“Ride Along”
Now that was a well-done episode. I don't think the crime or its perpetrator are unique to New Orleans but the twist about a New York reporter coming down to do an expose and actually admiring the boys in blue is. Good job. I'm not sure when we're going to get a fresh episode so I'm glad the series ended the year with a bang.
Let's peel back the layers and see what emerges. First we've got Captain Embry trying to please his boss by making Boulet and Cobb to a ride along with the New York reporter. They protest at first but the guys got into a kind of rhythm with Jodi Mazetta that was fun to watch. I enjoyed her asking questions and having things explained that normally wouldn't be. Or seeing tactics the police pursue to get the information they need. I thought they'd get into trouble when "questioning" those two young guys on the hood of the car while Jodi took notes and snapped photos. I also liked how she questioned Boulet and Cobb's tactics with Hayley. I think it gives us an even better understanding of how cops work in general and how Boulet and Cobb work in particular. And I think her coming clean about outsiders interest in N.O.'s lawlessness and corruption really lit a fire under Boulet and Cobb to show her how hard they are working to bring law and order back to the Big Easy.
The case: Caveman, a local lawbreaker who is one of the worst criminals in the city, keeps executing witnesses to his crimes before they can testify. When Travis Frederick is killed in what appears to be a drug-related dispute, Boulet and Cobb quickly determine the crime is a "homicide" and not a "killing." Boulet and Cobb soon find out Travis witnessed a killing by Caveman and was prepared to testify. But the only person Travis talked to was a cop and there is no way the information could have reached Caveman unless a mole in the department gave him the info. Now, not only do they have to worry about someone in their squad being dirty but if there is an internal investigation, Cobb's secrets won't stay secret for long.
After spending time with Boulet and Cobb and determining for herself that they're good guys, Jodi tells them she'll write a positive piece. She believes they've got the city's best interests at heart and she wants to show the rest of the world there are good cops in N.O. But Boulet and Cobb are surprised when her story turns into a front-page expose on how they drink on the job and chase cats around the city instead of criminals. But before that even happened she became persona non grata when she gave away their position during a raid.
Jodi admits to them her editor re-wrote the piece but she thinks it's all part of paying her dues and getting published. When the re-written story results in one of Marlon's C.I.'s (confidential informants) being executed by Caveman, Jodi vows to quit her job and demand a retraction. But that's not going to bring Nicky back. Now, not only do Cobb and Boulet have to worry about the continued bad press the department will get from Jodi's piece but they may not be able to get Caveman for Travis's murder as his girlfriend Hayley is too scared to testify. She'd rather spend time in jail than leave her son orphaned. And the episode ends with no real resolution except that the cat gets a new home with Cobb.
As I said before, a very good episode. I'm glad things were left unresolved as to whether or not there is a dirty copy and whether or not Caveman will pay for his other crimes. On a completely different note, I also liked all the shots of New Orleans. It looks like the show is shot in the city instead of on a soundstage, which I think really helps with authenticity. Cobb and Boulet continue to work well together and I enjoy to see their relationship continue to develop. They've got an easy rapport that I think gets the job done. I feel like Boulet has mellowed a bit, which is a very good thing. And someone mentioned the fact that Cobb doesn't drink. He might be an alcoholic but I think it could also be the need to be in control at all times. If he slips up while he's drunk and tells the wrong person about his past he could be in real trouble.
What did you think? I'm not sure how many episodes were done before the strike but I think we're nearing the end of original episodes. I haven't heard anything about a pick-up but I'll let you know if and when I do.
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