Just Because It Has To Be Said

While writing my last post; a review of the film How Do You Know I sat at my computer catching up on the episode of Southland that I missed last week and the episode from last night, and never have I been so caught off guard by a television show. I've been watching Southland since the second series was released in America and after catching up on the first series it soon became one of my favourite shows on TV; because unlike other cop dramas that have been made with the same basic formula of really focusing on the crimes and the criminals Southland reveals the effects of being a cop in LA and how that effects different individuals. Each character is developed and different meaning the audience really gets a chance to see who this person is. Sadly the show was greatly overlooked in England and was almost lost in America when it was cancelled at the beginning of series one, but thankfully it was saved and is now half way through the third series.

However the last few minutes of last weeks episode where absolutely horrific; the writers lead you down a trail of false hope to only tear that away from you when you least suspect. When one of the Mexicans suddenly hit Nate (Kevin Alejandro) form behind with a metal pipe I actually felt physically sick knowing that of course he was dead but also that this character who had so much personal story to tell was leaving one of my favourite shows. Kudos to Shawn Hatosy for some excellent acting as he tried desperately to fight off the men stamping on Nate and pull his lifeless body towards the car, I felt just as desperate as he was and shouted at the screen for more to police to arrive but also knowing it wouldn't save Nate.

Then as I watch this weeks episode I hoped for some reference to Nate or some appearance for Shawn but there were only a few reference's to the funeral making my feel more desperate. However I realised that this is what this show is about; real-life. If a police officer dies the world doesn't stop turning, people don't go in to mourning and can't go to work; there are still criminals and rapists (as this episode pointed out) and people have to go on with their lives. But I'm not saying that I'm okay not seeing how Shawn in dealing with his partners death, if there is not a larger storyline next week I am going to be very pissed off!

Seriously if you get the chance watch this show... it really shouldn't be missed.