Ep 7. Hurts

In The Shield season 4 episode 7 titled "Hurts", the Strike Team juggles two high-pressure cases simultaneously while trying to avoid attention from the newly assigned lieutenant, Jon Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh's obsession with finding evidence to take down Vic Mackey and the Strike Team leads him to investigate every move they make.

Meanwhile, the Strike Team is tasked with finding a missing teenager, Reuben, who is believed to be involved in gang activity. The team's search for Reuben becomes complicated when they discover he's been hiding out with a drug-addicted prostitute, Kitty, who may know more than she's letting on.

As the Strike Team begins to unravel the truth about Reuben's disappearance, Captain Aceveda also brings them on to investigate a string of robberies committed by a group of ex-cons. The Strike Team's involvement in this case raises suspicions from Kavanaugh and tensions between the two parties continue to escalate.

In addition to their investigations, the episode also delves into the personal lives of the characters, particularly Vic Mackey and his wife, who are struggling to conceive a child. This storyline brings a different dimension to the tough cop's character, showing his softer and vulnerable side as he deals with the emotional turmoil of infertility.

The episode ends on an intense note as both cases come to a head and the Strike Team is forced to make some tough choices. As always, the episode is filled with gripping action, suspenseful moments, and strong performances from the cast. "Hurts" is another excellent episode in The Shield's fourth season, delivering on the show's promise of delivering intense and intricate storylines.