Television Review: See No Evil (Homicide: Life on the Street, S2X02, 1994)

See No Evil (S02E02)

Airdate: 13 January 1994

Written by: Paul Attanasio
Directed by: Christopher Menaul

Running Time: 46 minutes

The seminal television series, Homicide: Life on the Street, having focused intently on a single narrative thread in its Season 2 premiere, Bop Gun, returns to its trademark format of intertwining multiple storylines and multi-episode arcs in the thought-provoking episode, See No Evil. This deliberate shift back to its core structure allows the show to delve into a myriad of complex themes and issues, presenting a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the lives and challenges faced by the detectives of the Baltimore Police Department's Homicide Unit.

The primary storyline in "See No Evil" is both self-contained and compelling, tackling the sensitive and contentious issue of euthanasia. Detective Beau Felton is drawn into a deeply personal conflict when his old friend Chuck “Chucky” Prentice (portrayed by Michael Chaban) seeks his counsel regarding his terminally ill father, retired Admiral Harry Prentice (played by Wilford Brimley). Admiral Prentice, bedridden and suffering from cancer, adamantly demands an end to his life. Despite Felton's profound respect for the Admiral, he firmly asserts that assisting in suicide equates to homicide. Initially, Chucky attempts to adhere to this moral stance by disconnecting the previously installed suicide machine; however, he ultimately succumbs to his father's desperate pleas and fatally shoots him. The investigation led by Detectives Lewis and Crosetti soon follows, with Crosetti initially labelling the incident as a suicide while Lewis harbours doubts. As Chucky faces questioning, Felton finds himself in a morally precarious position, urging Lewis to conceal evidence to protect his friend from incarceration.

In parallel, another plot unfolds that confronts the detectives with an ethical quandary tied to their professional duties. The murder of a young black man near a crack house—recently targeted by police raids—ignites racial tensions within the community. It is revealed that Officer Hellriegel (played by Jeff Mandon), a white officer pursuing a suspect, accidentally discharged his weapon during the chase. The incident quickly escalates into a politically charged situation as police leadership seeks to scapegoat Hellriegel rather than address systemic issues. Primary investigator Frank Pembleton, who wants to investigate other officers, finds himself at odds with Lieutenant Giardello, who insists that officers must stand united rather than turn against one another.

The third narrative thread diverges from direct police work and centres on Carrie Weston (played by Jennifer Mendenhall), a psychologist assigned to assist the Murder Unit. The session with Weston is met with resistance from Detective Bolander, who perceives it as demeaning and opts for suspension over participation. However, after some persuasion from Munch, Bolander reconsiders and discovers an unexpected attraction to Weston. Yet, Weston's ambiguous rejection of Bolander’s advances suggests deeper issues—hinting at her own struggles with relationships or possibly her sexual orientation—adding layers to her character.

Written by Paul Attanasio, one of the show's creators, See No Evil stands out as an intelligent episode that balances its dramatic weight with moments of levity and character insight. While some may argue that Weston's character leans towards fan service due to her attractiveness, her role ultimately serves to deepen the exploration of emotional challenges faced by detectives. The episode encapsulates the essence of Homicide: Life on the Street—a series unafraid to tackle difficult subjects while maintaining a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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