Episode 73
It Happened One Night (03-20-05)

Brief Synopsis: When a recently released mobster seeks revenge against Jordan's father and the other cops responsible for his incarceration, Jordan frantically tries to reach her father before it is too late.

This was a wonderful episode.  A lot of the tensions and problems between Jordan and Max really got laid out on the table.

Jordan and Max: First off the talk Jordan and Woody have when searching the PI’s office.  Woody asks (basically) why it’s so tough between the two them (referring to Jordan and Max).  Jordan tells him the story about finding her Dad crying on the front steps when she was twelve and how she though it was her responsibility to take better care of him.  Max always thought it was his job to be the strong one and take care of Jordan. She says: So I guess that's kind of our problem in a nut shell.  Jordan and Max can’t get over what they think their roles have to be.  Jordan’s always thought she needed to look out for her dad and Max always believed that he was the one who should look out for Jordan.  That’s the parent relationship—they care for their children, make sure they’re okay and comfort them—not the other way around.  Max has needed Jordan though.  And Jordan’s never been able to yield to ‘being the daughter’ and hence the problems.

Woody A man likes to think that he can take care of himself.

Jordan: Especially with his own daughter. I think he's always resented needing me so much.

Strong and sad words.  Max is a strong person and needing someone has never been easy for him to admit.  It’s a sad relationship. 

It’s obvious they care for each other.  Max is ready to sacrifice himself for Jordan and Jordan (no questions ask) would do anything for her father.  Even when she’s mad at him.  It was a bittersweet episode.  I think though a truce was made between the two.  The last scene showed an understanding from Jordan that’s heartbreaking.  I hope for both their sakes they take these words they spoke to heart.

Jordan: Dad, I'm serious. We're either wasting our time screaming at each other about the past, or avoiding each other and wonder why we're so damn lonely. I wanna throw in the towel. Jordan: It can be, dad. Dad, it's up to us. We've got to start over.

Woody: Woody gets a little frustrated with Jordan.  Twice she shows him up.  She’s been avoiding him since their trip to LA (we knew this would happen).  Woody gets tired of it and confronts Jordan. 

He gets really upset with Jordan until he realizes what’s going on.  Then he becomes worried for her safety.  (again another thing he’s getting very good at doing).  Jordan has a heart to heart with him about her father and how hard their relationship is.  When Woody realizes the history between those two he apologizes to Jordan.

Woody: Sorry I was pushing you so hard earlier tonight. About us. I don't wanna be another man in your life who resents needing you.

It’s sweet and totally Woody.  He gets what Jordan is telling him, even though she doesn’t outright say what the problem is and he realizes how his actions could be affecting his and Jordan’s relationship.  Woody’s a perceptive man, and just what Jordan needs.  I hope she realizes what she has with Woody and takes hold of Woody and doesn’t let go.

Nigel, Bug and Lily: Nigel creates a new bar code system they’re finally going to beat Miami (little dig at CSI Miami there) and then all hell breaks lose.  Nigel, Bug and Lily spend the night at the morgue trying to re-identify all the bodies.  A couple come in though to identify their daughters body and when Lily tells them where their daughter was found and that she was likely a prostitute they flip out. 

Nigel wants so bad to get everything fixed up but realizes that it’s more important for him to find answers for the parents.  They spend the night figuring out what really happened and giving the parents some comfort and piece of mind.  They do the right thing.  They could have chosen differently.  There was nothing saying they have to look further into the girl’s death, but they do.

Side Note: The parking garage is back!

4 out of 5 Dead Bodies.  Great episode—strong characters—they all did the right thing, made the right choices.