What a treat it was to finally meet Sam's long-term girlfriend Elsa (at least the longest we know about) and even her spoiled-brat son Evan. We can instantly understand why the relationship clicks. A "closet" adventurous spirit because of her highly-focused business sense and accomplishments, Sam is just the kind of guy she would be attracted to. And being a "broke-no-nonsense," "get things done," tough-minded gal who admires Sam's experience and common sense, she is the kind of gal Sam can respect enough to really like. Understanding Evan isn't difficult either, given what we know about his parent's success and "driven" nature.
With no substantial leads on Nate's killer yet, it gave Sam enough space to help Elsa with Evan's "behavioral problem." Unfortunately, it was more than just his behavior - way more - and ended up showcasing both Sam's and Jesse's skills (and eventually Mike's) just to keep them all alive. Perhaps the most telling event of all was the novel approach Sam came up with for "family counseling." Rebecca had disappeared; so Mike and Fiona dogged her trail until what just may be the most novel ending a "bad guy" who he was chasing has ever shown on the series.
Mike is clearly shaken and affected by Nate's death. His whole family (what's left of it) is. Madeline isn't even returning his phone calls. As would be expected, he has become much more serious (if that were possible) and cautious - should we say "normal" - in his relationships with his team, especially Fiona. Fiona has matured and, although still largely driven by her OWN desires, is much less of a nagging shrew - whew, finally! We know the stages of grief, we know Michael is going through it, we know that it alone could provide hundreds of pages full of "soap-box-drama" screenplay... AND we are mightily grateful that, for once, The BN writers aren't inflicting that on us. What a great season so far! It's hard to believe that it's almost over.
With no substantial leads on Nate's killer yet, it gave Sam enough space to help Elsa with Evan's "behavioral problem." Unfortunately, it was more than just his behavior - way more - and ended up showcasing both Sam's and Jesse's skills (and eventually Mike's) just to keep them all alive. Perhaps the most telling event of all was the novel approach Sam came up with for "family counseling." Rebecca had disappeared; so Mike and Fiona dogged her trail until what just may be the most novel ending a "bad guy" who he was chasing has ever shown on the series.
Mike is clearly shaken and affected by Nate's death. His whole family (what's left of it) is. Madeline isn't even returning his phone calls. As would be expected, he has become much more serious (if that were possible) and cautious - should we say "normal" - in his relationships with his team, especially Fiona. Fiona has matured and, although still largely driven by her OWN desires, is much less of a nagging shrew - whew, finally! We know the stages of grief, we know Michael is going through it, we know that it alone could provide hundreds of pages full of "soap-box-drama" screenplay... AND we are mightily grateful that, for once, The BN writers aren't inflicting that on us. What a great season so far! It's hard to believe that it's almost over.