Episode 82
Under the Weather (10-09-05)

Brief Synopsis: Jordan aids a search for two boys lost in the wilderness, even though she has flu, and gets trapped in an abandoned mine.

WOW!  This was is not the episode to miss if you’re planning on missing one.  Action packed, intense, under currents and tears: you couldn’t ask for more.

This was one of those few episodes where the entire cast was a part of one case.  No A story, no B story, just one tension filled hour of the gang working towards the same goal.

I knew when we started the episode that the killer more than likely had to be someone involved in the search and rescue mission.  So I picked up fairly early that the most likely suspect would be the ranger, but I wasn’t sure.  I’m glad the killer wasn’t a random person, but someone involved in a big way with the whole plot.

Jordan and Woody: Jordan’s put up with Woody’s attitude in the past two episodes.  It was a little frustrating because it’s not like the Jordan we know to not have a response to Woody.  I can understand though that she’s battling between saying something cruel so she feels better and keeping her mouth shut to not make the situation any worse than it already is, especially since she realized Woody needs some help.  I give Woody a few points for asking Jordan how she was feeling in the beginning…it’s better than last week when he completely ignored her.  Jordan kind of brushed him off…so he went back to his brooding self around her.

The more telling scene I believe was when Jordan says she’s going to search the trail and Woody tells her no.  He cares for Jordan still.  Granted he would have said that to anyone who suggested searching for the boys but the way he said it to Jordan implied concern.  There is hope for our dark-sided Woody.  I, however, think we’ve lost a part of the ‘happy-go-lucky’ Woody we knew from season one.  I think he died when Woody was shot.  When Woody works through this I think we’re going to have a much more mature Woody on our hands.

I loved the looks Garret, Nigel and the Ranger had on their faces as they witness the little sparring.  Garret and Nigel looked liked they were just getting clued in on things.  I’d love to hear Nigel’s take on the situation.

The end scene was awkward.  Woody tries to show concern…concern we know he was feeling from the phone call he made to Garret.  Jordan doesn’t make it easy for Woody though and he leaves with things as strained as ever between them.

Lily and Garret: Garret’s on edge.  I don’t know what exactly is going on in that head of his, but something is wrong.  I do know Garret has been very abrupt with Lily.  Lily seems to be truly trying to be Garret’s friend, but he more often than not is giving her the cold shoulder. 

Jordan and Garret: Jordan’s stubborn.  Too stubborn for her own good most times, but this time it paid off.  I loved the scene between the two of them.  For once Garret gets Jordan to see the total seriousness of the situation and accept her role—take credit for it.  The connection the two of them has is so strong words aren’t even needed.  The ending scene of Jordan crying in Garret’s arms was the perfect ending to a high tension story.

Jordan’s ‘executive’ decision making was one of the many priceless Garret/Jordan moments.  Garret might not be back to himself, but even he can’t resist Jordan’s charming way. 

Jordan and the boys: My favorite scene of this episode was when Jordan, carrying Danny, looked a Todd and smiled after they found Garret and the gang (and the music couldn’t have been more perfect).  It was the most touching scene.  Jordan kept her word and rescued the boys…helped rescue them…since Jordan needed some rescuing of her own.  The interaction between her and the boys was so heart felt.  She helps them physically and mentally (Todd—blaming himself).

And lastly Todd’s wonderful comment about Jordan’s being crazy!  Even the kid who’s only known her for a few hours picked up on the fact.  Of course we wouldn’t change that for anything.  Jordan wouldn’t be Jordan if she wasn’t a little ‘crazy’

Oh one last thought: Where’s Sydney? Have we lost another member of the morgue with no explanation?

I don’t normally hand out five dead bodies, especially this early in the season, but this episode deserves every 5 bodies and more.  Oh there were a few slightly annoying bits, like never really having a ‘reason’ for why the Park Ranger killed the girl (I’m assuming it’s because she wouldn’t ‘get friendly’ with him as Woody implied when interrogating him, but I would have still liked a definite reason).  And where did Jordan’s cold go when she was in the mine?  I’ll put those few miscues out of my head though because they can be easily overlooked.  And even though this is only the third episode of the season I’m giving it:

5 out of 5 Dead bodies for a great episode and perfect ending with a perfect song choice.