S01.E09: Rule Number 17

[jewel21]

Quote

Walker and Captain James investigate a high stakes poker game where one of the players may have information on Emily’s killer. However, the night takes a turn when Geri shows up to join the game. Meanwhile, Micki takes August and Stella on an unusual adventure.

Airdate: 04/15/2021

[Katy M]

I thought stakeout 101 taught you not to run out of the van to confront someone walking into the location.

Emily doesn't care if you find her killer or not.  Especially if the kids need you more.

So, was that it?  Emily's murder is now solved. I don't really like long drawn out mysteries, but that seemed a mite bit anti-climactic.  And why wouldn't have one of them escorted her back in the building to get her phone?  What were they doing that was more important?  Oh, that's right.  Nothing!

that toast at dinner was painful and awkward.  Odd acting choice.  Is that the last we'll see of Emily?  It seemed like he was saying goodbye.

[thuganomics85]

Tonight in "being an actor can lead to some weird moments:"

Director:  "Okay, it's time to film the scene where Walker identifies Emily's body.  So, Jared?  You just need to look at your real life wife lying on this corner's table, wearing make-up that makes her look like she's dead, and try to picture how you'd feel in this scene.  Should be a breeze!"

Coby Bell (off to the side): "Well, this won't be awkward at all!"

Genevieve: "And, remember, if you don't do a good job here, I might start wondering if that's how you'd be if this happened in real life!"

Jared:  "What did I get myself into....?"

 

I've definitely hand-waved some questionable moments when it comes to realism with law enforcement, but even by that standard, it felt like the stakeout might have been the most ridiculous one yet.  Walker loudly confronting Jeri in front of the building, where anyone within a few feet could have probably heard it.  Jeri stumbling around in her attempt to go "undercover."  Back-up being minutes away (really, had more of the other members been strapped, Walker and James should have been mowed down with bullets.)  Walker and James falling for the obvious suspicious woman's "I'll tell you everything if you un-cuff me!  And let me go get the evidence by myself in the warehouse.  Totally won't betray y'all, I swear!" act.  And even then, they might have gotten killed had Jeri not happened to stick around and put a bullet in her instead.  Y'all might want to brush up on... well, everything there, Walker and James.

But, hey, at least they got Emily's real killer this time.  Hopefully.  Seriously, I'll allow one fake-out show, but if something else happens and someone is like "Actually, I'm really the one that killed Emily!  Bwaah!", my eyes might literally roll into the back of my skull.  Also, Jeri ended up not being involved after-all, so that certainly has set things up for what I figured would happen going forward.

Micki watching over the rest of the Walker clan was a nice way to have Lindsay Morgan interact with the rest of the cast.  Liked her moments with Stella and August.  Assuming she wasn't actually trying to recruit them into her secret sniper army!

Bonham submits to technology and uses a Google tablet or whatever that was.  He strikes me as someone who would probably get in an argument with Alexa, if he ever tried that.

Liam is possibly running for governor now?

Not surprised over the kiss between Walker and Jeri, because I kind of suspected it was happening.

Already going back on break until May?  I guess the CW is trying to stretch their shows out.

[Katy M]

8 hours ago, thuganomics85 said:

Also, Jeri ended up not being involved after-all, so that certainly has set things up for what I figured would happen going forward.

i don't know about that.  Killer did say we.  Would explain why Jeri was in such a hurry to shoot her.

 

8 hours ago, thuganomics85 said:

Liam is possibly running for governor now?

I think he's going to run for DA.  Not governor.  HIs dad's(?) old sign just gave him the idea or the motivation or whatever.

[Terese]

11 hours ago, Katy M said:

i don't know about that.  Killer did say we.  Would explain why Jeri was in such a hurry to shoot her.

 

I think he's going to run for DA.  Not governor.  HIs dad's(?) old sign just gave him the idea or the motivation or whatever.

Jeri...She's in the desert with Emily. In an position to close Emily's eyes; yet doesn't fall victim to those murderers. I can see Walker eager to believe her. He is desperate for resolution. That a friend would be involved in his wife's murder is unbearable. Jeri demanding an apology seems so manipulative. She is the one consorting with a criminal gang and fails to mention it. I wonder if there is more to this story. 

[tennisgurl]

These long breaks are understandable but really annoying. They want to draw their shows out while they are still playing catch up and always want things to air, but I worry that they could lose viewership if they lose traction with viewers or people will just have trouble remembering when shows are on or not. 

Even though a lot of really questionable law enforcement choices were made, like letting a supposed witness just run off into a crime scene, or Walker showing up to yell at Jerri right outside the evil gamblers den, I still thought this was a good episode. It seems like the wrap up for Emily's killer was pretty easy after all of this, but I am guessing this could lead to them trying to bring down the whole gang as a bigger arc with them as reoccurring enemies. They got the trigger woman, which finally gives Walker some closure, but she is just one small cog in a bigger machine, even if Emily was really just caught in the crossfire, which I do actually like. Its not some bigger mystery having to do with Emily herself being targeted because of Walker or some thing in her past or part of some greater conspiracy that deliberately killed her or it was some friend of there's, she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, which seems a bit more realistic. Is this the end of Emily ghost as well? 

As rushed as this was, I am glad that this wasn't drawn out anymore, for now at least. It also led to Walker finally talking it out with James, which was all well done and acted. Its really quite sad, they were once really close but they were both so heartbroken and guilty that they misunderstood each other and it badly hurt their relationship. Walker associated him with Emily's death, not because he blamed him but just because he was around and everything from that part of his life hurt him, that's why he left to go undercover, while James felt so guilty about everything that he assumed Walker avoided him because he blamed himself for not getting the right guy and put that onto Walker. 

Having Micki watching after the family was a nice way to get her to interact with the rest of the cast. 

[Terese]

6 minutes ago, tennisgurl said:

These long breaks are understandable but really annoying. They want to draw their shows out while they are still playing catch up and always want things to air, but I worry that they could lose viewership if they lose traction with viewers or people will just have trouble remembering when shows are on or not. 

Even though a lot of really questionable law enforcement choices were made, like letting a supposed witness just run off into a crime scene, or Walker showing up to yell at Jerri right outside the evil gamblers den, I still thought this was a good episode. It seems like the wrap up for Emily's killer was pretty easy after all of this, but I am guessing this could lead to them trying to bring down the whole gang as a bigger arc with them as reoccurring enemies. They got the trigger woman, which finally gives Walker some closure, but she is just one small cog in a bigger machine, even if Emily was really just caught in the crossfire, which I do actually like. Its not some bigger mystery having to do with Emily herself being targeted because of Walker or some thing in her past or part of some greater conspiracy that deliberately killed her or it was some friend of there's, she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, which seems a bit more realistic. Is this the end of Emily ghost as well? 

As rushed as this was, I am glad that this wasn't drawn out anymore, for now at least. It also led to Walker finally talking it out with James, which was all well done and acted. Its really quite sad, they were once really close but they were both so heartbroken and guilty that they misunderstood each other and it badly hurt their relationship. Walker associated him with Emily's death, not because he blamed him but just because he was around and everything from that part of his life hurt him, that's why he left to go undercover, while James felt so guilty about everything that he assumed Walker avoided him because he blamed himself for not getting the right guy and put that onto Walker. 

Having Micki watching after the family was a nice way to get her to interact with the rest of the cast. 

I love your take on this episode. I thought it a fine episode. There is a human quality in this show that is so different from others in the genre. Officers are not infallible. James and Walker are friends and previous partners who experienced a horrible murder of Walker's wife. That  an emotional and distraught Walker  would  btreak protocol and bolt from the van to confront Jeri is completely understandable. That he and James would be caught up in a moment of emotional and professional closure and relief, allowing a witness to gather some further evidence after arrests and guns were laid down.... seems human and forgivable. Unlike a large police and sheriff force, i am more of the impression that Rangers are more closely knit and their strength lies not only in training, but in instrincts and bonds. I like this show, more and more, with each episode.

[ukgirl71]

I’m not a fan of Geri as a character, but I’m enjoying the way Liam and James are becoming more and more layered, and sympathetic.  Are we still be played, I wonder?  It just seemed to me too convenient, too smooth, the way Geri slid out that gun, shot, and then flipped immediately to a crying wreck?  I want more intrigue, but that’s maybe just the old cynic in me 😄  I liked the little interactions Micki had with the kids, and I hope we see more of that, and of the family dynamic too.

[Terese]

3 hours ago, ukgirl71 said:

I’m not a fan of Geri as a character, but I’m enjoying the way Liam and James are becoming more and more layered, and sympathetic.  Are we still be played, I wonder?  It just seemed to me too convenient, too smooth, the way Geri slid out that gun, shot, and then flipped immediately to a crying wreck?  I want more intrigue, but that’s maybe just the old cynic in me 😄  I liked the little interactions Micki had with the kids, and I hope we see more of that, and of the family dynamic too.

I feel the same way about Jeri. I can't get over the smirk on her face when she seemed to have sold the bar to Walker, then disappeared. But, it also felt like final closure when he toasted Emily. Jeri and Walker's kiss was passionate and motivated likely by closeness and emotions running high. I guess I could learn to like her. And frankly, Walker is too hot to be running around alone. And Micki, his delightful partner, is not going to be happening. 

[KittenPokerCheater]

Meh. I wanted Geri to be a villain. 

So they got Emily's killer- and Walker's brother broke up with his fiancé for....nothing now?  
Didn't he break up with him because of the investigation?  This seems like a pretty big plot hole, even for this show.

[Terese]

22 minutes ago, KittenPokerCheater said:

Meh. I wanted Geri to be a villain. 

So they got Emily's killer- and Walker's brother broke up with his fiancé for....nothing now?  
Didn't he break up with him because of the investigation?  This seems like a pretty big plot hole, even for this show.

How is it a pothole? No piece is missing. That the investigation concluded, doesn't change anything about his prior decision.

[KittenPokerCheater]

@Terese-  maybe I it wrong.

I thought Liam broke up with his fiancé because Liam was afraid that the bad guys were going to hurt him?  And so he lied to the fiancé about hooking up with someone else to make him leave (and keep him safe from the bad guys).

It didn't seem that it took too long for the mystery to be solved....like it was only couple of weeks?  So not so long a time that he couldn't apologize about lying to him and then getting back together?  But timelines on tv shows can be a weird thing.

[Terese]

49 minutes ago, KittenPokerCheater said:

@Terese-  maybe I it wrong.

I thought Liam broke up with his fiancé because Liam was afraid that the bad guys were going to hurt him?  And so he lied to the fiancé about hooking up with someone else to make him leave (and keep him safe from the bad guys).

It didn't seem that it took too long for the mystery to be solved....like it was only couple of weeks?  So not so long a time that he couldn't apologize about lying to him and then getting back together?  But timelines on tv shows can be a weird thing.

Liam did break up with him not because of the investigation, but because of the targeted car bombing as a result of the investigation. He feared further retaliation. I don't know how much time passed from then until the investigation was concluded and arrests were made. There could still be some concern for retaliation. In any case, Liam's decision was based on the situation at the time he made it. I am sure at some point, when he deems it safe, he will try and reconcile.

[Coleyb]

I figured Emily died because illegal drugs were being brought across the border, but at the same time I was hoping it would’ve been something else like it would’ve been MUCH more interesting and heartbreaking if Geri was Emily’s killer and I was TOTALLY expecting Geri and Cordell to kiss, which I REALLY don’t want them to be in a relationship, even though they share a bond over loosing Emily. I’m glad the Walker family got closure, now the rest of these episodes needs to be about mending all these relationships. 

Again this episode was just like all the other episodes, accept maybe Bobble Head (I adore Hoyt) and Duke. 

I try to wave away at some of the unrealistic things regarding law enforcement like you would never ever leave your vehicle during a stake out unless it’s safe to do so, and Walker was yelling so damn loud at Geri that the bad guys in the building probably heard him! Lol Also there definitely would’ve been a shoot out between the bad guys, Walker and James, sometimes in real life officers do get the upper hand and there are no shoot outs. But they wouldn’t be standing around talking for 5 minutes with guns pointed at the bad guys and a hostage, Walker and James shouldn’t of fell for the “I’ll tell you everything if you get these cuffs off me.” *sighs* you also DONT LET SOMEONE RUN OFF ALONE INTO A BUILDING IF THEY HAVE SAID INFORMATION! Once again *sighs*

I liked that Micki spent time with August and Stella that was a sweet moment and once again Mitch and Molly had the strongest scenes alongside Keegan.

[Coleyb]

22 hours ago, Terese said:

Liam did break up with him not because of the investigation, but because of the targeted car bombing as a result of the investigation. He feared further retaliation. I don't know how much time passed from then until the investigation was concluded and arrests were made. There could still be some concern for retaliation. In any case, Liam's decision was based on the situation at the time he made it. I am sure at some point, when he deems it safe, he will try and reconcile.

Yes, Liam did break with Bret over the car explosion, and wanting him to be safe which I totally get, but my problem is and this has been an issue for me with the whole show is that all of sudden Liam did a complete 180, like I get you would have major anxiety if your car exploded  because bad guys were onto you, but there was no other build up other him being held up in his office poring over the case, I mean if I was Bret I would be worried about my significant other being held up in office for a long period of time I’d be over there constantly making sure he was okay. 

[Terese]

1 hour ago, Coleyb said:

Yes, Liam did break with Bret over the car explosion, and wanting him to be safe which I totally get, but my problem is and this has been an issue for me with the whole show is that all of sudden Liam did a complete 180, like I get you would have major anxiety if your car exploded  because bad guys were onto you, but there was no other build up other him being held up in his office poring over the case, I mean if I was Bret I would be worried about my significant other being held up in office for a long period of time I’d be over there constantly making sure he was okay. 

Doesn't Bret live in New York? He shows up asking questions. Liam does the "I cheated" conversation stopper. Bret understandably leaves town, out of harm's way.

[Coleyb]

21 minutes ago, Terese said:

Doesn't Bret live in New York? He shows up asking questions. Liam does the "I cheated" conversation stopper. Bret understandably leaves town, out of harm's way.

Oh yeah I forgot he lived (lives) in NYC, especially when he’s only been in 2 episodes so far. Still though i didn’t like it, I understand it but I didn’t like the scene. 

Edited April 19, 2021 by Coleyb

[Terese]

17 minutes ago, Coleyb said:

Oh yeah I forgot he lived (lives) in NYC, especially when he’s only been in 2 episodes so far. Still though i didn’t like it, I understand it but I didn’t like the scene. 

As i don't understand what about the scene that you didn't like, all i can say is that it seemed like a smart way to deal with a concerning situation. I guess Liam could have said. "I need you to leave town immediately. My investigation has led to dangerous criminals, who blew up my car. Your association with me may, put you in danger." The problem with that is twofold. It leads to questions that Liam is not a liberty to discuss during an investigation. It also leads to resistance. Bret would demand to stay, be supportive and protective, which he cannot be and actually becomes a liability if Liam now has to worry about his safety during the investigation. So, "I cheated" encourages Bret to leave town, give each some space, and not ask questions.

[Katy M]

5 hours ago, Terese said:

So, "I cheated" encourages Bret to leave town, give each some space, and not ask questions.

It's also a lie.  A big fat lie.  It's not OK to lie to and manipulate your significant other.

[Terese]

12 hours ago, Katy M said:

It's also a lie.  A big fat lie.  It's not OK to lie to and manipulate your significant other.

I'm not judging the morality. Although, maybe I am. Liam making that call ensured that Bret was out of harm's way. I wouldn't define that as manipulation, when trying to protect someone's life. I think Liam did the right thing for the right reasons.

[Katy M]

11 hours ago, Terese said:

I'm not judging the morality. Although, maybe I am. Liam making that call ensured that Bret was out of harm's way. I wouldn't define that as manipulation, when trying to protect someone's life. I think Liam did the right thing for the right reasons.

I'll have to disagree.  trust and honesty are the most important things in a relationship.  "I'm involved in something, it's dangerous, I can't talk about it, I'm worried for your safety and you need to go back to NY" is treating his partner like an adult.

[Terese]

14 hours ago, Katy M said:

I'll have to disagree.  trust and honesty are the most important things in a relationship.  "I'm involved in something, it's dangerous, I can't talk about it, I'm worried for your safety and you need to go back to NY" is treating his partner like an adult.

Being alive is probably more important. In any case, we obviously disagree. Liam was under considerable duress and responded in a manner that would guarantee Bret's quick departure. I've never been in a situation whereby a loved one suddenly showed up at a time most likely to get them killed, just by being around me.

I would also like to add, that although what you proposed is something Liam could have said. But what kind of loved one would respond with, "I understand. Good luck with that," then head back to New York?

Edited April 21, 2021 by Terese

[Katy M]

8 hours ago, Terese said:

I would also like to add, that although what you proposed is something Liam could have said. But what kind of loved one would respond with, "I understand. Good luck with that," then head back to New York?

I probably would. It's called respecting your partner's wishes.  Doesn't mean I wouldn't worry.

[Terese]

38 minutes ago, Katy M said:

I probably would. It's called respecting your partner's wishes.  Doesn't mean I wouldn't worry.

Oh. I suppose we are weighing in on different perspectives. I would assume that Bret would be every bit as protective of Liam, as Liam is of Bret. In which case, Bret would never leave Liam with death threats and car bombings. 

[Morgana]

As for Bret living in NYC,  I can hear Bonham's voice (although I can't remember which episode) talking to Liam and saying "that man moved halfway across the country for you") which would imply he lives in TX.

[ctlady]

On 4/16/2021 at 7:02 AM, Katy M said:

On 4/15/2021 at 10:23 PM, thuganomics85 said:

Also, Jeri ended up not being involved after-all, so that certainly has set things up for what I figured would happen going forward.

i don't know about that.  Killer did say we.  Would explain why Jeri was in such a hurry to shoot her.

I thought it was kind of rushed to shut her up, but when she put her weapon down she had that smaller pistol slide out from under her sleeve and was about to shoot Walker, so I'll cast that theory aside.  But.....Jeri showing up at just the right moment was an eye roll