Episode 79
Jump Push Fall (05-15-05)

Brief Synopsis: Dr. Macy is suspended for an alleged cover-up attempt in a 20-year-old murder case, and his replacement puts Jordan in charge of the investigation that could save or end Macy's career.

Season four has had a wealth of good episodes, so it was fitting they ended the season with one of the best episodes of the season.  Things were seriously shaken up amongst our cast.  Garret’s on suspension, Woody’s in the hospital and he doesn’t know if he’ll ever walk again and Jordan is let down by Garret and turned away by Woody.  This wasn’t like our previous season finales where a ½ brother appears or a father goes missing, but suspenseful and gripping none the less.

Garret: Jordan’s pissed off to say the least when she learns what has happen.  She promises Garret she’ll prove he did nothing wrong.  Garret knows she won’t be able to do that and tells her to just do her job.  He knows what she’ll fine.  He doesn’t want her covering up anything for him and getting herself in trouble.

As the evidence unfolds, it’s clear Garret was covering something up.  Jordan can’t answer Slokum when he asks her if she still thinks that Garret Macy is a saint.

Jordan is really upset when she learns the Garret hid evidence.  She’s always had such faith in him.  He’s been the pillar of strength and justice and following the rules.  Then she learns he covered up a murder.  Garret’s own self belief if a bit tarnished.  Jordan’s hurt and his own self doubt I believe (that and Garret truly is a good person) lead him to hand over the evidence that can spell the end of his career.  He has to do what’s right—that’s who he is. 

Despite Jordan’s asking him not too Garret goes forward and turns over the information that will bring down Duvall and himself in the process.

‘If I can’t do what’s right.  If I can’t set an example.  What good am I to anyone.’  Those words restore Jordan’s faith in Garret.  And prove what she’s been telling Slokum from the beginning.  Garret’s an honorable man.

Garret’s parting words summed up everything and let his entire staff know how much faith he had in them and how he proud he was to call them his friends.: ‘These people.  They’ll go to the wall for you if you let them.’

Lily, somewhere inside, still has feeling for Garret. Even if she is over him.  Her faith in him never waivers.   It was nice to see her there for Garret just as he was there for her a few weeks ago when her mother died.  Those two—if nothing else—have a wonderful friendship.  Lily defends him even when Jordan tells her what Garret’s done.

Woody:  We knew Woody would end up getting shot.  What surprised me was he was shot in the abdomen whereas the other cops were shot through the heart.  Why would the kid shot Woody, yet not shot to kill him?  My only guess is because of the promise Woody made to Tommy.  I guess the kid figured Woody was sincere and hence gave him a fighting chance of surviving the bullet shot.

My second question we see the older brother in the hospital at the end, so obviously the cops took him down, but they didn’t kill him, yet Sydney walks into the morgue holding three more bullet proof vest that had been shot through the heart.  Bug and Nigel give looks of hopelessness.  So I have to assume there were 3 more (at least) casualties. You would have thought the police would have killed him despite orders.  He starts killing you, you shot back.

Woody was very emotional on this case.  Pissed off would be a good word.  He’s usually a happy go lucky type guy who—even when things are going to hell—remains upbeat.  He was on a mission today.  Killing innocent cops was a good reason though for him to lose all reasonable thought. 

Woody and Jordan: The conversation Woody and Jordan had to start the episode was wonderful.  I swear Jordan agreed to the blind date to get a rise out of Woody.  It worked.  I loved Jordan’s look of utter disbelief when she muttered ‘it never occurred to you.’  It was priceless.  Poor Woody—guys can be a bit dense at times (that’s not to say us women are perfect!).  He really didn’t think Jordan would go date other people.  That was the only amusing scene.  After that things got intense and fast.

Jordan’s never been so broken up, distraught, worried—basically a complete wreck—at the news that Woody’s been shot.  The urgency in her voice said everything.  This gal cares for Woody and more than in a friend type fashion.

The most telling line of the entire show: ‘I can say what you want me to say.’  Jordan says this while they’re wheeling Woody into surgery.  It can be interpreted two ways.  One: Jordan will say anything if it’ll help Woody.  Or two: Jordan’s realized what she’s been so afraid to say/admit isn’t so scary faced with the possibility of losing Woody for good.

They say when you’re faced with the possibility of losing someone you say all the things you’ve meant to say, but never said.  I think in this case.  Whatever Jordan told Woody was sincere and heartfelt.  Whatever she told him she didn’t realize how true it was until she said it, but when she said it she meant it. 

Woody’s reaction wasn't all that surprising.  He tells her to get lost he doesn’t want her pity.  Woody's a strong, appealing male and suddenly he's face with the possibility that he could never walk again...  He's angry, frustrated, feeling hopeless...he needed to lash out at someone and Jordan happened to be in the line of fire.  

Jordan won't give up on him.  She's to strong a person.  Her reaction to the news on Woody was heart wrenching.  She was more grief stricken than any other character.  He might have told her to get lose, but since when does Jordan ever listen to anyone? 

5 out of 5 Dead Bodies.  Wonderful climax to a (mostly) thrilling season of great episodes.  A season of great character development and interesting story lines.