's zeal to infiltrate the warehouse where he was killed by his own partner and later killing the witness in the stairwell.
The shoot-out was dramatized fairly well nailing the rooftop villains and the concluding scene where Jane shoots the bad cop through herself with his gun; not a bad ending, unlikely, but not bad. The series has 105 episodes spanning seven seasons with this performance the last of season one. The entire episode was entertaining, lose the side-show with the parents and the questionable methods of BPD. Everyone is a critic and those not liking the show hopefully will stop reviewing altogether; I have seen all the episodes, rating the series watchable and certainly beyond mediocre.
Many police are at the crime scene looking for anything that will help them solve the homicide. There was a witness hiding while smoking crack and she is brought in for questioning. Detective Rizzoli comes with the victim's partner to HQ, slipping the cigarette pack into her jacket on her way to the lab before locking it in evidence. While Jane is talking to the witness the drug-ring cast of heavily armed men enters HQ, kills the desk sergeant, shoots Frankie Jr. While making their way to the evidence lock-up. They knew the location of the evidence lockers which hints strongly at an inside informant; they shoot locks off lockers but cannot locate the missing evidence.
Maura has gone to feed her tortoise in the lab when she hears weapons firing while Jane leaves the witness in the stairway corner realizing they shot her brother. Maura attempts to save Frankie while on an examiner table while Jane works on a plan to escape since her brother needs hospital attention. Korsak finally reaches Jane on a homicide portable phone and learns HQ has been violently compromised and her brother in a dire situation. Vince hears the victim's partner tell of his partner's zeal to infiltrate the warehouse where he was killed by his own partner and later killing the witness in the stairwell.
The shoot-out was dramatized fairly well nailing the rooftop villains and the concluding scene where Jane shoots the bad cop through herself with his gun; not a bad ending, unlikely, but not bad. The series has 105 episodes spanning seven seasons with this performance the last of season one. The entire episode was entertaining, lose the side-show with the parents and the questionable methods of BPD. Everyone is a critic and those not liking the show hopefully will stop reviewing altogether; I have seen all the episodes, rating the series watchable and certainly beyond mediocre.
Spontaneous Utterance Indeed
7 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A sit-com develops with a return of an amusing character working again alongside Flynn and Provenza. Not a very good sit-com, in fact, there is little doubt why this series was originally on TNT. A show can be highly rated, viewed by millions on an obtuse network but that does not make it good, repulsive at times, but not good. The episode was a break from the usual good acting from guests nobody recognized; one exception was the return of the Dick Tracy character, he is funny.
The guest cast of characters included Mr. Kleiner, the next-door neighbor of the Brewster home, Marcella Brewster is the deceased homeowner, Carter Bradford is the grandnephew, Devin Duncan is the grandniece, Dr. Enrique Cabrera is the doctor for the late Marcella Brewster, Angela Soames is the employee of cryogenic company Eternal Meadows and Eleanor Miller is the department store human resources employee.
Carter and Devin are the closest kin to the late Marcella Brewster and her dog Falcon. Marcella Brewster was beheaded before the remaining body was cremated, her head was cryogenically frozen and stored at Eternal Meadows where Flynn and Provenza retrieved with a court ordered search much to the dismay of employee Soames. Dr. Enrique Cabrera provided the LAPD of Marcella's multiple changes to her will and added insight into her erratic behavior with video evidence. Mr. Jonathan Baird is the actual name of the security guard formerly known as Dick Tracy from The Closer. Baird guards the estate home while attending to the dog which was granted sole heir to the Brewster fortune.
Dr. Morales determines the late Marcella Brewster did perish as a result of arsenic poisoning as did her dog. The arsenic was in the frozen crab cakes fed to the dog accidently by Mr. Baird; had he known the food was poisoned he would have found another safe source of nourishment for Falcon. Marcella finally passed away after suffering from a form of leukemia, a treatment for which was intravenous arsenic trioxide. The killer not only found a way to add arsenic to her treatment and he found a way to poison the dog's food. The confrontation between Baird and Kleiner in the kitchen of the stately home provides the admission of guilt from the killer where arsenic was introduced to both Marcella and Falcon. Captain Raydor lures Kleiner to the kitchen after she poses as a niece of the late Mrs. Brewster getting the house ready for a possible quick sale now that the dog is dead. The Captain excuses herself to attend to other matters in the house while Jonathan Baird watches Kleiner empty the freezer of the spiked crab cakes to hide the evidence. Major Crimes captures Kleiner in the driveway with his spontaneous utterance admitting to the poisonings.
Rusty receives a letter of recommendation from Provenza with his assistance to the LAPD in the apprehension of his would-be killer and his excellent court appearance as a witness to the Stroh case. The recommendation is taken by Baird out of the murder room while nobody was paying attention as Provenza needed only Rusty's signature with name typed in to supply any department store security willing to hire such a perfect candidate. Baird is seen being congratulated by Eleanor Miller; the department store human resources employee hiring Jonathan.
In all due fairness to the overall series, Major Crimes, where the majority of its episodes are acceptable and above average fodder for a crime show, this is one of a few episodes that can be dismissed as filler. Major Crimes has 105 episodes to its credit, this one episode should not be used to judge the entire group. Buy the premise and you buy the program, even on a single episode basis, although it takes some fortitude to watch this story for a person admiring the series.
The guest cast of characters included Mr. Kleiner, the next-door neighbor of the Brewster home, Marcella Brewster is the deceased homeowner, Carter Bradford is the grandnephew, Devin Duncan is the grandniece, Dr. Enrique Cabrera is the doctor for the late Marcella Brewster, Angela Soames is the employee of cryogenic company Eternal Meadows and Eleanor Miller is the department store human resources employee.
Carter and Devin are the closest kin to the late Marcella Brewster and her dog Falcon. Marcella Brewster was beheaded before the remaining body was cremated, her head was cryogenically frozen and stored at Eternal Meadows where Flynn and Provenza retrieved with a court ordered search much to the dismay of employee Soames. Dr. Enrique Cabrera provided the LAPD of Marcella's multiple changes to her will and added insight into her erratic behavior with video evidence. Mr. Jonathan Baird is the actual name of the security guard formerly known as Dick Tracy from The Closer. Baird guards the estate home while attending to the dog which was granted sole heir to the Brewster fortune.
Dr. Morales determines the late Marcella Brewster did perish as a result of arsenic poisoning as did her dog. The arsenic was in the frozen crab cakes fed to the dog accidently by Mr. Baird; had he known the food was poisoned he would have found another safe source of nourishment for Falcon. Marcella finally passed away after suffering from a form of leukemia, a treatment for which was intravenous arsenic trioxide. The killer not only found a way to add arsenic to her treatment and he found a way to poison the dog's food. The confrontation between Baird and Kleiner in the kitchen of the stately home provides the admission of guilt from the killer where arsenic was introduced to both Marcella and Falcon. Captain Raydor lures Kleiner to the kitchen after she poses as a niece of the late Mrs. Brewster getting the house ready for a possible quick sale now that the dog is dead. The Captain excuses herself to attend to other matters in the house while Jonathan Baird watches Kleiner empty the freezer of the spiked crab cakes to hide the evidence. Major Crimes captures Kleiner in the driveway with his spontaneous utterance admitting to the poisonings.
Rusty receives a letter of recommendation from Provenza with his assistance to the LAPD in the apprehension of his would-be killer and his excellent court appearance as a witness to the Stroh case. The recommendation is taken by Baird out of the murder room while nobody was paying attention as Provenza needed only Rusty's signature with name typed in to supply any department store security willing to hire such a perfect candidate. Baird is seen being congratulated by Eleanor Miller; the department store human resources employee hiring Jonathan.
In all due fairness to the overall series, Major Crimes, where the majority of its episodes are acceptable and above average fodder for a crime show, this is one of a few episodes that can be dismissed as filler. Major Crimes has 105 episodes to its credit, this one episode should not be used to judge the entire group. Buy the premise and you buy the program, even on a single episode basis, although it takes some fortitude to watch this story for a person admiring the series.
No Priority Either Way Solving the Two Murders
2 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
An above average story played out by a solid guest cast involving two murders, one a boy on a bicycle run down and then shot in the head by a gang-member, two a congressman's son also shot in the head at his home, rolled up in his own rug and left on the sidewalk. Victims' names are Robert Keller and Tyler Roads with the latter possibly leading to the other, both might have been perpetrated by the same individual.
Episode content includes the usual on-going irritant of Beck interfering with actual police work, a bigoted Congressman, the FBI involved in the case due to their informant being killed, gang members collected en masse for interrogation resulting in the identity of the bicycle murder and clues to what exactly occurred when the Congressman's son was killed. Robert was a Caucasian, rich-young-adult attempting to better lives of inhabitants while gang-bangers sought revenge on an innocent fifteen-year-old riding his bicycle while his friend is riding in the banger's car with a gun pointed at his head as he witnesses the murder.
Note there are twelve regular cast members and an equal number of guests. If we separate the guests by lines delivered, there are two or four, Congressman Keller and Mrs. Walker with Ryan Keller and Darryl Walker. There were two victims, one Caucasian, one Black, together they bring out the hatred and prejudice among several characters.
Ben Wells and Jason Grant are associates of Robert Keller, ready to celebrate at the company Christmas party waiting for Robert to return home. Provenza informs them the party is cancelled, their apartment is a crime scene and they are suspects in an investigation.
Miller, Shorty Wallace, and T-Ray Smith are the gang members questioned by the officers until one of them gives up the actual shooter of Tyler Roads, the kid on the bike. The gang-members were brought in because Darryl Walker gave them up as the three in the car when they went hunting for his friend Tyler. The gun used to kill Keller is found, brought to evidence, shown to Daryll when he explained the situation he was in with the bangers.
Robert Keller had signed a waiver of protection offered by the FBI and continued his work in the gang-territory neighborhood as a citizen trying to better the lives of its residents. Keller's efforts in the ghetto got him killed, he did not belong there and did not understand the psyche of the neighborhood's inhabitants, particularly the gang-bangers. . Jada Roads, mother of victim Tyler, is in the murder room screaming for her son's murderer to be found and brought to justice, gunned down at fifteen allegedly snitching on bangers. Jada is restrained by Mrs. Walker while at the station trying to seek justice for Tyler.
Max is the Robert Keller's dog, a family pet, mistakenly thought to be a vicious canine only because he was left alone, unfed after his owner was murdered in the same home where Max lived. Max identifies his owner's killer when he goes to her at police HQ, showing affection, proof he knew the woman from being at the victim's house because Max did not venture from beyond the home.
Raydor remains composed during the entire event despite Rusty's vexation on trivialities, the blatant bigotry displayed by the elected official, the systematic processing of the gang-members to finally establish the one killer while she plows through the facts to get to the other killer; well-played Captain.
Good police work leads to the apprehension of the perpetrators; a recommended watch for certain.
Episode content includes the usual on-going irritant of Beck interfering with actual police work, a bigoted Congressman, the FBI involved in the case due to their informant being killed, gang members collected en masse for interrogation resulting in the identity of the bicycle murder and clues to what exactly occurred when the Congressman's son was killed. Robert was a Caucasian, rich-young-adult attempting to better lives of inhabitants while gang-bangers sought revenge on an innocent fifteen-year-old riding his bicycle while his friend is riding in the banger's car with a gun pointed at his head as he witnesses the murder.
Note there are twelve regular cast members and an equal number of guests. If we separate the guests by lines delivered, there are two or four, Congressman Keller and Mrs. Walker with Ryan Keller and Darryl Walker. There were two victims, one Caucasian, one Black, together they bring out the hatred and prejudice among several characters.
Ben Wells and Jason Grant are associates of Robert Keller, ready to celebrate at the company Christmas party waiting for Robert to return home. Provenza informs them the party is cancelled, their apartment is a crime scene and they are suspects in an investigation.
Miller, Shorty Wallace, and T-Ray Smith are the gang members questioned by the officers until one of them gives up the actual shooter of Tyler Roads, the kid on the bike. The gang-members were brought in because Darryl Walker gave them up as the three in the car when they went hunting for his friend Tyler. The gun used to kill Keller is found, brought to evidence, shown to Daryll when he explained the situation he was in with the bangers.
Robert Keller had signed a waiver of protection offered by the FBI and continued his work in the gang-territory neighborhood as a citizen trying to better the lives of its residents. Keller's efforts in the ghetto got him killed, he did not belong there and did not understand the psyche of the neighborhood's inhabitants, particularly the gang-bangers. . Jada Roads, mother of victim Tyler, is in the murder room screaming for her son's murderer to be found and brought to justice, gunned down at fifteen allegedly snitching on bangers. Jada is restrained by Mrs. Walker while at the station trying to seek justice for Tyler.
Max is the Robert Keller's dog, a family pet, mistakenly thought to be a vicious canine only because he was left alone, unfed after his owner was murdered in the same home where Max lived. Max identifies his owner's killer when he goes to her at police HQ, showing affection, proof he knew the woman from being at the victim's house because Max did not venture from beyond the home.
Raydor remains composed during the entire event despite Rusty's vexation on trivialities, the blatant bigotry displayed by the elected official, the systematic processing of the gang-members to finally establish the one killer while she plows through the facts to get to the other killer; well-played Captain.
Good police work leads to the apprehension of the perpetrators; a recommended watch for certain.
At What Cost...War is Hell
30 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent story brought to the screen in this particular episode whereby each scene is believable and that statement would come from my father carrying his BAR up and through Italy during WWII. I watched Combat because I thought it was exceptional acting with true stories even though we knew it was the depiction of something having occurred during WWII. Watch Saunders plot his strategy as he excels at methods to win at all costs, securing the injured pilot with the critical film intact. What sacrifice is worth lives lost rescuing a fellow soldier and capturing the valuable possession contained in the plane's nose. War is hell and the episode proves that point. Put this episode on your worth watching list forever. Thank you Vic Morrow for being the actor you were, one-of-a-kind.
A Séance Gets the Truth Out
26 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Consider watching this episode because of the dialogue in the courtroom that creates a Brenda- move through the second interview of the suspect. Although an additional suspect is murdered, the primary suspect does not know of the killing, so why not play it like the dead is alive. Exactly the method Captain Raydor uses when she again discusses the crime with the primary, where he succumbs to her method of extracting information, i.e. conduct a séance with the dead man's phone.
Judge Grove is a favorite character of mine conducting proper order in his courtroom by not allowing attorneys any leeway where they take matters out of his control. A textbook murder-for-hire, an unremorseful defendant and a manslaughter plea for shortened terms trigger the judge's rath, arguing the state has not done its job securing sufficient material evidence to secure a death penalty conviction.
The reluctance to cooperate with an FBI agent is played superbly among the officers, namely Flynn and Sanchez. Sharon knows there is something missing in the case where no hard evidence will ever be found since it will have to come from the mouths of the suspects.
The FBI agent forgets the victim with the injected microchip had her own agenda fighting for what she wanted; she needed protection from herself, furthermore, she did not become an informant by hanging out with all the right people. The victim used her own misguided judgement from the beginning and unfortunately paid with her life.
The aside episode-portion is the heartfelt confession of the schoolmate informing the D.D.A. of the multiple written threats to Rusty which he had tucked away in a cubicle cabinet. The girl feared for Rusty's well-being more than betraying his trust not to divulge the threats. The closing scene is as poignant with Raydor as the conversation the classmate had with Rios.
Judge Grove is a favorite character of mine conducting proper order in his courtroom by not allowing attorneys any leeway where they take matters out of his control. A textbook murder-for-hire, an unremorseful defendant and a manslaughter plea for shortened terms trigger the judge's rath, arguing the state has not done its job securing sufficient material evidence to secure a death penalty conviction.
The reluctance to cooperate with an FBI agent is played superbly among the officers, namely Flynn and Sanchez. Sharon knows there is something missing in the case where no hard evidence will ever be found since it will have to come from the mouths of the suspects.
The FBI agent forgets the victim with the injected microchip had her own agenda fighting for what she wanted; she needed protection from herself, furthermore, she did not become an informant by hanging out with all the right people. The victim used her own misguided judgement from the beginning and unfortunately paid with her life.
The aside episode-portion is the heartfelt confession of the schoolmate informing the D.D.A. of the multiple written threats to Rusty which he had tucked away in a cubicle cabinet. The girl feared for Rusty's well-being more than betraying his trust not to divulge the threats. The closing scene is as poignant with Raydor as the conversation the classmate had with Rios.
It's Always the ....
19 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Solid opening story for season two with an attractive supporting cast, two deceased wives and a suspicious ex-wife along with a new D.D.A. more annoying than any of the past, all contribute to the who-did-it to be solved murder. The new D.D.A. really becomes the side story, not liking Raydor taking Beck under her wings plus sticking her nose in the present case before the officers have a chance to absolutely incriminate the guilty party.
The husband of these three wives is a piece-of-work, focused obsessively with his occupation, treating his children as something to baby sit, telling his ex-wife he did not want anymore children then re-starting a family with his latest spouse. Security film reveals the second wife accessing a vehicle in a parking garage incriminating her story previously told to the officers.
Captain Raydor sifts through the husband's scandalous behavior only to find the actual perpetrator was an angry and vengeful person killing a three-months-pregnant bride, dumping her into the swimming pool where the work-obsessed husband and innocent expectant wife lived.
Beck no sooner has his abusive, biological father removed from his life and he is forced to contend with attorney Emma Rios; woe is Rusty. The good news is the guilty confessed in an interview room with her lawyer present with Major Crimes' personnel and Rios.
This episode is definitely a good watch as the Captain is receiving the respect her position deserves while conducting business in the follow-the-rules fashion. The sole reason to compare The Closer to Major Crimes is the obvious carry-over of regular cast members; Brenda and Sharon operate in a distinctly different manner, both achieving results.
The husband of these three wives is a piece-of-work, focused obsessively with his occupation, treating his children as something to baby sit, telling his ex-wife he did not want anymore children then re-starting a family with his latest spouse. Security film reveals the second wife accessing a vehicle in a parking garage incriminating her story previously told to the officers.
Captain Raydor sifts through the husband's scandalous behavior only to find the actual perpetrator was an angry and vengeful person killing a three-months-pregnant bride, dumping her into the swimming pool where the work-obsessed husband and innocent expectant wife lived.
Beck no sooner has his abusive, biological father removed from his life and he is forced to contend with attorney Emma Rios; woe is Rusty. The good news is the guilty confessed in an interview room with her lawyer present with Major Crimes' personnel and Rios.
This episode is definitely a good watch as the Captain is receiving the respect her position deserves while conducting business in the follow-the-rules fashion. The sole reason to compare The Closer to Major Crimes is the obvious carry-over of regular cast members; Brenda and Sharon operate in a distinctly different manner, both achieving results.
Roses on the Desk of the Empty Office
12 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It is a sad event when a television series ends despite the flaws to some viewers who want to be producers, too. Get your own series is the call out to the critics, if you do not like what you see, get your own to find how difficult it can be to please everyone. Major Crimes came to a close with plenty of action, drama and a satisfactory ending. Lieutenant Provenza and Rusty Beck got their man Stroh in a one-sided shootout, Phillip was not given the opportunity to shoot the lieutenant because Mr. Beck entered and shot Stroh five times, dead at the scene.
Miserable little Dylan got what he deserved when Lt. Tao shot him through the door of the house he was working; it was as pleasurable to see Tao shoot Dylan as Rusty shoot Stroh.
Clues leading to the showdown were purchases Stroh had made in bulk which were not for someone flying out of the country, i.e. cases of food and some liquor. Plan A for Stroh was indeed the charter plane he had pre-paid, but his plans changed when LAPD gathered at the airport for his arrival to board. Instead, Stroh had his alternative transportation on the yacht Ms. Bechtel, but Provenza had seen the picture in the home of slain Tammy Bechtel and sought a look around after he had viewed Tammy's body on the floor of her home. Stroh was to kill no more when all was over and done due to Rusty intervening on Provenza's behalf.
I could have done without the epilogue speech but the camera shot to the roses on the empty desk of the late Commander wrapped it up for me; buy the premise buy the program, that simple. Thank you creator, producers and writers for making this series enjoyable to watch; and to the actors, I thank you for a professional job well done.
Miserable little Dylan got what he deserved when Lt. Tao shot him through the door of the house he was working; it was as pleasurable to see Tao shoot Dylan as Rusty shoot Stroh.
Clues leading to the showdown were purchases Stroh had made in bulk which were not for someone flying out of the country, i.e. cases of food and some liquor. Plan A for Stroh was indeed the charter plane he had pre-paid, but his plans changed when LAPD gathered at the airport for his arrival to board. Instead, Stroh had his alternative transportation on the yacht Ms. Bechtel, but Provenza had seen the picture in the home of slain Tammy Bechtel and sought a look around after he had viewed Tammy's body on the floor of her home. Stroh was to kill no more when all was over and done due to Rusty intervening on Provenza's behalf.
I could have done without the epilogue speech but the camera shot to the roses on the empty desk of the late Commander wrapped it up for me; buy the premise buy the program, that simple. Thank you creator, producers and writers for making this series enjoyable to watch; and to the actors, I thank you for a professional job well done.
Tao, I Want Stroh Found and Stopped for Good
11 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Not bad for an episode that was two shows late in being broadcast; it took the prior episodes in order to approach a concentration of sole policework to get to part three because of all the extra-curricular activities happening. They had to take time for Commander Raydor's goodbyes and all the syrupy pathetic script accompanying her passing.
Lt. Provenza was put in charge of Major Crimes by the late Commander, seizing Phillip Stroh "by any means"; Provenza would not wait for another trial. The Lieutenant is likely capable of the task but the officers seem to advance in slow motion while Stroh is marching with great stride leaving bodies in his quest for the continued funding of his game plan.
The search for Stroh heightens when details are realized the murder room with Major Crimes officers are being spied upon as they slowly cover bases where Phillip or Dylan have been. Identifying Dylan is a coup as he panics but is successful in draining the bank account of Stroh's mother. Dylan captures the appointment calendar of Hunt Sanford with information allowing Stroh to wait in the office of Hunt's dead doctor, killing the physician in his chair. Phillip conveniently knifes Hunt Sanford after receiving the confirmation of the bank transfer, he puts his motorcycle helmet on and leaves the doctor's office while bodyguard Raj remains out in the hallway. The race is on for Stroh, no longer needing Dylan, having received the money necessary to fund his continued moves.
Fritz Howard makes a true observation stating Stroh has always eliminated his accomplices after reaching his immediate goal. This observation lends itself to know Dylan is about to have an accident, the B-girl he is enamored with was declared extra-baggage according to Stroh.
Major Crimes did figure out Stroh was going after the money set aside by Hunt Sanford from Stroh's ill-mother but their effort to stop the transfer of funds was late.
I enjoyed this four-part close to the series, number three and number four were by far the most watched. I missed the series being on the air when the non-police activities were held to an absolute minimum. If Chief Brenda Johnson has shot and killed Phillip Stroh in her kitchen while Rusty bled there would be a change in stories when the series commenced over one-hundred episodes ago. It was Lt. Flynn or Sanchez stating that if the Chief had killed Phillip Stroh then, things would be different; the series would not need an eye-witness to his crimes and the viewer would not have to tolerate the antecedent scenes throughout the run of Major Crimes.
Lt. Provenza tells Lt. Tau he wants Stroh stopped forever more than he has ever wanted anything before, for the sake of the LAPD, his late boss and because Stroh does not deserve to live.
Lt. Provenza was put in charge of Major Crimes by the late Commander, seizing Phillip Stroh "by any means"; Provenza would not wait for another trial. The Lieutenant is likely capable of the task but the officers seem to advance in slow motion while Stroh is marching with great stride leaving bodies in his quest for the continued funding of his game plan.
The search for Stroh heightens when details are realized the murder room with Major Crimes officers are being spied upon as they slowly cover bases where Phillip or Dylan have been. Identifying Dylan is a coup as he panics but is successful in draining the bank account of Stroh's mother. Dylan captures the appointment calendar of Hunt Sanford with information allowing Stroh to wait in the office of Hunt's dead doctor, killing the physician in his chair. Phillip conveniently knifes Hunt Sanford after receiving the confirmation of the bank transfer, he puts his motorcycle helmet on and leaves the doctor's office while bodyguard Raj remains out in the hallway. The race is on for Stroh, no longer needing Dylan, having received the money necessary to fund his continued moves.
Fritz Howard makes a true observation stating Stroh has always eliminated his accomplices after reaching his immediate goal. This observation lends itself to know Dylan is about to have an accident, the B-girl he is enamored with was declared extra-baggage according to Stroh.
Major Crimes did figure out Stroh was going after the money set aside by Hunt Sanford from Stroh's ill-mother but their effort to stop the transfer of funds was late.
I enjoyed this four-part close to the series, number three and number four were by far the most watched. I missed the series being on the air when the non-police activities were held to an absolute minimum. If Chief Brenda Johnson has shot and killed Phillip Stroh in her kitchen while Rusty bled there would be a change in stories when the series commenced over one-hundred episodes ago. It was Lt. Flynn or Sanchez stating that if the Chief had killed Phillip Stroh then, things would be different; the series would not need an eye-witness to his crimes and the viewer would not have to tolerate the antecedent scenes throughout the run of Major Crimes.
Lt. Provenza tells Lt. Tau he wants Stroh stopped forever more than he has ever wanted anything before, for the sake of the LAPD, his late boss and because Stroh does not deserve to live.
Let Me Tell What I Mean Detective Nolan
10 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Raydor's funeral, Provenza's eulogy to his boss and the proverbial murder set the stage for the final showdown with Mr. Stroh but not until he kills people from his past, recent contacts and long-ago persons. Paying particular attention to Stroh's methods of operating is indeed intriguing and worth watching the closing episodes to an above average crime drama. Detective Paige cautions Lt. Provenza at the church steps immediately after the funeral that Stroh has been seen in Los Angeles.
D.D.A. Emma Rios is murdered in her swimming pool by Stroh hiding at the deep end in a diving-wetsuit. Rios had been a prominent member of the legal team out to get Phillip Stroh and having appeared in eighteen episodes of the series. Stroh's assistant disguises himself as the neighbor boy acting to steal identities from the officers when he offers some data for the case. Worth noting is his face is remembered later a collaborator in Stroh's nasty activities.
Jim Bechtel is murdered in his home by Stroh having been married to Phillip's mother with Detectives Sykes and Paige discovering the body when ordered to do a welfare check on Bechtel by Provenza as the search for leads to find Stroh hastens.
Worth noting is the low count of guest actors with this part one of four, far more officers than anybody else; far less Rusty and no Gus. Rusty does get his revolver from Sharon's video message, worth noting also for part four. An acceptable episode to begin the final search for the horrible Phillip Stroh with accomplice Dylan.
D.D.A. Emma Rios is murdered in her swimming pool by Stroh hiding at the deep end in a diving-wetsuit. Rios had been a prominent member of the legal team out to get Phillip Stroh and having appeared in eighteen episodes of the series. Stroh's assistant disguises himself as the neighbor boy acting to steal identities from the officers when he offers some data for the case. Worth noting is his face is remembered later a collaborator in Stroh's nasty activities.
Jim Bechtel is murdered in his home by Stroh having been married to Phillip's mother with Detectives Sykes and Paige discovering the body when ordered to do a welfare check on Bechtel by Provenza as the search for leads to find Stroh hastens.
Worth noting is the low count of guest actors with this part one of four, far more officers than anybody else; far less Rusty and no Gus. Rusty does get his revolver from Sharon's video message, worth noting also for part four. An acceptable episode to begin the final search for the horrible Phillip Stroh with accomplice Dylan.
Vicky Landon was an evil person
10 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This was a busy story after an exhaustive search for Bonnie Pearl's assassin, Dr. Landon's similar murder with the same revolver, Craig Curtis's eventual admission of guilt and subsequent arrest. It is an episode worth scrutinizing because of all events related to the four part journey solving a series of horrible crimes, rapes and murder.
It was not something that deserved to be four parts but the mix of machinations performed by our lead cast member Commander Raydor with trips to the hospital and eventual fatal heart attack at her desk took plenty of non-crime solving minutes.
A quick omission of non-critical guest time, defined as effective toward solving the crimes at hand, the regulars and bad guys would be enough to fill the hour.
Hands down, Vicky Landon was an evil person, her son Seth an extra, Manny an extra, Stroh a nice lead-in to the final episodes, Stan Pearl a real putz, Father Stan was necessary because the creator-producer wanted the religious part in the story reflecting on Sharon's faith.
This was definitely a mixed bag of crime detection, personal suffering and stuff that I would have left out, mentioned as retrospective, but omitted.
Forty-two minutes of runtime can be pared to something far less if the scenes I did not care for were eliminated: Rusty-Gus, the grieving and the emphasis on church activities. That is the manner wanted by the creator so I congratulate those in charge for a story maybe all enjoyed. I collectively rated all parts of Conspiracy Theory a B because when there was police work being accomplished, it was spot-on. You go with the flow in these dramas, the extracurricular of Major Crimes were every bit as annoying as Brenda's parents in The Closer.
It was not something that deserved to be four parts but the mix of machinations performed by our lead cast member Commander Raydor with trips to the hospital and eventual fatal heart attack at her desk took plenty of non-crime solving minutes.
A quick omission of non-critical guest time, defined as effective toward solving the crimes at hand, the regulars and bad guys would be enough to fill the hour.
Hands down, Vicky Landon was an evil person, her son Seth an extra, Manny an extra, Stroh a nice lead-in to the final episodes, Stan Pearl a real putz, Father Stan was necessary because the creator-producer wanted the religious part in the story reflecting on Sharon's faith.
This was definitely a mixed bag of crime detection, personal suffering and stuff that I would have left out, mentioned as retrospective, but omitted.
Forty-two minutes of runtime can be pared to something far less if the scenes I did not care for were eliminated: Rusty-Gus, the grieving and the emphasis on church activities. That is the manner wanted by the creator so I congratulate those in charge for a story maybe all enjoyed. I collectively rated all parts of Conspiracy Theory a B because when there was police work being accomplished, it was spot-on. You go with the flow in these dramas, the extracurricular of Major Crimes were every bit as annoying as Brenda's parents in The Closer.
Two Down, Two to Go
10 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There are thirteen episodes in the final season of Major Crimes, a five-part Sanctuary City starts the series followed by the four parts of Conspiracy Theory and ending the series with the four parts of By Any Means. Among these episodes are some well written splendidly acted stories touching facets of police work only found with homicide investigations.
It unfortunately takes two plus episodes that easily could have been shrunk to less than one for the plot to be weighted down with extra-curricular activities outside the actual crimes; I am quite well aware producers tell writers to blend in the sickening non-police stories with the actual cases at hand. But please, for the final season, suggest we remove the Sharon-Andy drivel and certainly eradicate the Rusty-Gus crap. This viewer does not want to see unrelated pretend pathos coming from bit part members or a questionable cop-to-cop relationship that does not help solve crimes.
Parts one and two build to an exceptional part three where there is more police action, less drivel is shown and a climax is building for final part four. Episode three ends with two critical scenes, Dr. Landon is found shot to death in his car while Commander Raydor experiences a heart attack while arriving to investigate the homicide.
Landon was guilty of raping the women employees of the saloons owned by Craig Curtis, a bulletin had been released to the media naming Landon as the suspect guilty of several rapes and likely connected to certain killings of the women victims. Originally Bonnie Pearl was found in her vehicle shot to death and Major Crimes was in process of discovering the crimes Bonnie must have discovered perpetrated by Landon at Curtis's restaurants; Landon was certainly suspected of Bonnie's murder.
Near the close of the part-three-episode, women were coming forward to name Landon, others had committed suicide or absolutely wanted nothing to do the whole mess, despite bodies of women found raped then suffocated. Episode three of Conspiracy Theory is wonderful yet it took so long to get to it, a must watch for certain and an episode four wraps things up for the so-called conspiracy.
It unfortunately takes two plus episodes that easily could have been shrunk to less than one for the plot to be weighted down with extra-curricular activities outside the actual crimes; I am quite well aware producers tell writers to blend in the sickening non-police stories with the actual cases at hand. But please, for the final season, suggest we remove the Sharon-Andy drivel and certainly eradicate the Rusty-Gus crap. This viewer does not want to see unrelated pretend pathos coming from bit part members or a questionable cop-to-cop relationship that does not help solve crimes.
Parts one and two build to an exceptional part three where there is more police action, less drivel is shown and a climax is building for final part four. Episode three ends with two critical scenes, Dr. Landon is found shot to death in his car while Commander Raydor experiences a heart attack while arriving to investigate the homicide.
Landon was guilty of raping the women employees of the saloons owned by Craig Curtis, a bulletin had been released to the media naming Landon as the suspect guilty of several rapes and likely connected to certain killings of the women victims. Originally Bonnie Pearl was found in her vehicle shot to death and Major Crimes was in process of discovering the crimes Bonnie must have discovered perpetrated by Landon at Curtis's restaurants; Landon was certainly suspected of Bonnie's murder.
Near the close of the part-three-episode, women were coming forward to name Landon, others had committed suicide or absolutely wanted nothing to do the whole mess, despite bodies of women found raped then suffocated. Episode three of Conspiracy Theory is wonderful yet it took so long to get to it, a must watch for certain and an episode four wraps things up for the so-called conspiracy.
It Was Just Across The Street
5 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A quality program concludes this two-part episode with a thumbs up to all of the regular cast with some guests. I have tried to judge this series on the combination of the screenplay writing with plausible stories and exceptional acting. The regular cast of Major Crimes credits all eight members participating in every episode which provided me with the criteria to evaluate any performance.
Shockwave parts 1 and 2 dealt with a psychologically disturbed individual, killing his father-in-law, harming many others and attempting to murder his wife along with establishment personnel, i.e. the system that put him in prison for eleven years. It will be explained why he went away but did not commit the crime, i.e. delayed autopsy report out for sixty days when he pleaded guilty after thirty days. The man gets out of state prison and he seeks revenge on those he thinks responsible for his lockup. He possesses plastic explosive measured by the pound coupled with methods of hiding the plastic in everyday places, i.e. voids in common items, musical instruments, bicycle frames, large vases, luggage, etc. and setting off the charges with disposable cellphones. He bought his items from a thrift shop and stole the plastic explosive through his former military service plotting his revenge while he sat in prison. One former cellmate tells the officers the man is very good at hiding his phone-charged-bombs, confirming his method of operating.
His wife inadvertently confesses to possessing the knife used to murder her lover; the wounds were far from the work of a former soldier, her then husband. Stab wounds on the torso of the lover indicated they convicted the wrong person; Sharon solves that one crime as it was the ex-wife who murdered the lover.
The killer shot his father-in-law in the head twice, leaving a classic radio in the home equipped with a bomb that unfortunately is detonated while a police-civilian worker carries the unit from the victim's house to the police vehicle.
Another bomb is detonated at the same man's private internment with his ex-wife is in attendance, however, the officers are able to clear the general area preventing any killings. The man photographs all internment Major Crime persons with exception of Lt. Flynn because he is restricted to desk duty due to his recent health problems. Sharon has kept the ex-wife at HQ fearing for her life; her luggage is gathered from the same house brought to the station while the killer-husband tracks the suitcase while staked outside the residence. He had access to the same home giving him time to set a bomb in her suitcase; he really wants to kill his wife for her infidelity, not knowing she killed her lover and framed him.
Flynn walks over to the courthouse across the street from police HQ when he sees the imaging of the GPS trace to the killer's location. While Sharon talks to the killer on the phone, Lt. Flynn confronts him, Flynn's gun drawn. The man is holding a cell phone while live with Sharon when Flynn closes in on him. Sharon figures out the suitcase is packed with explosive ordering everyone out of the murder room as the man detonates the bomb. There is extensive damage to the room but everyone is safe as Provenza speaks to Flynn. Flynn knocks the man down with his pistol after he set off the bomb; he is in custody. The Lieutenant justifies his leaving the desk assignment as simply a walk across the street.
The story flowed from the first part into this concluding episode with each regular police officer casting a crucial part in the story. A recommended watch for fans of the series and even casual crime drama lovers. The side story should be ignored which would have made this and other forthcoming final-season episodes more enjoyable; multi part episodes can be condensed when sub-plots are avoided; nobody cares about Rusty.
Shockwave parts 1 and 2 dealt with a psychologically disturbed individual, killing his father-in-law, harming many others and attempting to murder his wife along with establishment personnel, i.e. the system that put him in prison for eleven years. It will be explained why he went away but did not commit the crime, i.e. delayed autopsy report out for sixty days when he pleaded guilty after thirty days. The man gets out of state prison and he seeks revenge on those he thinks responsible for his lockup. He possesses plastic explosive measured by the pound coupled with methods of hiding the plastic in everyday places, i.e. voids in common items, musical instruments, bicycle frames, large vases, luggage, etc. and setting off the charges with disposable cellphones. He bought his items from a thrift shop and stole the plastic explosive through his former military service plotting his revenge while he sat in prison. One former cellmate tells the officers the man is very good at hiding his phone-charged-bombs, confirming his method of operating.
His wife inadvertently confesses to possessing the knife used to murder her lover; the wounds were far from the work of a former soldier, her then husband. Stab wounds on the torso of the lover indicated they convicted the wrong person; Sharon solves that one crime as it was the ex-wife who murdered the lover.
The killer shot his father-in-law in the head twice, leaving a classic radio in the home equipped with a bomb that unfortunately is detonated while a police-civilian worker carries the unit from the victim's house to the police vehicle.
Another bomb is detonated at the same man's private internment with his ex-wife is in attendance, however, the officers are able to clear the general area preventing any killings. The man photographs all internment Major Crime persons with exception of Lt. Flynn because he is restricted to desk duty due to his recent health problems. Sharon has kept the ex-wife at HQ fearing for her life; her luggage is gathered from the same house brought to the station while the killer-husband tracks the suitcase while staked outside the residence. He had access to the same home giving him time to set a bomb in her suitcase; he really wants to kill his wife for her infidelity, not knowing she killed her lover and framed him.
Flynn walks over to the courthouse across the street from police HQ when he sees the imaging of the GPS trace to the killer's location. While Sharon talks to the killer on the phone, Lt. Flynn confronts him, Flynn's gun drawn. The man is holding a cell phone while live with Sharon when Flynn closes in on him. Sharon figures out the suitcase is packed with explosive ordering everyone out of the murder room as the man detonates the bomb. There is extensive damage to the room but everyone is safe as Provenza speaks to Flynn. Flynn knocks the man down with his pistol after he set off the bomb; he is in custody. The Lieutenant justifies his leaving the desk assignment as simply a walk across the street.
The story flowed from the first part into this concluding episode with each regular police officer casting a crucial part in the story. A recommended watch for fans of the series and even casual crime drama lovers. The side story should be ignored which would have made this and other forthcoming final-season episodes more enjoyable; multi part episodes can be condensed when sub-plots are avoided; nobody cares about Rusty.
she shot him while wearing a LAPD wire
29 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Part three was really divided into two distinct, unrelated stories; a wrap-up of the supremacist hierarchy and the final solution to the thirty-five year-old killing of Buzz's father and uncle at the ATM.
Mr. Calderon was Dwight Darnell's legal counsel, appearing in court when Dwight opened fire, first on Dr. Joe Bowman, then on the others. Dwight shot Commander Taylor because Taylor returned fire, he shot D.D.A. Rosen and Deputy Simms then Captain Raydor shot and killed Dwight. Commander Taylor died immediately as did Calderon and Rosen; Dr. Joe survived recouping in the hospital while Dwight died soon afterward. When Sharon had Buzz play the tape of the shootings, slow motion revealed Calderon knew the gun was loaded as he covered his face but certainly did not know Dwight was ordered to shoot him. Other video footage from jail showed Deputy Simms outside the closed door while Graff argued with Dwight; Sharon speculated who gave the order to shoot whom. Did Simms want Graff gone and who gave the order? Did Graff want Simms gone and who gave the order? Sharon continues to know somebody is calling the shots over Graff; Graff was not the top dog. She also feels Wildred has withheld information critical to solving the cases of her son's behavior and the execution of court clerk Sun and mother Ava Jarvis.
Martin Borja appears again, this time at the finish, when Wildred pay him a visit in his office while wearing a LAPD wire. Gene Hecht, found in episode 10, gives up Bill Jones as the killer at the ATM of Buzz's father and uncle. Sanchez and Provenza arrest William Jones at his house. Borja screams at Wildred how he felt about Graff and her useless son Dwight. In the words of Chief Fritz Howard, she shot him while wearing a LAPD wire, pulling a revolver out of his desk to perform the execution. A delightful ending to successful work from Major Crimes.
Isn't it always the last part to any episode where not only are all the cases brought to a close but there is usually more action than in the prior episodes. I truly liked this finish, I was happy for Buzz and happy for Wildred; I did not see what happened to Commander Taylor coming and I was sorry to see him gone from the cast, especially in such a violent manner. Recommend highly a watch from anyone.
Mr. Calderon was Dwight Darnell's legal counsel, appearing in court when Dwight opened fire, first on Dr. Joe Bowman, then on the others. Dwight shot Commander Taylor because Taylor returned fire, he shot D.D.A. Rosen and Deputy Simms then Captain Raydor shot and killed Dwight. Commander Taylor died immediately as did Calderon and Rosen; Dr. Joe survived recouping in the hospital while Dwight died soon afterward. When Sharon had Buzz play the tape of the shootings, slow motion revealed Calderon knew the gun was loaded as he covered his face but certainly did not know Dwight was ordered to shoot him. Other video footage from jail showed Deputy Simms outside the closed door while Graff argued with Dwight; Sharon speculated who gave the order to shoot whom. Did Simms want Graff gone and who gave the order? Did Graff want Simms gone and who gave the order? Sharon continues to know somebody is calling the shots over Graff; Graff was not the top dog. She also feels Wildred has withheld information critical to solving the cases of her son's behavior and the execution of court clerk Sun and mother Ava Jarvis.
Martin Borja appears again, this time at the finish, when Wildred pay him a visit in his office while wearing a LAPD wire. Gene Hecht, found in episode 10, gives up Bill Jones as the killer at the ATM of Buzz's father and uncle. Sanchez and Provenza arrest William Jones at his house. Borja screams at Wildred how he felt about Graff and her useless son Dwight. In the words of Chief Fritz Howard, she shot him while wearing a LAPD wire, pulling a revolver out of his desk to perform the execution. A delightful ending to successful work from Major Crimes.
Isn't it always the last part to any episode where not only are all the cases brought to a close but there is usually more action than in the prior episodes. I truly liked this finish, I was happy for Buzz and happy for Wildred; I did not see what happened to Commander Taylor coming and I was sorry to see him gone from the cast, especially in such a violent manner. Recommend highly a watch from anyone.
Lieutenant, In All Due Respect...
27 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is the start of multiple deadly episodes, i.e. body count including surprising results, unexpected and not foreseen deaths; rated high for the violent action, cool heads prevailing while the whole picture is reassembled to find the stash of weapons and all other killers. Superb acting efforts by regular cast members and the guest actors as well. This rewards viewers into understanding why the original series was highly rated; never mind the few mediocre episodes that come with every lengthy series.
The story develops into tragic consequences for known cast members, evolving into a three-part journey to find all the perpetrators; not too much red tape to cross in pursing the guilty parties. Pay particular attention to the interview room scenes of all suspects where as discussions get heated facts surface manifest the LAPD to have awakenings and follow clues to their end with satisfying results.
Rusty is an annoyance throughout the series, my opinion and he played his part well, although Mr. Beck finally listens to the Lieutenant, staying off to the side, out of Sharon's way in order for her to be Captain of Major Crimes rather than coddling to his whining. Watch Sanchez, my favorite and the Lieutenant work the case with Sharon as they burrow through the rubble of supremacists, a murdered mother of his adopted son, a to-be-missing court reporter and murdered Deputy Chief Taylor, among other innocent people.
The mission is clear, find the horde of weapons before devastation is wrought upon the city. Julio emphasizes to the Lieutenant; Mark Jarvis would be targeted if word of the back room of Uncle Henry's house is leaked with its contents. Sanchez believes his mother Ava was murdered because she told somebody about nefarious goings-on.
Two attorneys murdered, Dr. Joe Bowman brutally wounded in the witness stand recouping in the hospital, Taylor sadly gone, the sheriff killed in the same courtroom all victims of Dwight Darnell, who was fatally shot by Captain Raydor accounts for the courtroom fatalities.
The shootout with the Coulson's at the weapon's warehouse and the previous Henry Colson shooting/capture were initial events prompting the knowledge of the armament cache by LAPD; nice head kick Sykes, I am certain your fellow officers appreciated the action.
The story develops into tragic consequences for known cast members, evolving into a three-part journey to find all the perpetrators; not too much red tape to cross in pursing the guilty parties. Pay particular attention to the interview room scenes of all suspects where as discussions get heated facts surface manifest the LAPD to have awakenings and follow clues to their end with satisfying results.
Rusty is an annoyance throughout the series, my opinion and he played his part well, although Mr. Beck finally listens to the Lieutenant, staying off to the side, out of Sharon's way in order for her to be Captain of Major Crimes rather than coddling to his whining. Watch Sanchez, my favorite and the Lieutenant work the case with Sharon as they burrow through the rubble of supremacists, a murdered mother of his adopted son, a to-be-missing court reporter and murdered Deputy Chief Taylor, among other innocent people.
The mission is clear, find the horde of weapons before devastation is wrought upon the city. Julio emphasizes to the Lieutenant; Mark Jarvis would be targeted if word of the back room of Uncle Henry's house is leaked with its contents. Sanchez believes his mother Ava was murdered because she told somebody about nefarious goings-on.
Two attorneys murdered, Dr. Joe Bowman brutally wounded in the witness stand recouping in the hospital, Taylor sadly gone, the sheriff killed in the same courtroom all victims of Dwight Darnell, who was fatally shot by Captain Raydor accounts for the courtroom fatalities.
The shootout with the Coulson's at the weapon's warehouse and the previous Henry Colson shooting/capture were initial events prompting the knowledge of the armament cache by LAPD; nice head kick Sykes, I am certain your fellow officers appreciated the action.
He Will Have Crow and Eat It Here
23 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Season one allows us the see the primary cast members at their very best, as svelte as they will ever be through the decade of episodes; Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale and William Hopper never looked better in the late fifties' episodes. Actress Susan Morrow played the defendant when she was twenty-six years of age, appearing older than what she was; Susan worked during the fifties only, never to return to any size screen. Nice touch having Donna Reed's TV-husband play a part and a doctor no less. It is always a treat to have Gertie present in an episode.
Once the characters were introduced, I question who has the motive to commit the crime and sifting through the players I eliminate most everyone while the story plays out. I do not buy the defendant had any reason to kill the victim, he was a good friend of her imprisoned father. Perry did explain how the pieces fit together at the close as usual.
Tom Sackett steals Arlene Dowling's trailer while she is sun bathing nearby; purportedly looking for a diary hidden in her trailer-home. The diary was the record of her father Frank's work as bank employee where he was accused and convicted of stealing money. For the past several months Arlene Dowling had been accounting her father's actions while he was employed at the bank in order to prove his innocence. His friend, George Ballard, was found innocent at the time of the robbery; George was the bank inspector at the time, and he and Frank Dowling worked with one another for years.
While Dr. Chandler was on the witness stand, Perry exams the diary brought into evidence by Burger. Perry asked the doctor to confirm being the physician for the Mercantile Security Bank. Mason inquired if Chandler had administered a certain diathermic procedure to one Tom Sackett on April 4th and one on April 11th. The doctor said Wednesday was his day off but his nurse may have administered the procedures. Here is a clue, the doctor did not work Wednesdays.
Burger calls Perry to the witness stand enquiring if he was aware eighteen thousand dollars was found by the police in the defendant's trailer. Mason responds he was only informed as of now. Burger continues his examination probing if Perry raised and lowered the shade at the Ballard residence which Mason clarifies his grand jury testimony, he did not move the shade as a signal. Perry tells the court he hid the currency he received with serial number 00581. Perry snaps back at Burger stating Detective Myers saw someone at the window at nine but Mason was at the home of the deceased was from around 8:15 and for just minutes afterward, having a drink with Ballard then departing shortly afterward. Perry continues to tell the court the man detective Meyers saw at the window was the murderer. The guilty man was removing money Perry placed in the shade.
Through Dr. Chandler's office relation with the bank, Perry said Frank Dowling underwent a complete physical examination, disrobing in the process, leaving his possessions vulnerable for lifting from his clothing, namely security keys and seals. Impressions were made of these items, then turning them over to an expert forger name Thomas Sackett to make copies. Mason tells Burger you will likely find Sackett in Mexico City. Perry accuses Chandler's nurse, Helen Rucker, was with the doctor when he visited the bank. Helen Rucker and Thomas Sackett made up a dummy sack of cancelled checks, turning the same sack over with a key to the truck to the only man able to access the cash. Helen Rucker collaborated with Tom Sackett and Bill Emory to share the spoils and do away with George Ballard in the process. From the witness stand, Perry states the man Officer Myers saw at the window was the man following Mason to the Ballard residence and killed Ballard. Mason declares Bill Emory killed George Chandler.
The entertaining portion of the episode was Perry naming the conspirators and the killer while on the witness stand; an aside was having Burger at the restaurant table with an order of crow to be served for accusing Mason of perjury. The information given to Arlene Dowling on the phone from Perry where she was to meet him at Sunset and Maple could have only come from Bill Emory who was in the room when Mason spoke to Arlene. By the way, almost everyone has to smoke cigarettes at some time during filming throughout the series, it must have de rigueur in those years; now that I think of it is was in vogue, disgusting habit aside. Recommend a watch to all fans.
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