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The American Embassy
"Heroism comes in different sizes...it became about trying to make a difference." - Emma Brody
Season 1.03, "Driven"
Written by Michael Sardo
Directed by John Coles
Air date: 03/25/02
So what does it mean to be a hero? Emma grew up watching her father saving lives as a fireman, and ever since she witnessed him rescuing a baby from a burning building, she has been trying to measure up to her parents' standards. Maybe that's why she got so upset when an article in her hometown paper, praising her as a hero in the recent bombing, mysteriously shows up in the office for everyone to see. Embarrassed and distraught by the exaggeration about her in the story, Emma is extremely unhappy when she finds out that Doug was behind the whole thing. Meanwhile, the State Department sends a cameraman to the embassy to put together a new training film (a very good setup because we get to hear a few supporting characters speak about themselves) giving them some background through the interviews.
The CIA continues to make progress in the car bomb incident. By tracking the terrorist van using the traffic cameras, they discover that it was parked in front of a mosque prior to entering the embassy grounds. Due to the sensitive relationship with the Muslims, Westerman wants to be absolutely sure of the mosque's involvement before authorizing a search of the building and its people. As the 48 hour deadline begins to wind down, Doug races against the clock to try to find any kind of evidence that will lead them to the right decision. During one late night session of tape watching, Doug recognizes a boy he saw earlier in the schoolyard that might have seen the people operating the van. After brief questioning, Doug is able to determine that the mosque was simply being framed and they've actually been able to locate the flat where the cell used as hideout, thus preventing a misunderstanding that could've led to a crisis.
On the other hand, Emma finally decides to tackle the streets of London, while Jack graciously offers to be her driving instructor for a day. Will there be romance in the future between the two of them? Meanwhile at work, she receives a call from a frantic mother in search of her son. They've lost contact for several weeks and she implores Emma to help her find him. As it turns out Tom Hobert hasn't been attending any of his classes, and is on the verge of flunking out of school. After getting in touch with his girlfriend Katie, Emma discovers that Tom has been spending time gambling, and owes quite a bit of money. His situation worsens when a thug named Griffin sends him to the hospital with cuts and bruises, instead of turning the whole thing to the police, Emma decides to help Tom in any way she can. Against Doug's warning and her better judgment, she decides to approach Griffin herself and make a deal with him by offering to pay off the debt with the marijuana plants in Tom's apartment. He reluctantly agrees to the arrangement, thereby allowing Emma to give Tom a clean slate he needs to refocus his life.
In the end Emma realizes that heroism isn't trying to live up to her father's example, but to try to make a difference in what she does, a day at a time.
A fairly average episode, but it's consistent and well scripted, and I really enjoy the continuity that strings the series together as one cohesive whole. The characters are generally likable, although the jury's still out on a few of them. The sexual tension between Emma and Doug is exciting, but also frustrating. I wouldn't mind seeing their relationship develop, but not so much that it becomes the main focus of the show.
Episode Rating: 7 out of 10
- Zalasta
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