The Unit Season 4 Episode 1 Rundown : 'Sacrifice'

Let’s face it, we didn’t get an appropriate send off for the third season of CBS’ The Unit as it was abruptly cut short by the writer’s strike. But tonight’s season 4 premiere, “Sacrifice,” didn’t waste anytime showing us why this is still one of the best shows on TV today.

Like a four-course meal, the premiere certainly offered a lot to digest: New identities for the Unit wives, a new (and female) Unit member and, the ultimate reveal, Mack’s shocking discovery of his wife’s affair with Colonel Ryan.

These various plot-lines almost made tonight’s action seem secondary. The Unit finds themselves protecting the President elect, who is a target of a large scale, well financed attack aimed at destabilizing the government. During the rescue, the squad gets boxed in by defected army troops and find themselves outnumbered and low on ammo. But, if you’re a fan of the show, you know it excels when Snake Doc and Co. are able to outsmart and outfight their opponents under situations such as these. Huge props go out to Bob, who uses a bow and arrow to make quick work of 3 foes. And you have to love Mack’s last minute save of Jonas and the President.

In an interesting twist, the wives lives are no longer “boring.” We find out that this assassination attempt doesn’t stop at the top - someone also had the the wives under surveillance as well. It’s no longer safe for them to live at the base and they’re forced to relocate and assume new identities. Destination? Unknown.

I’m not sure how I feel about Bridget “Red Cap” Sullivan, who has assumed Hector’s place in the unit. She definitely is easy on the eyes and kicked her portion of butt tonight. However, there is the separate issue of if woman are allowed in the Unit or not. I confess to not knowing the technical details of what’s the definitive rule, but her addition currently seems more like a ratings gimmick rather than a functional choice. Only time will tell if she can truly take the place of “Hammerhead.”

And in one of the most long overdue reveals, Mack finally discovered Tiffy and Colonel Ryan’s affair. Mr. Gerhardt wants blood and believes he’s entitled to do so according to the Unit code. Jonas intervenes and calls for a trial and to first address the mission at hand, to save the country. Expect more from this next week as Mack confronts his wife.

What remains to be seen is if the show can keep the adrenaline pumping like it did tonight. It’s inevitable that there will be filler episodes that stand alone as side missions. But kudos go out to the writers, who seamlessly integrated the action with the overarching story lines. What did you think of tonight’s premiere? Let us know in the comments below.