Ep 13. Between Heartbeats

Flashpoint season 1 episode 13, titled "Between Heartbeats," is a gripping installment that delves into the complicated world of hostage negotiations and the toll it takes on those involved. The episode opens with a group of armed men storming a hospital and taking several patients and staff members hostage. The situation quickly escalates when the police arrive on the scene and realize that the leader of the group is a former negotiator who has a personal vendetta against the department.

The majority of the episode takes place inside the hospital, as the team works tirelessly to negotiate the release of the hostages while also trying to figure out how to neutralize the threat posed by the armed men. As tensions rise and the clock ticks down, the team is forced to make difficult decisions and confront their own personal demons as they work to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.

One of the standout elements of "Between Heartbeats" is the way it explores the psychological toll that hostage negotiations can take on those who are involved. Throughout the episode, the team members are forced to confront their own fears and uncertainties, and some of them struggle with the weight of responsibility that comes with trying to save lives.

In particular, team leader Ed Lane (Hugh Dillon) is shown grappling with the aftermath of a previous hostage situation that went terribly wrong. As he tries to negotiate with the leader of the current hostage crisis, he begins to experience flashbacks and struggles to maintain his composure. Meanwhile, rookie member Jules Callaghan (Amy Jo Johnson) is forced to confront her own fears when she is sent into the hospital to try and rescue a wounded hostage.

Despite the intense subject matter, "Between Heartbeats" also manages to inject moments of humor and humanity into the proceedings. One of the standout moments comes when team member Spike (Sergio Di Zio) gets into a debate with the leader of the hostage-takers about the merits of different versions of Star Trek. The scene manages to provide a brief moment of levity amidst the tension and danger.

Ultimately, the episode builds to a tense and emotional climax as the team members are forced to make a risky and life-threatening decision in order to save the hostages. The final moments of the episode are both heart-wrenching and satisfying, as the team members reflect on the events that have transpired and the sacrifices that were made in order to bring the crisis to a close.

Overall, "Between Heartbeats" is a standout episode of Flashpoint that showcases the show's ability to tackle complex and emotionally resonant subject matter. It's a gripping and intense installment that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.