Ep 7. Derailed

In Southland season 1 episode 7, titled "Derailed," the police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department are called to action when a train derails in the heart of the city. The episode follows four different storylines as different officers deal with the aftermath of the accident.

In the first storyline, Officers John Cooper (played by Michael Cudlitz) and Ben Sherman (played by Ben McKenzie) are the first ones to respond to the scene of the accident. They discover that the train has crashed into a convenience store, causing extensive damage and injuries. The officers quickly jump into action, rescuing survivors and helping the wounded. However, when they discover that one of the survivors is a suspect in a string of robberies, they must decide whether to prioritize their duties as police officers or as first responders.

The second storyline follows Detective Lydia Adams (played by Regina King) as she deals with a possible case of child abuse. Adams is called to a hospital where a young girl is being treated for suspicious injuries. Adams must work with the hospital staff to determine the cause of the injuries and investigate whether the girl's mother is responsible. Meanwhile, she also tries to balance her personal life with her job, as her mother is in town for a visit.

The third storyline focuses on Officer Chickie Brown (played by Arija Bareikis) as she tries to prove herself to her fellow officers. Still new to the police force, Brown is eager to prove her worth. When the train derailment occurs, she is tasked with securing the perimeter around the accident site. However, when a group of reporters try to push their way through, Brown must assert her authority and prove that she can handle the pressure.

Finally, the fourth storyline follows Officer Sammy Bryant (played by Shawn Hatosy) as he tries to track down a missing girl. When a teenage girl goes missing, Bryant is assigned to the case. He spends the day interviewing the girl's friends and family, trying to piece together clues to her whereabouts. Along the way, he also confronts his own demons as he struggles with his relationship with his estranged wife.

Throughout the episode, the different storylines intersect and overlap, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of police work. The officers must navigate their way through both personal and professional challenges as they try to keep the city safe and protect the people they serve.

"Derailed" is a tense and emotional episode that showcases the strengths of Southland's ensemble cast. With its gritty realism and complex characters, it offers a compelling look at the day-to-day struggles of the LAPD.