Ep 6. Maximum Deployment

The episode Maximum Deployment of Southland's second season centers around the dynamic between two of the show's main characters, John Cooper and Ben Sherman, as they embark on their first day of maximum deployment in response to a city-wide gang crackdown.

John Cooper, played by Michael Cudlitz, is a seasoned police officer and detective, with over 20 years of experience on the force. He takes Ben Sherman, played by Ben McKenzie, under his wing as they take to the streets in an effort to stop gang violence in the city. Ben, on the other hand, is a newer officer who is eager to prove himself and gain John's respect.

Throughout the episode, the two officers respond to various calls for gang violence, including shootings and stabbings. They often find themselves in dangerous situations as they try to apprehend the gang members responsible for these crimes.

Despite the seriousness of their job, there are moments of levity throughout the episode. For instance, John forces Ben to wear a beret to prevent sunburn on his bald head, which leads to some friendly teasing from their fellow officers. There are also moments of tension between the two, as John is tough on Ben and pushes him to work harder and stay focused, even when the going gets tough.

Aside from their work on the streets, the rest of the characters are busy with their own storylines. Lydia, played by Regina King, is still struggling to deal with her pregnancy and the implications of motherhood on her career. Nate, played by Kevin Alejandro, is dealing with a personal crisis as he tries to come to terms with his homosexuality and the potential fallout from coming out to his fellow officers.

Meanwhile, Sammy, played by Shawn Hatosy, is investigating a case involving a missing child, which takes him to some dark places as he delves deeper into the case. Throughout the episode, each of these storylines weaves in and out of the main narrative, giving the viewer a sense of the breadth and depth of the show's characters and their lives.

Overall, the episode is intense and action-packed, with plenty of drama and suspense to keep the viewer engaged from start to finish. There are moments of humor and levity to balance out the tension, and the relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth to the show's already rich storytelling. Maximum Deployment is a standout episode of the second season of Southland and a must-watch for fans of the show.