Actor Robert Pratt guest stars in the prominent role of brand new Officer Don Allen. While Allen is partnered with long-time Officer Jerry Woods, he (and Woods) are featured through-out the episode.
It's an interesting character. Quiet and reserved, Officer Allen just doesn't seem to have much to say. Reed is quite certain that Allen does have much to learn. It's interesting seeing Reed in this light. He's been on the force for 7 years now, but he's still basically been "the new guy".
While Reed has obviously learned loads in his 7 years, and he's certainly very professional, it is he who speaks aloud of Officer Allen's mistakes. Veterans Malloy and Woods also recognize the new Officer's mistakes. They also know Allen has a lot to learn, but they've been around long enough to know that they don't have to be vocal about it. They know Allen will learn just like Reed did, and for that matter, just like they themselves did.
Lots of points to the writers and production on this episode, because they go further with the Allen character than simply making him the newbie and stopping at that. There's more to this character than initially meets the viewers' eyes. There's a major reason as to why he's so quiet and reserved. It's rather shocking when M & R can't get a proper response via the 2-way radio from Woods and Allen. There's a moment of deep concern from the partners - and the viewers - as to what may have happened and may have still been happening at Xray-14's location. The truth of the matter once discovered and the later concluding scene of the episode is rather gut-punching.
A terrific performance from Robert Pratt is complimented by the always stellar performances of all of the show's regulars.
It's an interesting character. Quiet and reserved, Officer Allen just doesn't seem to have much to say. Reed is quite certain that Allen does have much to learn. It's interesting seeing Reed in this light. He's been on the force for 7 years now, but he's still basically been "the new guy".
While Reed has obviously learned loads in his 7 years, and he's certainly very professional, it is he who speaks aloud of Officer Allen's mistakes. Veterans Malloy and Woods also recognize the new Officer's mistakes. They also know Allen has a lot to learn, but they've been around long enough to know that they don't have to be vocal about it. They know Allen will learn just like Reed did, and for that matter, just like they themselves did.
Lots of points to the writers and production on this episode, because they go further with the Allen character than simply making him the newbie and stopping at that. There's more to this character than initially meets the viewers' eyes. There's a major reason as to why he's so quiet and reserved. It's rather shocking when M & R can't get a proper response via the 2-way radio from Woods and Allen. There's a moment of deep concern from the partners - and the viewers - as to what may have happened and may have still been happening at Xray-14's location. The truth of the matter once discovered and the later concluding scene of the episode is rather gut-punching.
A terrific performance from Robert Pratt is complimented by the always stellar performances of all of the show's regulars.
