Off Duty

I've always remember the first season for the dark (pitch black) way that it goes out - and takes the show with it - but the best episode (possibly of the whole series) is at the halfway mark. 'Off Duty' has something for every character, giving them substance and tying them into one cohesive story. The writing, editing and direction are superb, and the best scenes happen when the guns are holstered. Profound characterization across the board; Cooper, Sherman, Bryant, Adams, Dewey, all of them.

This episode weighs heavily largely because of Cooper's increasing unease. The rotten corpse in the bathtub, Dewey's heart attack, another back injury, and the presence of his old training officer (Gerald McRaney, perfectly capturing the character's loneliness in retirement) all serve to plunge the character into self-doubt over his future on the job. Nothing bad really happens to him here (the injury will heal)but those are awful questions to have hanging over someone. It's an excellent episode and really starts the show's endgame.

10/10