When I first saw this episode, I didn't like it. After re-watching and
determining what I didn't like about the episode, I now like it very much.
When I first saw this episode, I didn't like it. After re-watching and
determining what I didn't like about the episode, I now like it very much.
I was somewhat upset by the fact that Fraser was attracted to a woman (Janet Morse played by Wendy Crewson) who I, at first, found to be unsuitable. Her kids were so bratty and ill-behaved and she was so deceptive about her bounty-hunting that I found her a poor mother and a liar. I found the children annoying and their antics were anything but funny.
I can, however, understand why Fraser was attracted to
this woman. The story is well-written from the point of view of Fraser's
character. Since the police officers have all come down with the
"blue flu" Fraser, of course, has to help this woman. From
the first moment that he sees her, however, he is attracted to her. Later
when she challenges him with gun statistics of her own, he is impressed.
When she makes the diving leap, ahead of his, to rescue her daughter from being
hit by a falling fan, he is impressed by her quickness. She is fearless,
brave, smart, knowledgeable, shares his love of and knowledge of the outdoors
and is in need. She is actually quite suitable for him.
There are, however, a couple of problems. Even though Fraser seems to get along with the children, I'm sure he would have problems with their continued misbehavior if he stayed around them very long. This could lead to conflict between him and Janet since she seems not to be able to properly control these children. Then there is the problem of the husband.
Janet
originally states that she is a bounty hunter looking for a wanted
criminal. She is actually after her dead-beat husband. She doesn't
reveal this information until confronted by other bounty hunters when she needs
to assert her superior claim. Ray Kowalski doesn't like her at all.
Part of his dislike, I think, stems from his efforts to protect Fraser from a
woman that he doesn't think is appropriate for him. He notes to Fraser
that the children are misbehaved. "These children are immature."
Well, they're children, Ray." Ray notes from the beginning that Fraser is
attracted to Janet. Fran Vecchio, however, seems to be strangely oblivious to
the threat that Janet represents. Perhaps she unwisely thinks that Janet's
extra baggage in the form of the children disqualifies her for Fraser's
attention.
The
scenes between Janet and Fraser are among the most touching in all of Due
South. I had tears in my eyes at the end. (Okay, okay, so I cry
easily.) Fraser's loneliness is emphasized in this episode. Fraser's brief
conversation with his father at the end is so well acted and
effective. Ray sees how emotionally upset Fraser is over Janet's departure
and tries to comfort him with "They'll be all right."
The episode is well-acted by all and it's great to see Fraser romantically involved since the Meg Thatcher thing didn't seem to be working out. It's good to see him out of his shell and so deeply emotionally affected. That sort of change in portraying his character is needed every once in a while.
"Why, you got something going on with Hat Boy here?"
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