Stars: Delroy Lindo, Billy Lush, Matt Lauria, Jennifer Beals, Jason Clarke, Devin Kelley and Todd Williams
Writers:  Christal Henry
Director: Michael Offer
Network: Fox, airs Monday nights
Original Telecast: April 19, 2011

Is anyone else out there realizing what a great show THE CHICAGO CODE is? Sure, we’ve been pounding the pavement proclaiming what a brilliant and entertaining show this is, but why is the praise so hard to come by with the rest of mainstream media?

THE CHICAGO CODE, week after week, has proven to be a show that’s smart, well-written and engrossing. It doesn’t do things the easy way, but that’s also part of its charm. It makes the viewer feel engaged and goes about its storytelling in atypical ways.

“St Valentine’s Day Massacre” is a particularly taut episode following Superintendent Colvin (Jennifer Beals) trying desperately to retain her integrity and job as the Mayor slowly loses faith in her abilities to keep crime down, while fellow officers don’t have her back either.

This culminates in a gangland shooting, blocks away from the infamous Prohibition era St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago. It’s up to Colvin and her street team led by Wysocki (Jason Clarke) and Evers (Matt Lauria) to solve this crime before an important vote takes place that could result in Colvin’s firing.

Meanwhile, Isaac (Todd Williams) and Vonda (Devin Kelley) are involved in a mediation between a wife beater and his claims that Isaac roughed him up when he was arrested. This subplot is very interesting, pointing out the vast difference in cops trying to help the general public and the general public trying to get a free financial ride even though they should be culpable for their crimes.

There are twist and turns throughout the episode, but it’s the character moments that still rise to the top. The relationship between Colvin and Wysocki is explored even more and we discover they used to have a fling back when they were partners. This explains why they’re always looking after each other even after she’s risen to the Superintendent position.

Well-directed and featuring a great supporting part by LEVERAGE star Aldis Hodge as a gang leader whose power is not what he thought it was, “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” continues THE CHICAGO CODE’s ascension as best new series on network television.

The only bummer, is the promo for the remaining episodes of the season. The teaser announced, “In two weeks THE CHICAGO CODE returns for The Final Four Episodes.” What’s up with that? Is that Fox’s secret code for “the show is cancelled, but we’re still airing the final four episodes anyway?” I sure hope not, because it would be a shame to see a show of the caliber simply fade off into the distant, when it’s clear there are many more stories to tell within this superb framework. Say it isn’t so Fox. Say it isn’t so.

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