(S02E21) This was a pretty intricate episode, but it was well done. Because the story itself was so in depth, the romantic storylines that have been developing with Don and Charlie were set aside. They actually talk about those in this article. It makes a good point. The writers have done enough to develop what this show is about, that they can now focus on some of the individual problems that the characters face.

What we did get to see was how Don and Charlie cope with being in a life threatening situation. A gunman made his way into the FBI office and opened fire. A suspect in another crime was killed and two others were injured. A bullet missed Charlie by mere feet and it was interesting to see how he dealt with that.

I think it's probably quicker to explain the story. The shooter's family was being threatened by a freelance hitter from Europe. He was instructed to open fire at the office to allow an agent (whose family was also being threatened) to leave the building with witness information in a mob case. The freelance hitter could then use the witness information to take out the witnesses that would cripple the prosecution's case. Obviously, the hitter was hired by the guy on trial. OK, I think that makes sense.

It took Charlie a while to help crack the case because he was clearly suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. He had no desire to go back to the office and relive what happened. But once he did, he recreated the shooter's path and was able to determine that the shooter was avoiding the agent that had the witness info. After that it all fell into place.

This episode was a real reality check for Charlie. He'd never experienced something like that. I think it was best summed up when Alan told Charlie about the time that he watched Charlie get into a fight as a kid. He did nothing until Charlie started to fight back because he wanted his son to realize that this was the world we live in and you need to stand up for yourself. Sounds like good advice to me.