The Martin Baker Fan Club, October 13, 1998

By Shirley

This is the best episode of the season yet - terrific story, excellent script, wonderful acting, and no cop-outs. It is a fitting follow-up to Season Three's King of the Fleas.

Kevin Conway reprises his role of Roscoe Martin. His Roscoe is truly a charismatic and commanding figure. Watching him, it's hard to remember that he was a deserter, and that his actions led to the death of the men in the PoW camp. It is almost impossible not to be drawn into his world. We can literally feel Harm's fascination as Roscoe dragoons him, yet again. TPTB didn't pull any punches with this story, and I have to say more power to them. Tell the stories, because they need to be told, and we need to hear them, and most of all, because they make rattlingly good TV.

King of the Fleas allowed DJE to stretch his range and showcased his talents as an actor. Martin Baker gives him the stage again. He is an extremely effective foil for Conway's Roscoe. These two carried the show, and what a show it was! Over and over, in a dozen different ways, the two protagonists circled each other, linked by the Vietnam War, each trying to find a way to the other's mind. And as viewers, we are pulled this way and that as the contest seesaws back and forth. Roscoe throws down the challenge to Harm "Put me on the stand. ... Open me up." And Harm does, but he is with Roscoe every difficult step of the way. We can see Harm picking out each word to use, aiming it with care, feeling Roscoe's pain and suffering along with him as his masks are torn away and his soul is laid bare. It was powerful stuff, made more so by the humorous touches. Mac at Harm's apartment, and the toast " ... May angels be at your doorstep." The buzzer goes, and it's The Martin Baker Fan Club!

At the end, in the hospital, I believe that Harm and Roscoe have found the way to connect to each other. Each knows the other man. Each understands the other man. Yet, manlike, each is embarrassed by the power of the moment. Harm needed the excuse of Harriet; and Roscoe used the obvious joke "I'll be here." But their eyes gave us the truth. When Harm turned for that last look, with the tears glistening on his cheeks, that was all the validation that Roscoe needed or could want. For the first time, he truly looked at peace.

I should also make a comment about Harm's skills as a lawyer. Other characters have made references to the fact that he has never lost a case; therefore he must be an excellent lawyer. But we don't often get the opportunity to see this. Here we do. He has the entire courtroom - judge, jury, and prosecutor - riveted as he forces Roscoe to bare his soul. This is what the war has done to Roscoe Martin. Listen and understand.

On a lighter note, this season, TPTB have a better understanding of how to dress Harm. Wow! Does he ever look great in that pullover sweater and jeans!

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