Family. If you ask ten people to define the term, each person will give you an different answer. For Det. Lindsay Monroe (Anna Belknap) and Det. Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo), the traditional version applies. These two are about to become parents ("The Box").
Any regular viewer of CSI:NY is not surprised by this turn of events. What started as a professional relationship turned into much more. It took a bit of time, but they eventually gave way to their passion ("Snow Day"). The writers wisely decided to incorporate Belknap's 2nd pregnancy as a storyline. However, any hope of a wedding has been put on hold for now.
But first things first. Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise), their friend and boss, needed to hear the news so he could be prepared for a maternity leave down the line. Stella (Melina Kanakaredes) already suspects something, despite Lindsay's mention of a "friend" when talking about lab safety concerns.
The potential baby issue though is mild compared to the "Bermuda Triangle" where weird things happen to electronic devices. Phones die and traffic lights go haywire. Apparently part of the problem is the microwave energy field from the Empire State Building that began after 9/11. While the reference is real, leave it to the production team to come up with a crime involving a ring with the ability to open secured areas (such as safes) and a high powered laser. This doesn't destroy people, but can delay an armored car long enough for a robbery.
Flack (Eddie Cahill) discovers a sick man who has a long history of illegal acts under his belt is responsible, in part anyway. The other person behind the crime case of the week lends new meaning to "family values." I'll let you find out for yourselves who it is, since this story arc is not yet concluded.
On another topic, remember the cipher of all those dirty deeds of various powerhouses that Hawkes (Hill Harper) wrestled with ("Sex, Lies and Silicone")? It's back! A couple of FBI agents have now told Mac that the cipher got stolen out of the property room, hoping he would confess to having done it. They're sadly mistaken, but killing the guy last known to handle it sends a clear message. Could the Feds be creating a ruse for the thieves/killers? Maybe. Viewers only saw the cipher being passed to an unknown person, not a face. I understand the badges might be fake. But still, why in the world would they approach a cop, much less Mac Taylor?
Perhaps the best line was "Can you hear me now?" said by Danny to Mac. Not only was it a clever reference to the Verizon ads, but also a nod to the fourth season premiere. I'm a little surprised this show hasn't won more industry awards or even gotten nominations in one capacity or another.
Only one episode remains in this calendar year. I have to imagine the bigger stories are staying put until after the hiatus. It's easier that way. Stella has to follow up on her Greek diplomacy storyline ("The Cost of Living") although she knows one of the players involved. Adam is not leaving the lab just quite yet. Sam, Flack's sister, may be going to AA ("Dead Inside"), but she doesn't know he tailed her. And as for Angell (Emmanuelle Vaugier)? She and Flack have it going on, but nothing more has happened beyond the kiss.
Can't wait for 2009? Tune in 12/17 to get your Taylor team fix one last time this year!
Article comments
1 - Sam
Great review Nancy. Loved you comments about most regular veiwers not being surprised by the turn of events in regards to D/L. I think your right on the money with that. The show have been building their relationship for nearly 4 seasons now.
You also gave me something to think about in regards to the FBI agents being fake. I think you could be onto something there.
Cant wait to see next weeks episode. Watching the promo the girl whose mother killed her father in ep 7 is back and seems to be stalking Mac.
Looking forward to your review.
Sam
2 - Lee
Hmm. That's a rather interesting theory you have on the FBI Agents. I never thought about the possibilitiy of them being 'fake agents,' but it kind of makes sense. If the flash drive was locked up in an evidence box, how would the FBI know it'd been stolen? How would anyone know?
I'm really enjoying this Danny / Lindsay stuff they're giving us! How nervous (and cute) did Danny look when he was going through all of those questions, just to ask Lindsay to marry him? And then, when she said no and he looked up and blinked his eyes.. he was totally trying to fight back the tears.
I love that we did get to see Lindsay finally tell him why she said no. I think they will, eventually get married, but I don't know how long it will take them to get there. Perhaps not until the baby is born? I know if I were Lindsay, I probably wouldn't want to walk down the aisle pregnant!
Thanks so much for the review! It's nice to get an unbiased opinion on the episodes!
3 - Fariza Hani
Thank you Nancy for your unbiased review.
I like what you said about D/L.
I do have a question though.
I remember reading you review of episode Personal Foul last season when you said that maybe Lindsay is not the best for Danny. I'm curious to know what do you think about that now.
4 - NancyGail
Sam, 'stalking' seems a little strong for what the promo showed. At any rate, we'll know soon enough what the deal is.
Fariza, I think them remaining together simply because she's preggers is not the best reason. Danny proposing is what he thought he should do. She needed to say no.
5 - Fariza Hani
I know that she needed to say no. But what I wanna know is that, do you think that they are good together - with or without the baby.
6 - NancyGail
Without was better.
7 - Fariza Hani
I mean... as a couple. Do you think they make a good couple?
8 - NancyGail
They make an okay couple. Danny's rough edges make it difficult for me to think they will stay together for long.
9 - Shelby T Mitchell
I think that the FBI agents wanted Mac to confess to something he hasn't done. And wanted a scapegoat. But instead, they went away empty-handed. It makes you wonder if they want to kill Mac, if thye are fake FBI agents. They always portray the feds as dumb, stupid, and incompetent, unless they are the main characters like in "Criminal Minds, Without a Trace, etc!"
10 - NancyGail
Interesting theory, Shelby. At any rate, new eps start 1/14. This storyline just may turn out to be the finale!