One of the strongest episodes of the entire run. This episode follows two plots, as the ladies pursue a difficult and emotional case stemming from Season 2 ''Recreational Use" instalment, whilst Cagney also deals with a pregnancy scare and the strong emotions it stirs within her as she contemplates her biological clock ticking.
The episode also shows some real comic flare, especially in the first 10-15 minutes; Christine is having the morning from hell as she tries to get to the Court on time, only to find the case has been delayed yet again - cue a classic Christine rant directed at the long suffering ADA prosecuting the case. Things take a grim turn when the elderly victim of the case dies unexpectedly, meaning the case is likely to sink unless C&L can persuade another elderly witness to come forward. Tyne Daly really shines as she uses her warmth and empathy to encourage the nervous old lady to speak the truth.
However the real meat of this episode is Christine and her pregnancy scare; Sharon Gless is wonderful simultaneously delivering pathos and humour as she initially freaks out, goes into denial, then starts to feel excitement before untimately disappointment when she realises she's not actually pregnant. For the first time in her life she has to face up to her biological clock, and rages against the unfairness of it all - both actresses deliver a compelling performance, culminating in a funny yet poignant scene as the let off steam in a bar (Tyne Daly is priceless as a drunk!) Overall a great episode and a good example of how the show didn't need shoot outs, car chases or forced drama - just a emotionally compelling story from the heart.
The episode also shows some real comic flare, especially in the first 10-15 minutes; Christine is having the morning from hell as she tries to get to the Court on time, only to find the case has been delayed yet again - cue a classic Christine rant directed at the long suffering ADA prosecuting the case. Things take a grim turn when the elderly victim of the case dies unexpectedly, meaning the case is likely to sink unless C&L can persuade another elderly witness to come forward. Tyne Daly really shines as she uses her warmth and empathy to encourage the nervous old lady to speak the truth.
However the real meat of this episode is Christine and her pregnancy scare; Sharon Gless is wonderful simultaneously delivering pathos and humour as she initially freaks out, goes into denial, then starts to feel excitement before untimately disappointment when she realises she's not actually pregnant. For the first time in her life she has to face up to her biological clock, and rages against the unfairness of it all - both actresses deliver a compelling performance, culminating in a funny yet poignant scene as the let off steam in a bar (Tyne Daly is priceless as a drunk!) Overall a great episode and a good example of how the show didn't need shoot outs, car chases or forced drama - just a emotionally compelling story from the heart.
