The return of everyone's favorite FBI nerd! With only one new episode left ("Power," it airs next Friday) you better savor it, though. We won't be getting any new Don and Charlie exploits for a while now.
Fortunately, we started off this final two episode run with a good one. I've always been a proponent of episodes that play to the characters weaknesses/strengths and this was a perfect example. A good case that doesn't overwhelm the storyline coupled with some personal issues (Alan and Charlie in this episode) generally makes for a good hour of Numb3rs.
So, let's get the case out of the way first. It dealt with an investigative reporter who went missing. She had uncovered a real estate agent who had been undervaluing properties in a poorer neighborhood where he planned to build a development. The reporter was going to break the case on the evening news and the developer (played by Damian Young... always plays a sleaze) had her kidnapped until a zoning board vote passed. Get it? Good.
The problems in the case stemmed Charlie's mistake with another news reporter. He broke the FBI's number one rule. Never discuss an ongoing case with the media. Oops. So Charlie inadvertently became the "face of the case." I was a little surprised that he so easily started discussing details with the reporter though. I know Charlie has achieved some fame because of his book, but when it comes to the media, I still thought he was a little smarter than that.
The result? Charlie got stalked, run off the road, and almost got shot. It was a great set-up though because it knocked Charlie off his game. I've been waiting for a moment when this job finally got to him (hence, the episode's title). He lost his mojo. He became paranoid, nervous, and jumpy. All with good reason of course, but it was a nice change of pace to see someone in this show with a little vulnerability.
While really not related to anything, the other development on the character's personal front was Alan and his reluctance to do any upkeep work on the Eppes' home. Professor Ray Galuski (Chris Bauer) made a return and he offered Alan his expertise on solar paneling and making your house more eco-friendly. Alan had reservations because to him, the house as it was held far too many memories to make changes. It's been a while since the late Mrs. Eppes has been brought up, but I liked how Alan reacted negatively to change. We've never really seen him like that before.
More thoughts...
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I loved when Ray found out that Larry was dating Megan (who was conspicuously missing). Nerds never get the girl! Funny stuff.
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I loved how Larry's efforts to clean out his cluttered office resulted in him throwing away all his teaching textbooks. That guy is out there sometimes.
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I know I've mentioned it before, but I'm glad to see that the idea of Charlie doing something more important with his life is on Don's mind too. I really think it'd be an interesting development to see Charlie step away from the FBI for a few episodes and pursue something else. Doesn't he need to go on a book tour?
I think my favorite part of the episode was Colby and how he took Charlie under his wing. If anyone on the team has seen some crazy stuff in his career, it's definitely Colby. This is what I'm talking about though. All this character interaction and personal development is far more interesting than the cases themselves. Reminds me a little of Homicide: Life on the Streets. Lately Numb3rs seems to be more about the toll the job takes on those involved and less about the job itself. That's a good thing in my book.