Ep 5. Frame-Up

Lou Grant season 3 episode 5, titled "Frame-Up," is a thrilling episode that centers on the journalist profession and the law. The episode follows the story of one of Lou Grant's reporters, Billie Newman, and her boyfriend, Tom, who gets accused of bribery with evidence that seems solid. The accusation threatens Tom's reputation and career, and Billie is determined to investigate the situation and clear his name.

As the episode begins, Billie and Tom are on a weekend getaway, enjoying their time in the great outdoors. But their idyllic weekend is cut short when they get back to the city and find themselves ambushed by the police, who are there to arrest Tom for accepting a bribe.

Tom, a successful sales executive, is shocked by the allegation and protests his innocence. However, the police have a solid piece of evidence – a surveillance tape that seems to show Tom accepting a wad of cash from a businessman. Billie is dismayed but determined to find out what really happened.

As Billie starts investigating, she finds out that the case against Tom is not as clear-cut as it seems. Tom's accuser, the businessman, has a history of making false accusations, and Billie suspects that the man might have been fishing for a way to frame Tom.

However, as Billie tries to gather more evidence to prove Tom's innocence, she realizes that she's in over her head. The investigation takes her to some shady neighborhoods and forces her to confront dangerous and powerful people. She tries to enlist the help of Lou and other colleagues, but they remind her that her job is to report news, not to play detective.

Despite the warnings, Billie refuses to back down, and her persistence pays off. She manages to unearth some critical information that tips the scale in Tom's favor. Along the way, she also discovers a larger conspiracy involving the accuser and his cronies, who are using the bribery case as a cover for insider trading.

As the episode reaches its climax, Billie confronts the businessman with her findings, and he backtracks on his accusations. Tom's name is cleared, and he returns to his job with a newfound appreciation for the power of journalism. The episode ends with Billie and Tom enjoying a dinner date, relieved but wiser from their ordeal.

"Frame-Up" is a well-crafted episode that showcases the ethical dilemmas that journalists face in their work. It also highlights how the law can be twisted, and how easy it is to manipulate evidence. Throughout the episode, the tension builds, and the stakes get higher, keeping the audience engaged and guessing until the end.

The acting in the episode is top-notch, particularly by Linda Kelsey, who plays Billie. She brings a mixture of professionalism and passion to her role, making her character both relatable and admirable. Likewise, the supporting cast is excellent, with the likes of Ed Asner, Robert Walden, and Nancy Marchand delivering nuanced performances.

In conclusion, "Frame-Up" is a must-watch episode for anyone who appreciates good storytelling and wants to see how journalism can make a difference. Its themes are still relevant today, and its lessons timeless. Whether you're a fan of Lou Grant or not, this episode will leave you satisfied and thoughtful.