The Unit returns tonight with its first episode of 2009, “Bad Beat.”
Well, we’re into the second half of the fourth season, which is panning out to be a much milder version of the show (as opposed to its blaze of glory heyday of season 2). Tonight’s hour was another 60 minute session of tact and strategy - there was no major gunplay involved.
“Bad Beat” marked the return of Ricky Jay as Agent Kern, who we haven’t seen since some seriously awesome episodes back in season 2 and the beginning of season 3. Jay needs the unit’s help in luring a CIA spy back to help on the conspiracy mission. But of course, things can’t be as easy as asking/bribing said spy (who is now working with the Chinese), Jonas and Bob have to engage in a game of high stakes baccarat, to frame the spy of cheating against a high-tempered Chinese general.
The twist is that Bob is the one originally accused of cheating, right after winning a priceless watch from the general. And what does the casino do with a cheater? Well, they inject him with 100% pure heroin, of course. Not since Jack Bauer in the third season of 24 have we seen a patriot take one for the team like this.
Back on the home front, Colonel Ryan is in a pickle as he can’t seem to break Isaac Reed and he knows he has to get him back out on the street soon (lest the money launderer’s cohorts get suspicious). He has no choice but to once again put Kim in a dangerous position. Leveraging her lady like ways and Reed’s affection for her, she gets him to give up the goods and a name related to the terrorist’s association.
Oh, and I’m sure you’re dying to hear about anything new with Bridget (Red Cap). Right? Uggh, I didn’t think so. Just when you thought she was sole invitee to a court martial party (and out of the picture for good), Jonas and team go and demand that Ricky Jay get her off the hook. So not only did she flaunt some terrible gun shooting skills tonight (blinking while shooting??), but she’ll be back for more in future episodes.
Hardly the gun-weilding skills of a professional. Photo: CBS.com
I love The Unit and think that the season’s overarching assassination plot is good, but the writers need to get back to the basics ASAP. There’s been a few glimmers of hope this season, but the writers seem to be at a loss for how to keep things interesting (and next week’s “fight at a temple” mission looks exceptionally bizarre). I’m sure that Bob is going to fight an addiction for the next few episodes and Kim is going to get into more trouble, but the magical integration of the battle scenes and story back in seasons 1 and 2 seem to be missing in Season 4.
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