Lara's Review - Code of Ethics

I have a lot of things to say about this episode, I had to watch it a couple of times before I could write this review, due to a number of reasons. The first time I watched it I felt very blasé about it, then after a few hours I decided to watch it again to see if I had any more thoughts, after this second viewing a number of my opinions changed and I feel as if I have a different take on the episode than my immediate reaction.

I think first it is best to discuss the relationship arcs that occurred in this episode, namely the ‘conclusion’ of the Jordan and JD relationship. The opening scene of this episode was interesting; I think it is easy to say is was corny and unnecessary, for me it was a great piece of ‘tongue n’ cheek’ script writing, it was a good laugh and a bit of fun. The scene also highlighted some of Jordan’s thoughts and issues she is dealing with, yes, she looked ‘happy’ to see Woody in bed with her, then she seemed ‘surprised’ to see JD in bed with her, but I think this was more of a reaction to the fact she believed Woody was in her bed. My personal opinion is that we catalogue and address our issues when we dream; this opening sequence was a good illustration of Jordan’s issues, as well as providing some good humour.

The break down in the relationship between Jordan and JD was great, and felt very real. This episode picked up a few days after ‘Elephant In The Room’ finished, it was pretty obvious that both characters hadn’t really discussed the ‘Woody Issue’, and emotional breakdown of JD could be seen throughout the episode. I thought that Charles Mesure was outstanding in this episode and really proved his acting range, I think that even if you don’t particularly like the character of JD, in this episode you had to develop a certain amount of empathy for him, he obviously cares for Jordan and could see a future for them, and because of circumstances beyond his control his heart got truly broken.

The distance and tension between Jordan and JD throughout this episode was fantastic, and I believe that the penultimate scene between the two characters at the gaol (jail – for the Americans reading this) was the final break in the relationship, JD saw the ‘real’ Jordan and called her on it, and while the last scene provided an opportunity for the two characters to conclude the relationship, it was the gaol scene that was perhaps the most powerful.

The interplay between Jordan and Woody in this episode was interesting, I like that Woody is not too obsessive about trying to figure out where his relationship with Jordan is going, he seems to be sitting back and letting Jordan figure out her issues with JD, do I think this relaxed attitude will last? No, but unfortunately I have a feeling that it is going placed on the back burner for the next few episodes as the roller coaster continues. In saying this, the animosity between JD and Woody was good, as JD attempts to figure out who he is most angry with, he uses brawn and to some extent Woody uses his brain!

I am really enjoying Jordan this season as she begins to own her flaws, and begins to attempt to figure out what she really wants, but I do feel that as she closed the door to her apartment, she may have also taken two steps back and once again closed the door on her heart.

The relationship between Garret and Abby has always been a difficult one and it definitely come to ahead in this episode. In many ways Abby is suffering from many unresolved issues from the divorce between her parents and a relatively distant father, who wants to control (in an attempt to protect) his daughters life. The issues between the two make for an interesting sub-plot to Garrets current personal story arc. I look forward to following this story throughout this season and how it affects Garret’s work relationships.

The interplay between Lily and Bug in this episode was small but significant, it seemed like an easy resolution, but I don’t think it is a resolved topic, I have a feeling that it is going to come up again as it seems it is now Lily who is on the back foot.

The cases in this episode were interesting, they weren’t the strongest that have been written, and the secondary storyline was very predictable, however it was enjoyable. I like Nigel when he seeks the truth and Steve Valentine has a great skill in reciting the exposition needed to move the storyline along, without it getting boring, I hope Nigel gets some more storylines before the end of the season. The major storyline concerning the military is always a difficult topic to deal with because I think it is an issue that invokes a lot of emotions with an audience. I felt that they dealt with the issue with a lot of sensitivity and remained respectful to troops while creating a good storyline with, for me, an unexpected twist. Ernie Hudson is one of my favourite actors, and I always enjoy the presence he brings to the screen, so to see him in my favourite TV show was fantastic.

If you watch ‘It Happened One Night’ then ‘Code Of Ethics’ you can see Miguel Ferrer’s directing techniques, you always feel the story moving, there are a lot of cuts between characters to highlight reactions to the events, it makes for a fast paced and insightful episode, a lot is learnt about the characters, both major and minor using this technique, and I like it, while it may not be as fluid and beautiful as some other directors, it is unique and interesting. The music once again was fantastic, and I have a feeling that Miguel Ferrer had an influence on the use of Jazz and the resurrection of the Irish folk music from earlier seasons.

All in all I did like the episode, it wasn’t the best I have seen, but it was enjoyable, and provided a respectable but open end to the Jordan and JD relationship.