When do you stop following the world's rules and start making your own? This is not a stupid question. As Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) or anyone else who works for him would say, "rules are often created with a good reason in mind." Even Det. Don Flack (Eddie Cahill), who hates to see a decent person fall off the ethics wagon, understands. For everybody to be able to play outside the lines puts law enforcement out of work.
Sometimes, though, there are rules which need to be laid to rest. Politicians know the concept well. Every so often, a loophole requires adjustment. People can be harmed if the gap isn't sealed. By making new laws, the opening can often be closed for good, or at least scooted further in that direction. Most people appreciate and understand.
When three homicides occur in this episode, Det. Jessica Angell (Emmanuelle Vaugier) has to lend a hand. Although each man got a bullet to the head, the drugs they consumed helped them along the road to the grave.
I think Gary Sinise gives one of his better performances during this episode. He takes viewers to a case which should have been handled long ago. To watch as he wrestles with knowing he could not stop someone getting hurt showed just how solid of an actor he is. He wasn't the only one, though.
AJ Buckley rocks! He plays Adam Ross, the quirky tech who tends to shine with outstanding work. That makes the decision to let him go in the midst of budget cuts a head scratcher. To be fair, he isn't the only one affected. Time just might tell whether or not he stays. Does this mark a potential return for Kendall Novak (Bess Wohl)? I wouldn't presume to say for sure, but keep watching....
Melina Kanakaredes also shines. She points out that Mac should not be placing his personal feelings over his job as an administrator. Only Stella would stand by while Mac lashes out, and give it right back to him. Gary and Melina have great chemistry, and portray two friends who match fire with fire. They are excellent cops, if completely opposite personalities.
My only quibble with the episode had to do with the "shocker" supposedly thrown in. Adam and his job future was a given from the week before ("The Cost of Living"). So what was it? I can only suppose the "shocker" had to be the identity of the perp. Okaaaaay. That may not be so stunning to anyone, if one watches Mac closely during the episode.
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