Ep 2. One of Our Own

Cagney & Lacey was a popular American police procedural television show in the 1980s. The series followed the lives and careers of two female police officers, Christine Cagney (played by Sharon Gless) and Mary Beth Lacey (played by Tyne Daly), as they worked together in the New York City Police Department.

In season 2 episode 2, titled "One of Our Own", Cagney & Lacey are faced with the difficult task of investigating one of their own colleagues, Detective Petrie (played by Carl Lumbly), who is suspected of taking bribes from a local drug dealer. The team is deeply conflicted, as they have worked alongside Petrie for years and have always trusted him implicitly.

The episode begins with the detectives receiving a tip from an informant that a local drug dealer known as "Ricky Two Teeth" (played by Michael Delano) has been paying off an NYPD officer to turn a blind eye to his illegal activities. The detectives are initially skeptical, but as they begin to investigate the lead, they discover that there may be some truth to the rumor.

As Cagney & Lacey dig deeper, they find evidence that points to Detective Petrie as the officer in question. This discovery sends shockwaves through the department, as Petrie has always been seen as one of the most honest and trustworthy detectives on the force. But the mounting evidence against him is hard to ignore, and Cagney & Lacey find themselves having to confront their colleague about his possible misconduct.

The tension in the episode is palpable as the detectives struggle to uncover the truth about Petrie's actions. They are torn between their loyalty to their colleague and their duty to uphold the law and maintain the integrity of the police department. The situation is made even more complicated by the fact that Petrie is also a friend of theirs, and they have to navigate the delicate balance of their professional and personal relationships.

Throughout the episode, Cagney & Lacey show their skill and determination as they work tirelessly to get to the bottom of the case. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together a complex web of corruption that leads them to some surprising conclusions. Along the way, they also have to deal with their own personal demons, including Cagney's struggles with alcoholism and Lacey's worries about balancing her job and her family life.

In the end, Cagney & Lacey are faced with a difficult decision about how to handle the situation with Detective Petrie. They must decide whether to turn him in to the authorities or attempt to help him fix his mistakes and redeem himself. The episode leaves the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering what the detectives will ultimately decide and how their actions will impact the rest of the season.

Overall, "One of Our Own" is a gripping episode of Cagney & Lacey that showcases the show's strengths in storytelling and character development. It tackles complex issues of loyalty, honesty, and justice in a way that feels authentic and compelling. Even decades after its original airing, the episode remains a standout in the series and a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic police drama.