A Man. And His Blog.

Season 1, Episode 13
Date of airing: Sep 6, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.325 million viewers (Global), 3.17 million viewers and 0.9/2 with A18-49 (ABC)

The season finale was alright. Nice that the writers brought at least some thrill into the story, as well as some drama, but it wasn’t as exciting as some moments of the show. It was a good idea to let a character die (since the survival of the characters hasn’t depicted the danger of Kandahar so far), and it was a good idea to have a story, where the doctors wanted to kill one of their patients.

The thing is just: They killed off Suzy (Ellen Wong). Assholes. She was an interesting character, when she was fucking Bobby (Terry Chen), but now I don’t wonder why she broke up with him and he didn’t even care: create an emotional distance to the dying character, so that her death is not that shocking. But it would have been a shocker, if either Bobby and Suzy still would have been together, or Bobby would still care about Suzy, or Suzy would have been a bigger part of the show during the last episodes. At the end, the scene where Suzy was shot and killed was in fact tense, but seconds after the tension was gone, I didn’t care about her death. The emotional connection was completely lost, and not even the memorial at the end could move me. And I was thinking that Bobby would show some emotions during the memorial, since he was actually having an affair with Suzy. But no emotions. Nada. Nothing. Everything was gone.

So, with this storyline the episode failed, but the rest was okay. Rebecca (Michelle Borth) shooting the assassin, Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) being shot, Major Samizay (Anne Bedian) being shot and delivering the reason of the attack, which also gives her suddenly a reason to be in the show. I never actually noticed anything more than being Vans’ aunt, and I always wondered if she has more to do than just sitting in the women’s clinic and helping Grace and Rebecca. Now I know. Now she has a story, and in an eventual second season I’d wonder if her story continues – now that there is another back story in the hell of Kandahar, which seems promising. But since she doesn’t seem to be part of the base and hospital itself, I really don’t know if the writers would keep her for the second season.

Rebecca’s little dilemma, together with Bobby, was okay as well. I didn’t really like the scene, where Bobby wanted to quit, and it took Xavier only one minute to convince Bobby that it’s a mistake, but the rest was good. Rebecca kind of carrying the guilt of that man’s survival, after what she had done for him after she shot him, and how the doctors and nurses behaved themselves with a potential Taliban on the table. With a bit more focus, the story could have been really great. But it wasn’t, and another interesting story went over the edge.

Only the little Simon/Rebecca romance was not my thing. It was to be expected, and Simon’s (Luke Mably) troubles with his suicidal brother somewhat didn’t fit as the dramatic plot in that romance, but at least it’s over now. The two (almost) hat sex, they kissed, they (did not) confess(ed) their love for each other… a potential love relationship in the second season? Since the writers never overdid that during the first season, I hope they won’t when the second is ordered. 7.5/10

Dr. Gordon is in her element

It seems like a goodbye to Grace...

Season 1, Episode 12
Date of airing: Aug 30, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.548 million viewers (Global), 3.24 million viewers and 0.9/2 with A18-49

Not really a life-changing episode, but as the penultimate one it was better than anticipated. Bringing Xavier (Elias Koteas) in the crossfire of life and death and finally delivering a story, where Rebecca (Michelle Borth) is undermining her colonel’s orders were good stories, and they brought some tension into the episode, though it could have been more suspenseful in general.

So, Xavier blew up with Fitz (Gordon Kennedy) and a bomb. First I wondered that an empty building like they were in wasn’t checked for explosives, when it seemed so obvious that there were still explosives left. Or I found Xavier’s “discovery” a bit too eventful, that he could question the building being bomb free, just because he saw some paper lying on the ground. Whether it’s the former or the latter thing, the story didn’t look very authentic to me. Other than that, the story was nice, and finally there was somebody from the base in life-danger. With a bit more thrill and drama the story could have been better though. After all, Xavier just had a possible concussion, yet he was walking around, playing the colonel, wanting to save Fitz’s life. I liked that Rebecca was given the lead, and it would have been a batter story even for her, when Xavier wouldn’t have said or ordered anything to anybody. It seemed egoistic that Xavier would give orders, even when he was about to fall face first on the ground. It could have been the episode, where Rebecca proved herself, but at the end, there was nothing, except Rebecca undermining orders, saving a family, and letting Fitz die. Again, I don’t believe this is going to have any repercussions for Rebecca…

Bobby’s (Terry Chen) anger issues were problematic though. Nice that he gets screentime with his own story, but I really find it generic. Last episode he found his anger issues, and now it’s a big problem for him, when he can’t even get his anger issues straight in front of Will’s little kid? Sorry, but that was not a story good enough to develop the character in an authentic way, or making the viewers care more for the viewers. But it was great to see Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) back in her normal behavior, after last episode’s abnormal behavior of hers. I kinda loved her “yeah, you disturbed me” to Bobby, probably testing him, if he would go angry.

Well, that’s basically it. Now the season finale, and after that there’s hope and fear of a second season being ordered. I really hope there will be a second season, and Shaw doesn’t back up, because the international sell doesn’t work as much as they probably want to. 6.5/10

Being a soldier is a fucked-up life

Bobby doesn't know what to do. So he starts to cry

Season 1, Episode 11
Date of airing: Aug 30, 2011 (Global)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.21 million viewers (Global)

It was to be expected that the episode following the extra-strong episode would be weak. Not that this episode was weak or so, but it went back to the usual storytelling of COMBAT HOSPITAL, which was already done with after the first half of the season. It was not much character-based, though there was the opportunity to let Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) shine this time, and there wasn’t much of drama in it, though I was surprised that Simon’s (Luke Mably) back story found its continuation at the end. I wouldn’t have expected that, after the previous storylines got cut after the episodes’ end.

The hockey game between the Canadians and the Americans was kinda interesting. Again the writers kinda use a comedic storyline to ease up all the drama, and I liked the duel between Simon and all the rest, who just wanted to make some money with the game. Rebecca (Michelle Borth) losing the mascot, the Americans trying to kick ass, but the Canadians winning some non-Canadian players for the team, so that they can win… It was good, but to make COMBAT HOSPITAL more of an exceptional show, it should have been the lead story – especially since those stories are necessary to make it looks like the base does not always have to deal with all that shit stuff they have to deal with every day.

The orphanage story was okay. It was probably just written in to bring back Joe (Adam Beach), and end the “relationship” between him and Rebecca. Not really a great storyline for me, because I couldn’t buy Grace’s behavior this time. She just wanted to help, she detested the ways of the kids being questioned, but at the end she went totally nuts and disrespecting herself. I don’t know if it was a good-enough story for Grace to develop and to show her dark sides. Maybe it wouldn’t have been bad to shine the spotlight at her and make her actions more explainable. But the hockey story seemed to have been in the way.

Will’s (Arnold Pinnock) little kid is back – the story kinda didn’t bring anything, and there wasn’t much drama in it. Not even Xavier (Elias Koteas) treating the kid and looking like a caring father for once was not interesting for me. Same goes with Bobby (Terry Chen) going nuts. So he’s a violent guy? Figures, after looking at his tattoos, but there could have been a mention of his violent characteristics earlier in the show. Now his outburst on the hockey field was totally ridiculous. Just because two of the players went a bit nuts in a playful behavior, Bobby went into war mode and almost killed that motherfucker. Naah, that was not believable at all. But at least there are some characteristics left in Bobby, and I’m waiting for a continuation. 6/10

The women's room is part of a secret mission

Bobby shows the true spirit of hockey

Season 1, Episode 10
Date of airing: Aug 23, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.24 million viewers (Global), 3.39 million viewers and 1.0/3 with A18-49 (ABC)

Whoa. Best episode so far. A different episode, which tried to tell its storyline in another way, and boy, did it succeeds. And finally we’ve had Simon (Luke Mably) at the center of attention, which continues the writers’ way of shining light on one character per episode, making this show extremely character driven in its second half of the season.

But that’s not the only thing I liked about this episode. The writers actually created with Plottell (Camille Sullivan) a complete new character, and wrote the story around her. This episode was basically the introduction (and probably the only episode) of Plottell, and the job of a Chaplain in the base. I knew there was something like this in every active base (since there was something similar, when I served my time), but I never asked myself what their job really looks like, and if they ever ask themselves, if their beliefs contradict with the events of what happens to the soldiers. They always fall like flies, there is mostly no hope in situations like the one Geoffrey (Mpho Koaho) lived through, and yet the Chaplains have to do their jobs, have to believe, and have to show that they believe. That’s why the conflict between Simon and Plottell was so damn interesting. LOST had a “man of science, man of faith” duel in the second season, and this episode was basically the same. The only difference was that Plottell questioned her faith, and was fighting it even more than the soldiers injured and praying for survival. Excellent acting from both actors here, as well as some really dramatic and emotional moments, which got me too. Which was surprising, since I wasn’t expecting that. COMBAT HOSPITAL totally went off-road with this episode and delivered something different. I applaud the writers for doing that, and hope this is going to continue over the next three episodes. And maybe the writers have found their way of great storytelling for the second season. If there ever will be a second season.

The side plots were alright. I didn’t make much out of Bobby’s (Terry Chen) efforts to make the fat guy look thin for his wedding. It was the comical storyline, which was only there to not make the episode look like a deep and dark drama, where you’d start to cry after 35 minutes and never stop. Only the “break-up” between Suzy (Ellen Wong) and Bobby was somewhat mentionable, since it was an ongoing storyline, and since it has probably ended now. Which is a shame, after the Bobby/Suzy relationship made COMBAT HOSPITAL look more fun.

The women’s clinic story with Rebecca (Michelle Borth) and Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) was boring though. It’s nice that the writers give the two women something to do, and giving Rebecca another conflict and mistake she has done, but it didn’t bring anything for me at the end. Yeah, Rebecca is probably hated by some of the Colonels outside the base now, but it doesn’t seem there is a bigger outcome for Rebecca and her “little” mistake. Other than that: I love that Grace and Rebecca become BFFs more and more. They have quite a chemistry, and I wouldn’t mind, if they get a story, which doesn’t really involve the medical stuff.

All in all. Great episode. Not just the best so far for COMBAT HOSPITAL, but one of the best episodes I summer television 2011. Absolutely stunning. Especially since I’m not a sucker for preachers and praying in television. But here it was fitting for the characters and their stories. 9/10

When Simon is losing his mind over his brother

When Marjorie finds her faith in God again

Season 1, Episode 9
Date of airing: Aug 16, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.375 million viewers (Global), 3.63 million viewers and 0.9/3 with A18-49 (ABC)

Another good episode. Interesting how the writers go from medical drama to character episodes. First Graham, then Will, and now Vans (Hamza Jeetooa) – it seems like the writers want to go through all the characters to make them more accessible for the audience in the second season. And I like it. After all, it works much better than the first half of the second season of THIRD WATCH.

Okay, the episode wasn’t much of a burner. The stories were alright, and the story involving Kamaal (Asim Wali) was a bit lame, figuring that he was a potential terrorist, who is also in a military hospital. I liked that Vans was involved in the whole situation, with being friends with Kamaal, but somehow the story was clichéd, and I saw the twists coming: the question whether Kamaal really is a terrorist or not, and the question whether Kamaal lied to Vans, or if the military police is going “nuts” on Vans, when they were questioning him. There were a bit too many clichés every now and then, but at the end the story had a nice outcome. And it was interesting to have Vans in the center of attention for once. Only the story involving Salman (Mena Massoud) could have been a bit better. Here and there he and Vans were discussing/arguing about Kamaal’s involvement with the Taliban, and in the middle he was part of the MP’s investigation – there was nothing else to do for him, and the outcome for him (his eventual death) was also boring. But since the writers have proven they can continue storylines over more than just one episode, I’m almost sure the writers will keep up Vans’ story for the next episode.

And there was Will (Arnold Pinnock), who still hat the kid with him. I loved the high-five scene, and I loved how Will tried to make him laugh, but was that really it? At the end, the kid’s uncle came and Graham (Gord Rand) didn’t even call for Will? Somehow that’s really lame. But maybe it’s realistic that way, when Will didn’t have the chance to say goodbye. I wouldn’t have mind, if the story would have continued later on. Because that was actually the only story so far this season, where Will got some screentime. And now this is gone too…

The story with Simon (Luke Mably) and General Hunnable (Peter MacNeill) was hilarious though. His yelling, when Simon came with the needle, his face, when Simon came with the paper clip, and his thankyou at the end, when he went all sentimental on Simon and Xavier (Elias Koteas). Nice that COMBAT HOSPITAL can be hilarious in its episodes too. 7/10

Hunnable is a screamer

Vans lives through all the American cliches

Season 1, Episode 8
Date of airing: Aug 9, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.304 million viewers (Global), 3.14 million viewers and 0.8/2 with A18-49 (ABC)

Another good episode. I really like how the writers tackle the storylines and the characters and keep it realistic and not fill it with war action and similar, which is actually necessary to keep the pace of the series going. But I am still very much surprised about how this show works as a ER ripoff in Kandahar without overstepping the lines, making too much of the characters and stories, and have a rather quiet storytelling.

I loved Bobby’s (Terry Chen) case. I can somewhat understand that he didn’t really know if he wanted to continue the record or if he sincerely wanted to save the woman’s life. Nonetheless it was a great story, which brought a lot of drama into the show, as well as characteristics for Bobby. I have the feeling I can understand him more than before, and the writers even managed to connect the medical case with his “relationship” to Suzy (Ellen Wong) – I don’t really want to call it a relationship now, because it only seems to be about sex, and I haven’t seen much love yet. But that his private storyline was connected with his job was nice and unexpected. That Rebecca (Michelle Borth) was involved in the case as well was also great. I liked how she and Bobby became friends over the time, and are going to thick and thin in their cases, basically overstepping Will’s (Arnold Pinnock) commands, who didn’t want the woman to be saved, because it leads to extensive care. That would be something for local hospitals, but not for a military hospital like this, where the doctors and nurses ale always busy and don’t have time to care for a severely burned woman, who is still alive, just because Bobby probably wanted to keep the record going. All in all, a very nice story, and very touching at some points.

Will’ point of view on this case was a bit boring though. First, he was dealing with that kid anyway, and was able to show off his fatherly instincts for once (which made him an interesting character in this episode – in a way we haven’t seen him before), and second he was a bit annoying with his point of view, because he only had one point of view. He always saw the woman as a klotz, which would disturb the working ways of the hospital’s nurses. Which is understandable, but he could have seen the other side of the medallion as well.

Pvt. Marvers’ (John White) story seemed alright. I didn’t really know if I should have laughed about his “psychological” problems, but at the end there was something touching (no pun intended) to it. I loved his relationship to Grace (Deborah Kara Unger), and I loved how she talked to him. The scene in the men’s washroom was somewhat hilarious, when the Corporal entered to make his business. Marvers’ face was a hilarity. The outcome of the story could have been more worked on though. Suddenly Marvers just needed sleep to break the cycle? As if the writers needed a conclusion to that story really fast… 7.5/10

This patient burned

This guy freezes

Season 1, Episode 7
Date of airing: Aug 2, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.409 million viewers (Global), 3.72 million viewers and 1.0/3 with A18-49

A surprisingly great episode. I never would have expected for the writers to get into the theme of the show so early in its first season. I loved that this episode went from emotionally dramatic to hilarious, and not without going over the relationship path, as well as an interesting military investigation. You could almost say the episode was full of stories, yet the pace was very normal and not fast-paced.

I loved all the stories. Even Bobby’s (Terry Chen) little stint with Suzy (Ellen Wong), which brought him some rolling eyes from his comrades. I loved how Bobby was given the chance to have a story like this, to freeze a bit up from his “coolness” and to show some emotions, and speak them out as well. In addition, I like Suzy, and it wouldn’t hurt, when the two have a bit more often sex during the next couple of episodes and in the next season. Friends with benefits in Kandahar – that’s something new…

I loved that Joe (Adam Beach), the snake eater, was back, and not just because he had great chemistry with Rebecca (Michelle Borth), and not just because the writers needed a story with a lot of flirtation. Joe instead got a sickness, eventually a tapeworm (I can’t remember encountering that in ER, so that must be new as well), and meanwhile he was flirting around a bit, but never too much to make this episode look like a direct copy of GREY’S ANATOMY. And I can almost not believe I’m saying that, but please make Joe return in a future episode for another stint (but just not to get together with Rebecca, because she needs sex for a night. For now, this little relationship between them is perfectly minor, yet important for both of them).

I loved that Ariel (Christina Cox) got a story of her own, and not having her bundle with Grace, who was absent this episode. Instead she had to deal with Graham (Gord Rand), who is her ex-husband. Something I didn’t know before, and something which would have pushed the episode into a complete different path, if the writers wouldn’t have had control over this story. Instead of developing the failed marriage between them, Graham and Ariel just share a connection during the day and night, eventually falling back in love for a minute, but both know it can’t always go back to the good. Which is why I liked that Ariel went back to Kabul. Hopefully she returns too – I want Christina Cox as a main actress in a new TV show, and I quite like her character. I liked her beginning, when she was winning the kebab fest, and when she came out with “estrogen empire”

And meanwhile there was this investigation about Rebecca not giving Ray (Darryl Hinds) go pills for another mission. It was interesting, and I surely wanted to see more of it, but at the end I was glad it never won upper hand in this episode. After ten minutes of investigating, if Rebecca might be to blame about for a helicopter crash, the writers would have either repeated some of the information in this story, or they would have made it illogical after a while. Only the ending was a bit … expected. Of course Rebecca was not to blame, but what a great storyline would have been created, if it was her fault? 8.5/10

They don't need the Army's handouts...

This stuff is really something to vomit for

Season 1, Episode 6
Date of airing: Jul 26, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.576 million viewers (Global), 3.79 million viewers and 0.9/3 with A18-49

The episode was alright. Somehow in those last couple of episodes, the meaning of the medical stories got lost, and they are not that dramatic anymore. Instead the writers are trying to get the characters more visible in the series, which is good, but I figured out I’m not caring much about the characters like I want to.

I liked Rebecca’s (Michelle Borth) case with “lucky charm” Flax (Jonathan Keltz) though. First I was intrigued about the hint that Flax might be bullied by his comrades, because of his freak status, but then it was all about Flax being an organ donor, followed by being brain dead. Unfortunately, the story developed way too much. It wasn’t all about Flax at first, but then it was all about Flax and his death. And how Rebecca is fighting for his death wish to be an organ donor. Here it was interesting to learn about the complexity of organ donors within the military, and how it’s useless because of the short time-span. But then again, the story was so interesting, I wanted to hear more about it – but the writers didn’t have much material for a whole story and had a second storyline to develop.

Which was interesting too, since it involved Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) and developed her a bit more. And hurrah to Christina Cox having a guest appearance here. Unfortunately her Ariel character wasn’t that good. Okay, she might be gay, and she might think that Grace has feelings for her, but the first bits of their story was more interesting than the hidden relationship between the two. Why not getting deeper into the emotional state of mind of an army medical like Ariel, and let the story develop here, instead of hinting that the writers want to couple Grace with a woman. Okay, a lesbian relationship in the army, especially in Kandahar under those circumstances is interesting, but somehow the writers managed to pull off a lot of interesting things, but don’t focus on them at the end, because they chose to tell the usual storylines (which are not interesting). Like the scene in the women’s clinic with the abused woman. Ariel told that a pilot owes her a favor, but instead of following this story, it was basically the last scene to be seen in this story. It was over in an instant, which was a shame.

I liked Bobby (Terry Chen) this time though. Finally somebody mentions his Zen, and how annoying it can be. Nice that it was Rebecca, and that there can be a greater friendship between the two (I’m still missing those kind of scenes in the show). Furthermore, I liked that Bobby has finally gotten the chance to get laid in the hospital. His flirting with Suzy (Ellen Wong) (well, she flirted with him) was cute, and I wish for a continuance of this story. His wish of publishing a medical research was boring though, because I didn’t know what it was all about. 6.5/10

That's not the fate of a lucky charm

That's the fate of an Afghan wife

Season 1, Episode 5
Date of airing: Jul 19, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.513 million viewers (Global), 3.78 million viewers and 0.8/2 with A18-49 (ABC)

Another solid episode. Now I’m at a stage, where I don’t know if I would miss this show, when it would be suddenly cancelled, or if it is good enough to await the next episode for a whole week. I just love how the show is never overdone, and how the stories follow a purpose. But on the other hand, the characters still need work, and maybe there can be more connections between the development of those characters over the episodes and the patients they are treating.

All the stories were fine. Bobby’s (Terry Chen) case was dramatic and emotional, but after Farringdon’s (Greg Bryk) death I would have wished that he talked about it more than just with Xavier (Elias Koteas) and Will (Arnold Pinnock). Somehow I missed his conversation with Rebecca (Michelle Borth) - since they seem to be growing together as friends, I’m kinda expecting for the two to open up to each other. But that could be me only. Other than that, Farringdon’s case was interesting. I could understand his decision of not wanting to have the biopsy and instead going on the reconnaissance with his men. With it, the story proved to be interesting, after Farrington was delivered again and eventually died on his wounds. There was the interesting question, if Farringdon knew he had cancer and therefore decided to let himself killed during an act of heroism. Sometimes I’d wish that those questions are asked more often, with actual conversations following between the characters. Most of the times it is not enough to just ask the questions, but find the answers. But COMBAT HOSPITAL is doing one thing right numerous other shows don’t even think about doing: The writers let the characters ask questions to let them develop within a story.

The bombed wedding ceremony was well done as well. Here I liked that Rebecca wanted to get Khan (Ali Momen) and Zarmeenah (Shiva Negar) back together, but didn’t do anything, until Vans (Hamza Jeetooa) practically forced her to do so – under the mantle of love. The story was touching, and I liked how it connected with Rebecca’s past before she came to Afghanistan. Her ex, the $9000-heavy ring she still had (WTF?), and how she decided to finally move forward and bond with Simon (Luke Mably). I could imagine that the writers are working on a little tête-à-tête between the two, and yet they are not suggesting it in every episode, instead disguise it with the whole friendship story (in addition, it makes the two more likable – especially Simon is not just the good-looking British guy, who flirts all the time, but aggressive in his job, and wanting to achieve more).

Only Xavier didn’t get much attention. Furthermore, him worrying about what his wife might have to say to him was pretty much over the top, after what his wife eventually had to say to him. I liked that he worried about his wife divorcing him, but I didn’t like that the “we have to talk”-deal was nothing but a question regarding their kid. It was pretty much a cop-out at the end, but at least it brought Xavier to talk to Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) again – here’s another possible romance hidden between the interactions of two characters. And again, I can only hope the writers take their time and focus on the friendship first (maybe even job first, then friendship). Because COMBAT HOSPITAL doesn’t need to be burdened with loads of relationship storylines at the moment. 7/10

It's not a happy end for Bobby

There's a happy end right here

Season 1, Episode 4
Date of airing: Jul 12, 2011 (Global, ABC)
Nielsen ratings information: 1.481 million viewers (Global), 3.71 million viewers and 0.8/2 with A18-49 (ABC)

A wonderful episode, which makes me like the series more and more. And after last episode’s romance, I never would have thought that COMBAT HOSPITAL really is about the medical side of the war. Because we didn’t have one single flirtatious moment in this episode. Which makes it even better than it actually is.

I liked the setup of the episode. It wasn’t the ER version of Afghanistan, instead it tried, similar to GREY’S ANATOMY, to have two, three storylines at the same time, and took all of its time to focus on and develop those stories. I liked it, because it wasn’t a chaotic mix, and it wasn’t as fast-paced as the chaotic ER episodes, or the pilot of COMBAT HOSPITAL. Instead I was totally surprised that there were two 5-or-so-minute sequences, which focused only on the medical case of the scene, and didn’t even cut away to develop another story. In the times of fast-paced network television shows, it’s almost a miracle. The first moment would be Grace (Deborah Kara Unger) talking to Lt. Bettany (Benjamin Ayres), and how she comes to realize that he’s already over the edge and needs treatment. The second episode would be the thrilling OR scene with Rebecca (Michelle Borth), getting instructions from Simon (Luke Mably), who is operating in the chopper. Both of those scenes were great, because they showed me that at least the Canadian writers and producers have learned something from the fast-paced TV shows in the US.

And both medical cases were interesting. Okay, I don’t think that Rebecca’s operation wasn’t much of a real story here, but I loved how it affected both Rebecca and Simon, and how he ended up as the beaten guy, who finally lost his cool for once. And his vodka.I just would have wished that this story could have been more integrated into the first third of the episode, before Simon climbs into the chopper-the first ten, 15 minutes weren’t really that interesting, and the episode started to be real good, when Grace started to realize about Lt. Bettany’s state of mind.

Lt. Bettany was an interesting guest character. First I was thinking he would be just the minor character, giving Grace some worthy screentime and her first real case in the series, but then I started to believe he would really crack within the episode, and something big would happen. Well, he only helped to create the comm link between Simon and Rebecca, but at the end he really was the disturbed character, who had already cracked in his mind. For a moment, I was actually caring about the character, and how he couldn’t do his job anymore – good writing in this case.

At the end, I was only a bit disappointed about how Xavier (Elias Koteas) treated Simon’s “misbehavior”. Though it was funny to see how he shot Simon’s vodka bottles (and did I love how Simon said “bottle” with his English accent), it didn’t have any dramatic. Maybe there was already too much drama in the episode to have Xavier kicking Simon’s butt, instead of teaching him a lesson. 8/10

Chilling in the base

Action in the chopper