Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Mary's Case Gets Personal

PHOTO: USA Network

For the first time in a long time (maybe ever) the crazy mother story line on In Plain Sight worked. It tied in nicely with Mary's WITSEC case, it provided an interesting conflict for Brandy, and it didn't drag the episode down. Maybe that's because the writers finally saw the light and sent Jinx to rehab. Even better, though, she watched that ridiculous tape of herself on the side of the road and finally realized that she has a problem. Ahhh... step one. Now, she's willing to get the help she so desperately needs. This is going to make things so much easier for Mary in the long-run. I'll admit that until that tape moment, I was so done with Jinx. I didn't think she was ever going to get it and I was beyond tired of her same old selfish antics. Then, the tape happened and I began to feel sorry for her. Like Mary said, I saw her as a person and not simply a burden who brings the show down. I hope rehab works and she's able to get her life together for her sake, but also for both of her daughters' sakes and of course, the good of the show.

All of this Mama Drama gave Mary some extra special insight into this week's WITSEC family: an absentee single mom, an oldest son left to pick up the slack even at the expense of his own future and two small children caught in the middle. She tried to save him the way she didn't save herself, but in the end, the boy decided that he couldn't give up on his mom (much like Mary's continued decision). He kept the hand he was dealt, but he told Mary that things would be different for him because he has her. It was a real, honest moment and I think it caught Mary completely off guard. And yet, it seemed to touch her deeply. What she does matters -- A LOT -- and it's more than just new identities, fake covers, trials and protecting people from those who want them dead. Somewhere in the middle of all of that it's connecting to people who might feel lost if it weren't for Mary. And that's why she's a U.S. Marshal.

BONUS: Read LillyKat's post on series star Mary McCormack from a recent conference call she attended with the actress!

In Plain Sight airs Sunday nights on USA Network. If you missed this week's episode, check it out for free at Hulu.com.

1 comment:

John said...

I agree with all you said about the Jinx story. I am willing to put up with some remaining problems from her as long as there is some overall progress. She has been dependent on Mary for almost as long as alcohol. And it will be as hard for her to kick that habit as drinking.

The case story line was very sad. And I am afraid the kid is relying too much on Mary to help him survive. It is not that she isn’t really interested, but right now the mother is her current case so she is very involved. However, sooner or later the mother (and her family) will slip to the back burner as other, newer witnesses take priority. Then the kid will be more or less on his own.

Brandy’s small screen time was well used. I really hope Joshua Molina becomes a semi-regular. I like the actor and he could be the help that Brandy needs.