Ep 3. See a Woman

In the third episode of Southland's first season, titled "See a Woman," the LAPD officers continue to face challenges on the mean streets of Los Angeles. Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) investigates the abduction and assault of a young girl, but the case takes a turn when the victim's boyfriend becomes a suspect. Meanwhile, Officer John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) continues to work with his rookie partner, Ben Sherman (Benjamin McKenzie), teaching him the ropes of being a cop on the streets.

Lydia's investigation quickly becomes personal as she is forced to confront her own fears of violence against women. She also finds herself at odds with her partner, Detective Russell Clarke (Tom Everett Scott), who doesn't believe her hunches in the case. Lydia is determined to bring the perpetrator to justice, but as she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that things may not be as they seem.

Meanwhile, John and Ben are dispatched to a domestic disturbance call, where they encounter a woman who has been abused by her husband. John, who is struggling with his own demons, tries to help the woman, but his actions cause tension between him and Ben. As the two officers deal with the aftermath of the call, they are forced to confront their own beliefs about violence and justice.

The episode also features the introduction of Officer Chickie Brown (Arija Bareikis), who joins the LAPD's gang unit. Chickie is eager to prove herself in a male-dominated field, but quickly realizes that the job is more dangerous than she anticipated. She finds herself caught in the middle of a gang war and struggles to keep her cool under pressure.

As the episode progresses, the lives of the officers become increasingly intertwined, as they deal with the fallout from their cases and personal struggles. The show presents a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work, exposing the difficulties, dangers, and moral ambiguities of the job. With complex characters and compelling storylines, Southland offers a thought-provoking look at life on the streets of Los Angeles.