Ep 9. Dex Education

Dex Education, the ninth episode of the first season of Stumptown, follows the story of Dex Parios, a strong-willed army veteran and private investigator who is tasked with solving the case of a missing high school teacher. The episode begins with Dex trying to maintain a low profile amidst her busy Christmas season, but soon she finds herself caught up in the investigation of the missing teacher, Louie.

As Dex starts to investigate, she discovers that Louie has a rather unconventional teaching style. He uses unconventional methods to connect with his students and inspire them to take control of their own lives. This has earned him several enemies among the faculty and board members, some of whom are determined to get him fired. However, this is not the only angle that Dex needs to focus on. She soon finds that there are deeper mysteries involved in this case than anyone had imagined.

To get to the bottom of the case, Dex enlists the help of her friends and co-workers, Grey and Ansel. Together they go undercover, posing as substitute teachers in Louie’s school. Dex is determined to find any clues that could lead her to Louie's whereabouts. She manages to gain the trust of some students, becoming their confidante - something that enables her to gather valuable intel about Louie and the other faculty members.

Things take a dangerous turn when Dex discovers a powerful drug cartel connection with the school. The cartel is using Louie to smuggle drugs into the school using the unconventional teaching methods he employs. Things take an even more sinister turn when Dex finally locates Louie, alive but injured and being held hostage by the drug cartel.

Dex comes up with a clever plan to rescue Louie and bring down the cartel. She enlists the help of Grey, Ansel, and a few students from the school to execute her plan. The team manages to save Louie and hand over the smugglers to the police without getting caught.

This episode shows that even in the grimmest of situations, there is still hope for redemption and forgiveness. It also highlights how important unconventional thinking is for people in positions of authority, like Louie. Moreover, it portrays the struggles of students trying to navigate through their teenage years amidst tough situations.

In the end, it is revealed that Dex's involvement in the case has indeed had an impact on her personal life as well. It creates a moment of reflection for her on the important things in life and the effects her job has on her life.

The episode is an interesting blend of action and emotion and manages to strike a perfect balance between them. It is a testament to the show's excellent writing and high production values. It also showcases the impressive acting of Cobie Smulders, who plays the determined and resourceful Dex Parios. All in all, it is a powerful and engaging episode that is bound to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.