Numb3rs: Velocity

(S04E03) "Oh... well. Enter Fleinhardt." - Larry

That might very well have been the funniest thing to come out of Larry's mouth yet. I'm glad they brought his character back into the fold, although it'd be nice if he were utilized more and the whole "I live at a monastery" story was dropped. He's barely even talking with Megan we found out and let's be honest -- he isn't learning anything from those monks if he lets her slip away.

Anyway, despite the fact that this episode was like watching a scene from any of the three horrible Fast and the Furious films, I still liked it for a handful of reasons.

First off was the introduction of Dr. Ray Galeski, played by Chris Bauer. I love Bauer. He's a great character actor and he's had some amazing season long roles in shows like The Wire and the short-lived ESPN cheese fest, Tilt. Much like when Charlie and Larry turned to Bill Waldie (Bill Nye) for help, they looked to Galeski in this episode for his expertise on mechanical engineering. I think the point to made is that Charlie doesn't know everything and I like when it's acknowledged that he may need outside help to finish a task for Don.

Next up is where Alan is heading: class. He's actually going to audit one of Dr. Galeski's classes and it sounded like he'll be working with lasers and robots. Um... awesome. I'm glad Judd Hirsch has been given something to do. Even though Millie's name has been dropped a few times, it doesn't seem as though Kathy Najimy is coming back. I understand that she was a temporary replacement for the hole left by Larry, but it would have been nice to at least clear up the story between her and Alan. Are they even still dating?

The one thing that bugged me was Colby and the back and forth of will he or won't he leave. Of course he's going to stay! But it's being turned into this huge ordeal where everyone gives him cold stares and doesn't want to talk to him. I think the writers just need to adjust the tone here, have everyone get over it, and acknowledge that what Colby went through must have been hell. This show is serialized as little as possible. People will forget that Colby was a triple agent after a few episodes of business as usual.

Other thoughts:

• Where was Liz Warner? She was around last week and conspicuously absent this episode. This happened enough times with David and Amita last season. Either someone is in the show or they're not. The writers and producers need to make up their minds on this one. Clearly Liz is a popular character since folks love that Don has a romantic interest. It creates a nice dynamic to watch since he works with her too. Why get rid of that?
• If Alan does well and takes a few more classes, I wonder if he'll be consulting with Charlie before long? It'd be great to see a moment where Alan knows something that Charlie doesn't.
• I wonder if Charlie will become an overnight celebrity once he releases his self-help book with the toned down math on his friendship theories?

As far as the case goes... not that great. Street racing, murders, illegal auto parts, and hit and run accidents. It was definitely what you expected. I said it last week, but with math as the focus, this show could really be throwing us some far more interesting cases than what we're getting. Of course I say that, but then I don't have any suggestions. I think you know what I mean though. Don't give me the same thing that I could see on Law & Order. Give me a case that hinges on the math -- something unique.

This week's numb3rs: 7000 revolutions per minute, 1200 foot pounds of torque, 420 horsepower, 7 victims.
This week's math: Velocity