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NUMB3RS Season 5 Episodes
Season 5 Episode Guide
23 Episodes 2008 - 2009
The fifth and penultimate season of CBS's popular, offbeat detective drama "Numb3rs" resumes the ongoing FBI investigations of the two Eppes brothers - brilliant mathematician Charlie (David Krumholtz) and veteran detective Don (Rob Morrow). As this season opens, Charlie and Don team up to fight FBI Security Officer Carl McGowan (Keith Carradine) for the reinstatement of Charlie's withdrawn security clearance, and a newcomer named Nikki Betancourt (Sophina Brown) joins the investigative team. Later, an old criminal nemesis of the boys, who figured prominently in Season Four, escapes from prison and seeks vengeance against Don. Later in the season, a brutal act of violence against one of the men causes great strain. The other brother needlessly shoulders blame for the violence and consciously withdraws from street work - only to find himself drawn back in when a horrific abduction turns his world upside down.
Episode 1
High Exposure
Fri, Oct 3, 2008 43 mins
The fifth season begins with the murders of two rock climbers who possess a valuable stolen diamond. Don is assisted in the investigation by Agent Edgerton, and their probe reveals the uncut gem belonged to a missing diamond merchant. Charlie, who no longer has an FBI clearance, is reluctantly drawn into the case when Don's life is threatened. Elsewhere, a new agent, a former LAPD officer, joins the team.
Episode 2
The Decoy Effect
Fri, Oct 10, 2008 43 mins
Don investigates a series of kidnappings occurring at ATMs after one of the victims is murdered; Charlie meets with an FBI investigator who has the power to grant or deny him a security clearance with the bureau.
Episode 3
Blowback
Fri, Oct 17, 2008 43 mins
Don investigates the execution of eight people, including two police officers, in a coffee shop. The probe uncovers a messy trail of corruption, blackmail and sex that involves a Hollywood producer, a high-priced hooker and, perhaps, police officials. Meanwhile, the FBI's McGowan digs deeper into his investigation of Don and Charlie, and Don learns that Charlie is now working for the LAPD as a consultant.
Episode 4
Jack of All Trades
Fri, Oct 24, 2008 43 mins
Don helps a veteran FBI agent track an elusive con man who worms his way into companies and then steals millions. The investigation suggests he may be working for a European syndicate. Meanwhile, McGowan makes his recommendation on whether to grant Charlie a security clearance and whether Don should be reprimanded.
Episode 5
Scan Man
Fri, Oct 31, 2008 43 mins
Big-ticket items are stolen from a shipping service, and a company employee who possesses savant-like abilities helps in the investigation. Elsewhere, Don questions his faith in the Bureau after one of his men is killed on duty.
Episode 6
Magic Show
Fri, Nov 7, 2008 43 mins
A female magician performs a vanishing act on stage and doesn't reappear. Evidence suggests she may be dead. David is in the audience with a date when the mysterious illusion occurs. The investigation reveals the missing woman has a history of questionable disappearances to promote her magic act and that David's new girlfriend may be involved. Charlie enlists the help of Penn Jillette to gain a better understanding of the world of magic.
Episode 7
Charlie Don't Surf
Fri, Nov 14, 2008 43 mins
Don and Charlie investigate the apparent accidental surfing death of a family friend who was a Channel Islands park ranger and former professional surfer. The victim's dad believes his son was murdered and claims he received threats shortly before his death. The probe reveals that the dead man may have been involved in an illegal marijuana farm on the islands.
Episode 8
Thirty-six Hours
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 43 mins
A passenger train collides with a freight train carrying toxic chemicals and many people are trapped in the wreckage. Don and Charlie work to free them and to discover whether the tragedy is because of foul play linked to terrorism.
Episode 9
Conspiracy Theory
Fri, Dec 5, 2008 43 mins
The headquarters for a controversial charity organisation composed of CEOs and billionaires is bombed during a high-profile meeting in Los Angeles. The investigation reveals the so-called charity may be a front to extend the members' far-reaching influence and power base. During the probe, Charlie learns that Amita was once arrested and the revelation casts a cloud over their relationship.
Episode 10
Frienemies
Fri, Dec 19, 2008 43 mins
A vigilante group attempts to stop a ruthless gang leader who uses teens to steal high-end computers and other technological devices. The FBI becomes concerned when one group member is murdered. Charlie believes a visiting professor, who happens to be his archrival, could be of help in solving the case, if they can get past their bickering.
Episode 11
Arrow of Time
Fri, Jan 9, 2009 43 mins
A convicted teenage killer, who embarked on a cross-country crime spree with his 30-year-old Texas schoolteacher and was sent to prison by Don, escapes and is bent on revenge. Don calls on his newfound religious beliefs to help him cope with the dangerous situation.
Episode 12
Jacked
Fri, Jan 16, 2009 43 mins
A sightseeing bus carrying 18 tourists in Hollywood is hijacked by four men, who demand that $18 million be delivered to them within four hours or they will begin shooting the hostages. The FBI tracks the bus's movements while Charlie tries to hack into the bus's computer system to stop it.
Episode 13
Trouble in Chinatown
Fri, Jan 23, 2009 43 mins
An undercover FBI agent is kidnapped when a feud breaks out between rival Chinese gangs working in the black market. Helping with the case is psychic Samuel Kraft.
Episode 14
Sneakerhead
Fri, Feb 6, 2009 43 mins
A foreign ambassador's prized pair of limited-edition sneakers, which he purchased at auction for $250,000, are stolen from his vault by thieves who break into his private residence. The probe leads Don and his team into the underworld of sneaker collecting. Meanwhile, Liz prepares to leave for Denver to accept a promotion with the Bureau, but she has second thoughts about the move.
Episode 15
Guilt Trip
Fri, Feb 13, 2009 43 mins
An international weapons smuggler stands trial for the murder of a FBI informant, but he is acquitted despite a strong case against him. The result leads Charlie to suspect jury tampering was involved and he sets out to prove it.
Episode 16
Cover Me
Fri, Feb 27, 2009 43 mins
Liz works undercover to take a new illegal drug off the streets after Charlie predicts it is going to be the next big thing to hit the drug market. David is assigned to be her handler and he worries when she varies from his plan and puts her trust in a fellow undercover agent who may be an addict himself.
Episode 17
First Law
Fri, Mar 6, 2009 43 mins
The investigation into the death of a visionary scientist takes a strange twist when the prime suspect turns out to be a super computer. Meanwhile, Charlie considers a tempting job offer.
Episode 18
12:01 AM
Fri, Mar 13, 2009 43 mins
The FBI receives new information that could clear a convicted mob boss only a few hours before his scheduled execution, so Don and his team are forced to investigate before the death penalty is carried out. Meanwhile, Charlie tries to help the CalSci basketball team end its lengthy losing streak by applying mathematical principles.
Episode 19
Animal Rites
Fri, Apr 10, 2009 43 mins
A CalSci professor is tortured and murdered in his lab, where animals are subjected to medical experiments. The investigation reveals that his death may be linked to a militant animal-rights leader who believes animals are morally superior to humans. The case is especially troubling for Charlie since the victim was a colleague.
Episode 20
The Fifth Man
Fri, Apr 24, 2009 43 mins
Don is stabbed during a raid while investigating a series of home invasions, and he battles for his life in the hospital. Charlie believes the attack is his fault because he failed to predict there would be a fifth suspect involved in the break-ins. Elsewhere, David and Colby clash over how David is running the investigation in Don's absence.
Episode 21
Disturbed
Fri, May 1, 2009 43 mins
Charlie focuses his attention on tracking a previously undetected serial killer to help deal with his guilt over Don's almost-fatal stabbing. He receives help from a geeky amateur sleuth and a retired accountant, who each research serial murders as hobbies. The investigation reveals that the killer may be responsible for over two dozen unsolved deaths.
Episode 22
Greatest Hits
Fri, May 8, 2009 43 mins
The chief suspect in a series of copycat bank robberies is a disgraced FBI agent who reviewed the files from the original heists. Meanwhile, Charlie questions whether his future is in academia or in law enforcement after he moves into his plush new office on campus.
Episode 23
Angels and Devils
Fri, May 15, 2009 43 mins
The fifth season concludes with Amita being kidnapped by a manipulative guru who favours female followers. Don's team frantically searches for her while a distraught Charlie attempts to uncover the motive behind the abduction.
