Backfire

Season 1, Episode 17, Aired
EDIT

Episode Summary

After two cops are implicated in a controversial shooting that kills an upstanding black teen and also hurts his drug-dealing cousin, Sebastian is put in charge of the case. To find the answers to his questions, he must use an accusatory approach toward the two officers, but it doesn't take long for Isaac to disapprove of Stark's way of doing things.moreless
9.1
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Superb
85 votes
  • Your Rating: 10
    "Perfect"
  • Your Rating: 9.5
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 9
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 8.5
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 8
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 7.5
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 7
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 6.5
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 6
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 5.5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 4.5
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 4
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 3.5
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 3
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 2.5
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 2
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 1.5
    "Abysmal"
  • Your Rating: 1
    "Abysmal"
Rate It

Watch Online

Amazon
Buy
iTunes
Buy

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

Fan Episode Reviews (4)

See All

  • Doesnt backfire, but doesnt excel either

    8.8
    "Great"
    By AvatarBlue, Sep 18, 2008 Report Abuse
    This episode relies on the ever-present divide between the boys in blue and Afro-American communites. A fairly innocuous incident highlights the edgy nature of the relationship between both parties and is ample cause for the ensuing events.

    What the episode succeeds in delivering is a short window into the point of view of both sides, wrapped up in a pretty believeable series of events (apart from the first act) in an entertaining way. If you're expecting anything deeper than that you'll be disappointed. The use of the black cop as the lynch-pin for the initial confusing nature of the case is probably the best ingredient and turns what would be an average episode into a very good one, esp. as we get to see the human nature of a man caught in the middle of this self-perpetuating conflict.

    Several stereo-typical events will cause assumptions that play into the overall effect of the storyline and this works well in convincing viewers that there will be a fairly benign outcome. However, if you continue to watch to the end, you will be pleasantly surprised at the twist towards the end.

    One of the better episodes from this season, if you can forgive the brash nature of the root cause that provide the plot with its seed.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • A good episode with a lot of controversy.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By tsar_luke30, Apr 30, 2007 Report Abuse
    This was a pretty good episode by my standards. I enjoyed how the crime was not straight forward at all. It kept jumping around and it kept you guessing. I don't particularly like Isaac's character. He doesn't seem to fit the exact personality of his character. It seems more like he should be shooting hoops and not chasing bad guys. Stark was especially good in this episode. He had every reason to be mad at Isaac for trying to stick up fpr the cops. Especially when the police were lying for nearly the entire episode. One of the best parts of the episode was the final scene. Stark finally confronted Julie!moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • The final scene was the icing on the cake!

    9.7
    "Superb"
    By laepelba, Apr 01, 2007 Report Abuse
    I agree that the episode was well written. When it neared the end, I thought the story was over. But the final scene between Sebastian and Julie was the icing on the cake. On the surface, the show sells Stark as a poor to mediocre father. But his comments to Julie about the fact that she wants to have a relationship with her father on her own terms is exceptional. After she chose to deal with a very difficult life lesson on her own terms, Stark's character responded with tough love and wisdom. That's the stuff that true parenting is made of. A fabulous ending to a great episode!moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    1 0

  • James Wood should get an emmy for this

    9.2
    "Superb"
    By JPPT1974, Mar 31, 2007 Report Abuse
    James Woods should get an emmy for his performance and no wonder this show fits to the best of his ability. As an underrated but gifted character actor. Shark is put in charge of investigating two cops implicating in shooting an African-American youth and his drug-dealing cousin. But Isaac disapproves of Shark's unconventional ways. But then again, Shark's ways are always the best it seems even if you don't agree with it.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    1 0
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

  • Trivia

    • Help by adding trivia to this episode. Add trivia

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • International Episode Titles: Czech Republic – "Přestřelka" (Gunfight) Edit
    • International Air Dates: Czech Republic: April 27, 2008 on Prima Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Mayor Delgado: Since the cops hate your guts, no one is going to question the integrity of this investigation. Stark: You know, I think there's a compliment in there somewhere. Edit
    • Ray Tillman: Well, I've seen how you treat cops on the stand. Department's lost some good men because of it. Isaac: Uh, Detective, right now, we're not the ones you need to worry about. Stark: I think what he's saying is that half the city wants to bury you. Now, if you talk to me and tell me everything, I might be able to help you. And trust me, you want my help. Edit
    • Terry Burns: You're the guy who planted on that rich scumbag who killed your partner. Isaac: This isn't about me. Edit

  • Allusions

Show Forums

See All
Last Activity
Replies

Watch Shark Full Episodes

See All

Related Shows

Season 1 Episodes

See All
Ep 22
Wayne's World 2: Revenge o...
Ep 21
Strange Bedfellows
Ep 20
Fall From Grace
Ep 19
Porn Free
Ep 18
Trial By Fire
Ep 17
Backfire
Ep 16
Blind Trust
Ep 15
Here Comes The Judge
Ep 14
Starlet Fever
Ep 13
Teacher's Pet
Ep 12
Wayne's World
Ep 11
The Wrath of Khan
Ep 10
Sins of the Mother
Ep 9
Dial M for Monica
Ep 8
Love Triangle
Ep 7
Déjà Vu All Over Again
Ep 6
Fashion Police
Ep 5
In The Grasp
Ep 4
Russo
Ep 3
Dr. Feelbad
Ep 2
LAPD Blue
Ep 1
Pilot

Contributors

Become a contributor
More
Less

TV Listings

Full Listings
BROWSE | Shows | Videos | News | Listings | Forums | People | Photos | TV.com Blog

CBS Entertainment | About TV.com | About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Ad Choice | Terms of Use