Murder isn’t what I think needed justification in this week’s episode, aptly named Justified. The real crime is what was done to the audience, and to the character of Mac Taylor. There were enough holes in this story to make me crave a good slice of swiss cheese. Is it wrong to say I’m sick of happy endings?
As you can probably discern, I did not enjoy this episode, which is disappointing considering it was written by John Dove. His episodes are usually strong attempts to think outside the box. Dead Reckoning brought in the idea of DNA contamination due to a factory worker not wearing gloves, or Sleight Out Of Hand using fetal alcohol syndrome and magic to tell a tale of murder. His episodes are usually entertaining and thought provoking. This episode was neither, and what is worse is that is was so obviously trying to be. It was apparent that the nephew was involved--my review last week predicted either Carver (John Larroquette) or the nephew was the killer--and I wish they had made the choice to really surprise us. Foreshadowing is a power tool, when used effectively, but when it fails it simply comes off as poor storytelling.
My biggest problem with this episode is what it did to Mac Taylor. His character has always been the more self righteous type. He usually claims to be the moral authority, though if you asked him he’d probably deny it. I always found that to be a believable character flaw. He’s in law enforcement, a former Marine, he’s worked his way through the ranks, and he obviously believes in what he’s fighting for. Playing the arbiter of all things ethical is understandable. However, he was completely ridiculous in this episode. He was out for blood with Carver. He showed up at Carver’s grand-nephew’s soccer game to accuse him of murder. Really? Mac’s going to treat the Chief of Detectives like that? Then to make Mac look even more unfeeling he shows up a wedding rehearsal to arrest Carver’s nephew of murder. Mac had no sympathy or consideration for either of those men, claiming, “my judgment has never been better.” That is until he found out the reason behind the murder, then he’s all ready and willing to help “one hell of a cop”. Jo acts like Mac was some type of hero at the end of the episode, that, along with Mac’s spewing of some bull crap about how “It’s not important what I think” when all episode it was only about what he thought, frankly strained credulity. It was one of the worst character assassinations I’ve witnessed in a while (and I’m including what they did to Lindsay two weeks ago). I can handle Super Mac. I can’t stomach Pillar Unto Himself Mac.
Which brings us to the actual “justification” of the crime. I felt for Jason. I was meant too. The story was one big emotional manipulation, as most stories are. The problem arises when I feel like I am being forced in one direction despite how I want to feel. Meaning, I wanted to feel sympathy for that little boy, but I couldn’t because the show had spent the entire time establishing what a great uncle Carver is. How can I believe as Jason said that “there was nobody else to protect them.” The definition of justified is showing to be reasonable or provide adequate grounds for, and it’s just hard to believe Jason had no other recourse than to kill his mother when he obviously had an uncle--a cop--who was willing to help. I don’t understand why this show won’t allow an episode to end with realistic consequences, no matter how uncomfortable or heartbreaking they are.
I like it when they use their brains to solve crimes. I don’t like it when things conveniently work out. Marcella Gomez (Alex Madison) was warned by Carver that the police were onto them so she flees, leaving her wallet behind with photo identification behind. Smart. A man remembers what the police officer who took his knife 15 years ago looked like. I got pulled over once 9 years ago and I remember nothing about what the police officer looked like. Adam doesn’t think to run the DNA on the gum against Roni Parker’s, despite Jo’s observation that the there are things “typical when a killer has a personal relationship with the victim.” A personal relationship doesn’t suggest a family member? Too many inconsistencies to look passed.
And on a more personal level of episode watchability, I can’t understand the lack of Danny and Lindsay. This episode was ripe with the opportunity to enjoy a moment between the couple, but instead we got another dose of Don and Danny. I think they are talking about moving in together. I feel like Steve Irwin (in my best Crocodile Hunter voice) “Ok, folks here we have the very rare DL moment. They are hard to spot so you have to be patient. And be ready ‘cause they are fast little devils too. They’ll be gone in a flash if you’re not careful.” I’m getting desperate here! It brings to mind a line from the film The American President, “They’re so thirsty for it [a DL moment] they’ll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there’s not water, they’ll drink the sand.” I’m tired of drinking the sand...it doesn’t digest well.
I went back and forth between one or two on this episode, but decided to go with two because I still loved Laroquette’s performance, no matter how I ultimately felt about his character, they also maintained the ensemble form of storytelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff T. Thomas’ directing style. He is one of the more talented directors they have on the show. He is able to weave through scenes effortlessly, and bring a flare to the narrative. The opening sequence where Mr. Shot Through the Heart-Giving Love a Bad Name beats the crap out of Fake Roni was violent and powerful. Thomas uses distorted reflections to heighten the tension, and create a world of un-rights. He also didn’t skip the science parts to ensure enough time for the long confession. Instead he interlaced them over different scenes. I think a lesser director would have settled for the old voice-overs, but he took the time to include them.
I will forgive Mr. Dove for this episode, because we are all allowed to be fallible, but I can’t in good conscience rate this episode any higher. I will even continue to look forward to his episodes, but this one I’ll shove in the closet under the box of Christmas ornaments I never have time to put up.
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