Episode 27
Payback (10-14-02)

Brief Synopsis: Det. Hoyt may have more trouble on his hands, when he faces charges of murder after a suspect dies in custody. Now Jordan must defend Woody.

I love the title of this episode.  Woody finally got to use Jordan—i.e. payback.  Normally it’s Woody bailing Jordan out of trouble and this time Jordan bailed him out of trouble.  It’s wonderful the easy chemistry between the two.  It was nice to see a reversal of roles for the two.

Jordan: She’s her typical self here.  She’s always speaking out of turn.  This time it’s to DA Walcott and the ME they brought in to do an autopsy.  Jordan and Nigel were working together again.  Nigel is hilarious with his ‘new’ toy. 

Jordan does a good job playing the reverse role.  She has her own unique way about her when it comes to comforting Woody.  She comes through from him.  She uses her grandmother to get Woody off the hook.  I didn’t expect anything less.

I have to make a comment on two things.  One: I loved the handshake between Jordan and Woody.  Two: Jordan doesn’t have a clue how to drink tea.  That was the most awkward sip and holding of the tea cup.  So typical Jordan.  I like having the spunky Jordan back.  I missed her in the first two episodes.

Woody:  I’m smitten.  Of all the detectives Jordan’s been paired up with he was the one they hit the jackpot with.  What makes Woody so special is he was truly feeling guilty over the fact that he might have (however unintentionally) caused the death of this young girl.  He was so distraught—and not just over the fact that he could lose his job. 

It was nice to see Jordan comfort him.  I loved the conversation in the end at the bar with Max.  He knows he’s getting in over his head with Jordan, but he can’t help himself.  I think Max is actually pleased at the prospect of Woody courting Jordan.

Lily: There was nothing extraordinary about Lily’s case, but it showed her off in a much better and smarter and more caring light than all of first season – have I  mentioned how much I like the new Lily!  She related well with the boy and once again got those who didn’t want to deal with him to deal with him.  Seems to be a trait of hers.

We’ve got what appears to be a love triangle going on between the characters.  Lily’s said to hell with men and won’t get involved with either Bug or Garret.  Garret it seems still has feelings for Lily, but he’ll not act on them.  And Bug who’s openly smitten with her has acted and he was turned down—that hasn’t stopped him from still having feelings for Lily.  The tension when the three are together is very noticeable.

Side note: Was it really Garret who paid for the funeral?  Or was it really Bug?  I didn’t get the look Bug had when Lily asked if it was him.  Was he just jealous or mad that Garret claimed he did?  Definitely some tension around those two.

Elaine didn’t have a major role, but she did help out Jordan.  And I’ve been going back and forth on my thoughts about her.  At first she seemed like a decent person.  Oh yes someone who’s hard to get along with, but not a bad person in general.  Then one episode she seemed to over step her boundaries, but she hasn’t tried to separate the group or do anything outright mean.  I don’t think she’s as bad as she’s been made out to be by the others in the morgue.  Thus far I like the addition of her.

Walcott is a very strong lady.  And she gave me every reason in the book to hate her.  I think she’ll be a great thrown in Garret’s (the entire staffs) side.  She should be an interesting addition to the cast.  I’m assuming since she’s been mentioned now in multiple episodes that she’s going to be a reoccurring figure.

4 out of 5 Dead Bodies.   Good strong episode.  Great scenes between Woody and Jordan.