Forever Knight

This episode provides the perfect blend of story, action, humor and even some character development, which makes it top-notch in my book.



The storyline: an anonymous killer has stalked and murdered one cop (an old academy buddy of Det. Schanke). Now, Schanke is the target. After the killer nearly succeeds by blowing up a motel room where Schanke has been stashed, Nick arranges for him to stay at Janette's nightclub until the perp is found.



The action primarily comes during the flashback sequences when Nick, Janette and LaCroix nearly meet their demise after being pursued by hunters during daylight hours. The action is terrific as they fight for their lives while trapped in a decrepit old cabin with sunlight flooding through the warped walls.



Great humor as Schanke hides out at Janette's club. In one scene he convinces her to let him run across the street to pick up a newspaper. He promises to return, saying, "Cross my heart," as he makes the sign of the cross. As he walks away, Janette mutters, "Don't do that in front of me."



For the first time in this series, I found Schanke sympathetic as he grieved for his slain friend, as he showed great concern for his family's well-being, and his genuine frustration at having to lay low instead of hunt the hunter. No longer does he seem to be the crass, unrefined, annoying character of previous stories. I actually found myself liking him and caring about his predicament.



And it speaks well of the show's creators and writers that Schanke was given the honor of taking out the stalker in a classic showdown at the police academy's firearms obstacle course.



All in all, this episode is one of the best so far. The producers and cast are really firing on all cylinders now.