Daniel: “I made a mistake. I'm not denying it. I feel terrible about how I lost my temper, but... You only have one side of this story.”
Sharon: “Okay. But before you fill in the blanks, I want to establish some facts. You came here today on your own, not at my request, to make a spontaneous statement. Is that correct?”
Daniel: “Yeah. Yeah, that's right.”
Sharon: “Alright. Go ahead.”
Daniel: “My Fiancée, Annie, is very protective of her little girls & Rusty just drops this bombshell on us. I get that he was in a tough situation. But what he did, the way that he sold himself on the street... It shows such terrible judgment. The idea of taking a kid that’s done that kind of stuff, putting him into a normal family, it freaked Annie out.”
Sharon: “Oh, I can't imagine.”
Daniel: “I had to take Rusty outside just so she had a chance to calm down & explain to him why he should apologise. The words that he used...I could tell you what he said.”
Sharon: “No, it's not necessary.”
Daniel: “Okay. Anyway, he ends up calling me an asshole & I hit him. It was much harder than I intended & I had no idea that he would run off. And I wanted...to discipline the kid. He needs discipline.”
Sharon: “Is that what you told your Fiancée? That Rusty disappeared because you disciplined him?”
Daniel: “No, I said that he ran off & that I couldn't catch him which is true, that happened. But I... I need to talk to Rusty. Annie wants... I need to talk to Rusty.”
Sharon: “Alright. Why don't we make a tentative appointment for you & Rusty to talk tomorrow at 4:00pm in the Conference Room here?”
Daniel: “Thank you. I appreciate that. Because we can fix this.”
Sharon: “We can. Fixing this is a very big priority here, as you can see. See you tomorrow Daniel.”
Provenza: “You sure you don't want us to just arrest the bastard?”
Sharon: “That's a bell that can't be unrung. Let's keep our options open.”
What this episode is about:
Andy
This guy isn't all that he seems
Mike Adams
Sharon + Daniel Dunn
Sharon hugs Rusty
Sharon + Andy, a shift in relationship
Favorite Dialog
Why do they keep showing the dead guy with all of the nasty puke around him?
I love Buzz asking Provenza if he has to film it. Andy's look on his face when he see's Buzz's hair and then looks back at Provenza like...your not going to do a real investigation when Provenza says he doesn't have to.
I hope for your sake you don't drop you camera, Buzz.
"The men's room. Join the LAPD. See the world."
That's gold. Sykes! That's gold!
Andy
Andy is rather emotionally invested in this case. I rather think he sort of looks back and thinks of how many similarities to crime scene and how he could have ended up. Plus it makes Andy think long and hard about how things in this case just don’t add up to an accidental death of alcohol poisoning.
I just noticed this is something that Andy does when he's preoccupied with something. Provenza notices it right away and calls Andy out on it. Andy is the kind of guy that wears his emotions on his sleeves. When something is on his mind everyone is going to know. Any time he wanted to ask Sharon out/propose he was always obvious he’s thinking about something.
So...Andy drank antifreeze? Or he read up on some cases where people have died from doing that?
This dork.
I had to sort of wonder why Andy knocks on the glass to get Sharon's attention and not on the door. It's because he wanted to do this...
He wanted Dunn to see him. To see that Rusty has more than just Sharon on his side and he better not fuck up even more than he already has.
I love how Andy just chews into Connor. He makes a great point on why Connor is up in their jurisdiction doing a case without notifying them. And why he was up there working a case without the case files. Andy rightly smells a rat.
This guy isn't all that he seems
Mike Adams
At first it seems like a cop who didn't follow procedure ended up murdered. As we learn more about Adams, things don't seem to add up and it's starting to look more and more like Adams wasn't the good guy we thought he was. He prayed on victims, women who were brutalized and then as a person they thought they could trust brutalized them again. And then Connor knew about it the whole time and just excused his behavior. He just brushed it under the rug and hoped it would go away.
Similarly, Daniel Dunn seems like a nice guy when we first meet him. But slowly things just keep coming out. He didn't tell his family about Rusty, and then he slips and calls Rusty his 'problem'. And then he doesn't show up for two hours. And then...
Sharon + Daniel Dunn
Daniel's true colors are starting to come out. He's two hours late without letting Rusty know. Daniel is completely ignorant on the reason why it's such a big deal. If you’ve got someone waiting on you why would you not think it’s bad to let them know your going to be late?
Sharon's realizing that this guy may not be so sensitive to Rusty's issues.
Rusty's grandparents and Aunt haven't made any kind of contact. And when Daniel tries to explain to Sharon the reason why he hasn't told them about Rusty yet. He slips up and says "This Problem." Which certainly sets off Sharon. Sharon was already skeptical of this guy to begin with. And now it seems like Daniel hasn't told anyone about Rusty because he's afraid his rich fiance will leave him.
"I don't give a damn what you need. And by the way usually when people tell me that I don't understand their situation they end up under arrest."
The last thing this guy needs is for Sharon to be his enemy. Because Sharon is the way to Rusty’s heart. As she’s the only adult that Rusty has formed a bond with and Rusty has started to trust. And the last thing that you do is hurt Rusty because the darth will come out. And it's all over after that.
I also love that he asks Sharon how to fix the mess he created. She doesn't tell him what he wants to hear, a solution. Instead she's like you created this mess you fix it.
"My time is worth something too."
Love that. Both Rusty and Sharon know how to stick up for themselves. Even if they sort of let other people walk all over them.
Sharon Hugs Rusty
A few things about this heartwarming hug. It's the first time they hug. The first time that Sharon reaches out to physically embrace Rusty. There have been moments prior to this where she wanted to physically reach out to him to give him comfort but she's stopped herself every time. Because of how traumatized Rusty is she's had to be so very careful about how she reacts to him. This time she felt that not only did he really need it but that he was going to be open to receive it. I love how both of them sink into the hug and how Rusty's hand creeps up to embrace her.
Another point about this hug is that she very deliberately does it right in front of Dunn. Telling him in no uncertain terms that there is someone who loves this boy very deeply.
"Please don't let me drive over to his house and shoot him in the head phase."
As Sharon takes care of Rusty's face. He opens up to Sharon about his past. Confessing that this is not the first time that he'd been beaten by a so called father figure. This is the first time we see Rusty talk about his life on the streets and his abusive past to anyone. I think it's interesting that Rusty tells Sharon that he did not fight back. It reminds me of when Rusty told the boys at school about his past and they beat him and he fought back - much harder than he should have. It shows that Sharon is starting to have an impact on him and his actions. That he is actually listening to her.
Sharon + Andy, a shift in relationship
I love hear how they are not only matching colors but movements as well.
Sharon pulling Andy into interviews with her is starting to become common place with them. I feel with him being the most accepting of her (and the first) as well as not being afraid to call her out on things he feels she’s done wrong. Makes this so telling as to why she brings him in there with her so often. He’s someone she can rely on in a crunch and someone who she knows will be honest with her. Especially since she’s so new to homicide investigations. She can truly rely on his experience in this field.
I never noticed Andy watching Sharon so closely here. Like he's not even trying to hide that. I thought maybe it was to do with the case but I rather think it's because he can tell she's preoccupied and rightly pissed off at Dunn for being so late.
Typical Andy behavior here. Much like his blah blah blah or yada, yada yada.
I love how Sharon’ smiles at him over it too. Like even at this point in the series how often have we seen Sharon smile when it’s not directed at Rusty or about Rusty? This is just amusement here at work, at Andy and I love how it’s something very common in their relationship that ends up developing into something deeper. By that I mean Andy using his sense of humor to lighten Sharon’s day and get her to smile any chance he can get. And how can you not love that? It’s something so small but says so much.
"This might be a good time to tell you. I've spent almost my entire career in internal affairs. And I am this close to calling your department and starting an inquiry into your conduct."
"She an't kidding, pal."
I love that it's Andy that Sharon pulls into her office to talk to Connor. She could have asked anyone else to come in there but it was Andy she chose. This has to be my favorite scene of the episode. I feel 100% with this scene that Andy is firmly on Sharon's side. I love how they team up against Connor.
Another thing that I really love is this is the first time that we see Andy go off and Sharon reel him back in. She doesn't say a word. Just pats his arm and he starts to calm down. Here, she’s already starting to become a calming influence on him. How often have we seen Andy being defused so easily? Brenda would often have to yell at him. Sharon doesn’t say a freaking word just pats him on the arm. Now the anger is still there but he’s not as set off as he was earlier.
This is one of the things that I really love about this relationship. Is that they balance each other. That despite their differences and view points which set the two of them on different planes (mostly on their personal life). They are still able to use their differences to help the other become a better person. This really feels like the start of their personal relationship.
Favorite Dialog
"Alright Amy, he's a bad guy." - Mike
"People always give themselves away."
"I wana arrest him because I can't stand listening to him anymore."
also...
your just giving me excuses to make awesome gifs like this provie!
What I didn’t like: I think the only thing I didn’t care for in this episode was them keep showing Adam’s puke.
What I did like: This is probably my favorite episode of the first season. There’s so much of Sharon and Andy’s relationship in this episode and we get to see a different side to it which eventually becomes a staple in their relationship. This is also the climax of the Daniel Dunn story when we finally see this guys true colors. All the while Sharon has had her suspicions and her instinct telling her that something was off about this man. Times like these are why you listen to your gut when it’s trying to tell you something.
Sharon: “Will you at least try talking to your Father this time?”
Rusty: “Please, please, call him Daniel. He had nothing to do with raising me & I don't think we're gonna hit it off. I feel like I’m being tested.”
Sharon: “Look, I completely agree with you. Not all Fathers are created equal. But Daniel doesn't seem to be reaching out not because he needs you, but because he wants to. That's got to count for something.”
Rusty: “Hey. Do you want to come with us?”
Sharon: “It's better if I don't. Hello, Daniel. Good to see you again.”
Daniel: “You too, Sharon. Hey bud.”
Rusty: “Hey.”
Daniel: “What? No suit tonight?”
Rusty: “The suit was her idea.”
Daniel: “I see. You hungry?”
Rusty: “Sure. Let's go.”
Daniel: “We won't be gone long.”
Sharon: “Oh, take your time. But tomorrow's a school day, so try & have him back by 11:00.”
What this episode is about:
Cops protecting their children
Angel + Gustavo
Sharon frys Daniel
Two Options
Sharon and Provenza are of one mind
Sharon and Provenza are not of one mind
Comments
They start the case off thinking that Dr Maasoud is the intended victim and that the killer shot the wrong person.
Cops protecting their children
Angel + Gustavo
Angel's father is revealed to have been a cop back in Mexico. After the rest of their family was killed Gustavo protected his son by coming to America. Even if it was illegal he left everything behind to protect him. I had wondered at first why Gustavo picked up so many different things almost right away from the killer. But it certainly makes sense if the guy had been a cop. Like always their is a connecting in what's going on in the case and the personal storyline. I do find interesting that they made Gustavo a cop. Much like another cop doing her best to protect her child.
I feel so sorry for Angel. His whole entire family was murdered. Rusty has Sharon and the squad as family. But who does Angel have?
Sharon frys Daniel
One thing I haven’t noticed until now is how Sharon lets people stew in her office. She could have excused herself right then to take care of Daniel but she didn't. It feels like a very deliberate move on her part. She's letting them wonder just what is going to fall on them. Often times there is nothing worse punishment then what you come up with in your own mind. She does this later in season 3 with Jack.
You have to give Sharon credit. She may be slow moving when it comes to certain things but she's methodical and that works very often to her advantage. She's a woman you don't want to cross because she could make your life hell.
Sharon is someone who knows how people tick. And knows how to move pieces just right to get certain things. She knows how to push certain buttons. Sometimes the pieces move in just the right way for her and sometimes they don't. And being the smart woman she is - knows that they can't charge him with anything without evidence. Because all they have right now is Rusty's word against his. Rusty's beaten face could have come from any one.
In Daniel's case he plays right into her hands. She lets him stew by himself for a while. Then stew again in her office, so that he's bursting to give her an explanation that will let things blow over. She mostly listens to him talk, and hits record on her phone. And he confesses to hitting Rusty. And now all of the cards are in Sharon's court.
I love how Daniel looks at out of her window and everyone is just glaring at him. And honestly Daniel is delusional if he thinks he can just explain his side of the story to a cop and everything will be hunky dory.
Two Options
Just like with everything that Sharon has done so far. She gives Daniel two different options. Daniel could go to jail but he may still have parental rights over Rusty. Having him sign away means that he can't force Rusty to live with him.
I always thought Rusty’s hand movements here where he pounces his fingers on the paper were really odd direction to give him. Just doesn’t feel like a natural thing for him to do. I think it’s just enough for them to focus on the paper and for him to push it towards Daniel.
I also thought this was funny. Daniel clicking that pen at Rusty and giving him that smug smile like he’s saying your missing out. And really what is Rusty missing out on? A guy that’s going to abuse him when he’s blunt and speaks his mind.
I love this. I love how Julio is basically pushing this guy out of the room with his body.
Sharon and Provenza are of one mind
I think this is the first time that Sharon and Provenza end up following the other's plan of action. It feels very good to see them on the same side. Things have been much better between the two of them the past few episodes but this really feels different. That not only are they working together but they are thinking along the same lines. Sharon's suggestion that they have a legal obligation to find their witness is just the sort of thing that Provenza likes to hear when they lose a case to the FBI. It's the sort of thing that Brenda was known for doing except Sharon has legality backing her up.
Sharon and Provenza are not of one mind
"I was precisely following the law."
"Oh god. It's like working for a hall monitor. Every single day."
Another startling reminder that Sharon is not Brenda. And just because she made the suggestion to keep their case. Doesn't mean that she won't work with the FBI on it. As Brenda was famous for shutting out other divisions/the FBI.
Comments
"Captain Raydor. Lieutenant."
You do know there are two other lieutenants right in front of you.
I had wondered why the assassin carried around a 2 litter bottle of pop. IT's a freaking silencer and no one would be none the wiser. He wouldn't have to hide it.
Andy doesn't even shut is door when they go looking for Angel.
"There's a plan B?"
Fritz seems so surprised by this. And why do I love that so? One thing you will learn Fritz is that Sharon is a planner. Boy can she make a some freaking plans.
What I didn't like: Not my most favorite season finale. Probably my least favorite season finale of MC to be honest and not an episode that I re-watch all that often. There isn't anything wrong with it per-say it's just not an episode that I really consider a high light. I feel that there are scenes in the episodes I would highlight but not really as a whole.
What I liked: I did like the high stakes of the killer in this episode which did make it feel like a season finale. You can really tell they spent a lot of money on this episode with all of the high shots (that made it seem like the assassin was looking through a scope). My favorite part of the episode is the end when they all confront Daniel Dunn about what he had did to Rusty and basically gave him a deal that he couldn't turn down. That would insure Rusty's safety and make it one step closer to Sharon keeping Rusty as her son. And that everyone stood behind him and Sharon bringing up some really great points to Dunn about what they could do to him.
I liked that we never found out who the killer is. Sometimes it's nice not to know because that's how the real world exists and everything doesn't always tie up in a nice neat bow.
So this is the end of season 1. I will most likely post another season roundup for season 1 after this. Stay tuned. And next I will tackle season 2.
