Curt Nations (Cliff Gorman) is all cop, all the time. When the work day is over, he's still on edge, distant and rigid. He's also angry, resentful and difficult to live with and his family suffers. Something has to give...he can't keep up like this forever. According to the police psychologist (Mel Ferrer), guys like Nations suffer from a 'Wyatt Earp Syndrome' and says many cops go through this phase early in their careers and they think it's just them against the world...and most get through it. But some simply won't listen, won't change and are beyond help. Nations needs to learn to leave the job behind him after the day is done...or crack up and/or lose his family. He also needs to realize he's part of a team and cannot solve every crime on his own.
The first thing I noticed about this episode was Nation's new partner, Hawkins...who was played by none other than Smokey Robinson! It was Robinson's first acting gig and it was surprising seeing him playing a cop and not a Motown singer!
Overall, this is an important AND very depressing episode...especially by what the show SEEMS to imply at the very end. I say important because many policemen are damaged...suffering from PTSD, depression and other work-related disorders. Well worth seeing and far from enjoyable...but worth seeing due to the story and the great acting by Gorman.
