Graduation Day

Following the pattern of last season's finale, 'Graduation Day' brings more changes for "Southland". More people transitioning (some being phased out altogether), dramatic character arcs and the dissolution of two separate partnerships. It's the last day of Officer Sherman's probation and with that, the situation between himself and his training officer comes to an explosive head. Sherman makes it through his probationary period and graduates to a new beat, while Cooper turns himself in for medical help (forcibly, seeing as Sherman wasn't allowing the man to take a new rookie out the next day in his condition). The final scene with Cooper admitting to a nurse that he has a problem is one of my all-time favorites; it takes the character tremendous strength to do this, and Cudlitz really plays up the vulnerability.

This is a fine way to end this season; it moves with purpose, ends on just the right (hopeful) note for Cooper, and new partners are in store for Sherman and Lydia. It's kinda sad to see Sal go, but with Sammy back on patrol, he gets lost in the shuffle anyway. If I have one nitpick, it's that good characters get the axe while Tammi lingers like a sore. But a great episode regardless.

9/10