This week could possibly be called Return of the Cipher. However, the title would not be nearly enough to describe what happens. The episode is far too big for that. Let me back up a bit and remind you of what started this storyline.
Ann Steele was a corporate "fixer." If this is not obvious, it means she would step in after a business person screws up. She does whatever it takes to make sure the problem "disappears." For the most part, I suspect a payoff takes care of the damage. I don't have a problem with this. Everybody makes mistakes. If the goof is a petty one, there is not much of a need to bother the courts or taxpayers with the cost of a trial. Breaking the law, though, is a different story.
It seems Ann kept a computer file of those who required her services. Since the names included some of the most powerful people in New York, most than a few of them are looking to keep the flash drive a secret. Ann was killed, but the computer part is still out there after a clerk was convinced to hand over the flash drive to an unknown person ("Sex, Lies, and Silicone"). Needless to say, cases which would have appeared on a court docket were compromised. At least one ended up being thrown out due to lack of evidence ("Enough").
Mac (Gary Sinise), though, has a bigger problem to deal with. Robert Dunbrook (Craig T. Nelson) is a newspaper mogul who is not hesitant about pushing buttons. The heat is felt throughout every department. Freedom of the press is one thing, but Dunbrook appears to have no qualms about publishing a story when the facts may not quite be accurate.
Nelson and Sinise come on strong as two men who are on opposite sides of the political game. Mac is a character who has never been keen on playing his part. If asked, Mac will say nobody is above the law. Including cops. He will put anyone away who breaks it, no matter how much the person is beloved. Sinise pulls this off with a solid mixture of firmness when called for and compassion if he deals with a compelling case. He is quick to start yelling if the need arises, which Adam Ross (AJ Buckley), one of the lab's technicians can testify to. A hug from Mac is rare, but he gives them out on occasion. Coming on strong is classic Sinise, who excels at being the tough guy. Still, he is the actor one wants to share a scene with at the end of the day. Much can be learned.
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