My Name is Earl: Stole a Badge

(S01E21) It's been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and Earl Hickey's actions after pilfering a policeman's badge out of the unsuspecting officer's shoes at the bowling alley a few years back is the epitome of the phrase.

As Earl and friends use the badge to their advantage to "live in a world of free pie," the policeman (Stewart, played by Yes, Dear's Mike O'Malley) who lost it is subject to ridicule from fellow officers at his precinct, which consists of his sisters and his mother. He ends up doing rest-stop detail (is there such a beat as this?), and suffers from constant humiliation from his predicament.

When Earl and Randy come across the badge at the storm drain, Earl decides to make amends by returning it to the police. He then learns about Stewart, and sees that not only did he steal a badge, but Earl took Stewart's dignity. Earl and Randy concoct a scheme whereby they would have Creepy Rodney, played by everyone's favorite character actor Clint Howard (brother of Ron), steal a gun loaded with blanks and the badge, commit a crime, and then Stewart would rush in and save the day.

Of course, the best laid plans go to waste when Creepy Rodney's robbery attempt goes awry at the diner and Stewart jumps behind the counter in fear. Earl then devises another scheme at the bowling alley involving Joy, but Stewart, despite prodding by Earl, refuses to act.

Stewart then tells Earl his life story, saying that despite police work being in his family, he would rather be a professional bowler. (As he bowls, there's a great music clip of Earth, Wind & Fire's "When You Wish Upon a Star" playing in the background.) Earl tells him to go for it, but feels compelled to tell stewart how he lost his badge in the first place and shows him his list.

Stewart is angry, and vows to take Earl in to the station. Earl attempts to escape, but Stewart literally bowls him over with his ball. Earl points out the irony that Stewart didn't reach for his gun first, but for his bowling ball. This proves that Stewart must follow his dream to become a bowling star. In other words, "we all have to take the journey we're supposed to take."

Finally, we see Creepy Rodney get his when he propositions a group of ladies using the badge who just happen to be Stewart's sisters and mother. He ends up in the back of a squad car while Joy picks up the badge from the street and begins using it to her advantage. Obviously, she hasn't learned any lessons from it as of yet.

This was a solid episode with a good storyline. Again, this show continues to make terrific use of background music, with the aforementioned Earth, Wind & Fire as well as The Beastie Boys. The producers also manage to get good guest stars, ranging from Juliette Lewis to Beau Bridges to Clint Howard, among others.