Written by Michelle Ashford (based on a story by David Abramowitz)
Directed by Bill Corcoran
Airdate: December 11, 1988
Guest Star: Dana Ashbrook (Mark); Stacy Edwards (Rebecca)
Scenes of protest and violence in the late 1980s? The decade was far more divisive that we're led to think considering all the nostalgia around the decade.
In the episode, the crew are sent to investigate threats towards a woman's health clinic. Hoffs goes undercover as a pregnant High School student, while Ioki infiltrates anti-choice protestors who are resorting to violence.
The script does its best to maintain the right tone on a divisive issue, although the talking points often get skewed. Ioki confesses he's opposed to abortion, while Hoffs reveals a painful secret from her past.
Dana Ashbrook of Twin Peaks fame appears as a student enraged his girlfriend Rebecca is considering getting an abortion.
The episode hits differently since Roe v Wade was repealed by the Supreme Court in 2022. Many states have criminalized the procedure, and many men proudly proclaim women don't deserve bodily autonomy. Many also believe prison time is fair game for women who disobey men in our warped political moment.
Sal is given his own subplot. We thought he was happily married, but he's got a wandering eye. To boost his confidence, Booker hires a working girl to give him attention, which blows up in everyone's face.
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| Out with the boys |
An imperfect episode, but also a reminder that nostalgia is illusory and history often delivers a back kick.
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