Spoilers Ahead
Case Summary: Hank’s prison pal Eddie is now a C.I., but the problem is he’s greedy and untrustworthy so when the drug bust is done, he chooses to backstab the team landing himself back in a cell. Fun times.
Review | Analysis: I’ve sorely missed episodes that focused on Antonio Dawson and the partnership he’s got with Voight therefore, in that area the episode was remarkable. In another sense, the last time I was this disappointed with this series was when they decided to kill off Nadia for the sake of unnecessary character development. Sometimes it’s easy to be objective, but other times when you watch too much TV, you get tired of the same old thing every single time. The rift between Kim and Adam was handled with very little grace and the two deserved much better.
I didn’t plan on focusing the majority of this review on Kim and Adam, but because the rest of the episode was too plot-heavy, it didn’t leave me with enough room to discuss anything else. Here’s the thing, couples fight. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies nor do I want it to be. The only thing I ask, however, is that the drama’s tasteful and stays true to who the characters are. We may as well just tattoo “get engaged every two seconds” on Adam Ruzek’s forehead, and be done with it because it often appears as though the series tries to pin him as nothing more than a man with commitment issues. And Adam Ruzek is anything but that. He’s smart and kind and his heart’s undoubtedly the size of the moon. When it’s bare, he’s such an admirable character it’s an absolute delight to watch him lighten the vibe. And here’s the thing with Adam, when we met him, he was engaged. We then later learned that prior to that engagement, he was engaged once before. Let’s say the series wanted to present him as a man with rash judgment and commitment issues he needs to work through — fine, but they could’ve done it in a way where it didn’t appear as though the entire break was a setup for Lindsay and Halstead to blossom. We can have more than one stable relationship in a series. I understand this may be shocking, but it’s possible and the series that do/have done this is pretty successful. (Once Upon A Time, Chuck, One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, Parks and Rec. and more are prime examples of series that make more than one relationship work with realistic drama. And while I’m the first to argue that this is a series that doesn’t need romance, what ultimately differentiates it from the gritty cop show dramas we’re all used to is the solid relationships that have been established whether romantic or platonic. If the two were just dating, I would’ve been perfectly fine with this break. Heck, I would’ve understood it, loved it, and I’d look forward to what’ll come in the future. But what was the point of having Adam propose, excitedly choose Atwater as his best man, and continuously showcase the fact that he can’t get enough of Kim? Two or more stable couples with healthy drama aren’t going to take the dark and jarring ambiance away from this series. The majority of fans are used to cases shaking them up and it’s nice to unwind with a few minutes of lighthearted scenes showcasing adoration. A perfectly fine balance is a great thing and I desperately wish this was a concept that was understood.
If you’ve kept up with my reviews then you’re well aware of the fact that I look for the beauty in everything. I’ll try to find it in the darkest corners in order to leave readers with a bit of hope, but sadly I can’t do that with this week’s episode. Lindsay and Halstead’s breakup though saddening was more hopeful and beautiful than this. The frustrating part in all this is that none of it would’ve happened if Roman didn’t open his open big mouth. I love the guy, I do, but sometimes you just have to shut it. As I mentioned last week, just because a man’s okay with postponing a wedding, it doesn’t mean he no longer wants to go through with it. He’s the one who popped the question in the first place. I may be wrong and the series could turn this all around giving him a wonderful confrontation with himself, and the presumable commitment issues, but I can’t say it appears promising. An issue like this demands a lengthy conversation, not a quick two-second confrontation stemming from assumptions in the locker rooms at work. Sure maybe Adam’s not ready to get married right away, I’ve known couples that have been engaged for years because sometimes the promise is enough. There are so many ways this could’ve gone but an end to their relationship feels like the easy route. A route that appears only to be taken because of a silly notion that love stories weaken gritty series.
Although this episode was frustrating, I loved the final moment where Antonio and Voight shook hands. The two of them get under each other’s skin the most, but their steadfast loyalty to one another is unquestionable. It’s one of the most solid friendships established in this series and I wish we’d get more of it.
Worth Mentioning: I can always appreciate moments when victims realize they’re safe because a detective like Erin Lindsay has their back. These are always the kind of scenes that continue to solidify her gentle and giving spirit beautifully.
I can also appreciate the way Halstead always knows something’s wrong because Lindsay’s his partner through life. And that little joke about splitting it 50/50 was a subtle way to pull the relationship card out.
What are your thoughts on this week’s episode?