Ep 4. Excessive Force

Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg, is faced with a difficult case in Blue Bloods season 5 episode 4, "Excessive Force." The episode begins with a young African-American man, Eric, being shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop. Eyewitnesses claim Eric was unarmed and didn't put up a fight, but the officer tells a different story. Danny and his partner Maria Baez, played by Marisa Ramirez, are assigned to investigate the case.

As Danny and Maria start investigating, they realize that things are not as straightforward as they seemed. They discover that Eric was involved in a gang and had a criminal record, which paints a different picture of the young man. Danny and Maria begin to uncover more details about the officer involved in the shooting, who has a history of using excessive force. However, the department is hesitant to punish him due to a sense of loyalty to fellow officers.

Meanwhile, the Reagan family is dealing with their own issues. Frank, played by Tom Selleck, has to deal with the fallout from a city council member who is using his clout to get a bigger budget for the police department. His requests are not unreasonable, but Mayor Poole, played by David Ramsey, has no intention of giving in. Frank is forced to weigh the pros and cons of going behind the Mayor's back to get what his department needs.

The rest of the Reagan family also makes appearances in this episode. Erin, played by Bridget Moynahan, is helping a young woman who was sexually assaulted by a powerful attorney. Jamie, played by Will Estes, is dealing with conflicting emotions after discovering that his partner Eddie, played by Vanessa Ray, is considering a job transfer. Henry, played by Len Cariou, is trying to come up with a clever way to celebrate his upcoming 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Betty, played by Len Cariou.

As the investigation into Eric's shooting continues, it becomes evident that there is more at play than just a rogue officer. Danny and Maria have to navigate through false leads, cover-ups, and conflicting emotions to get to the truth. They have to determine whether the officer was justified in using force, or if he acted recklessly. And if there is wrongdoing to be found, they have to decide whether to turn in their fellow officer and face backlash from their colleagues.

The episode ends with a tense scene that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Danny and Maria have to make a decision that could have far-reaching consequences, both for their careers and their personal lives. The episode culminates in a powerful scene that highlights the complexities of being a police officer, and the difficult decisions they are sometimes forced to make in the line of duty.

Overall, Blue Bloods season 5 episode 4, "Excessive Force," is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that deals with relevant issues facing law enforcement today. The episode is well-written and well-acted, with excellent performances from the entire cast. It will leave viewers questioning their own beliefs about police brutality, racial tensions, and loyalty to fellow officers.