User Reviews

This, the concluding episode of season one, sees Crockett and Tubbs trying to persuade a senior member of the Mafia to testify against his new boss while simultaneously trying to keep him alive. Lombard is old school and believes that one never testifies against anybody else even if it would keep you out of jail; his problem is that his young new boss can't see anybody doing five years rather than talking so is determined to kill him.

The various attempts on Lombard's life involve some fairly exciting shoot outs; we even get to see Switek shooting at would-be assassins with an M-60 machinegun! This isn't what makes this such a good episode though; that is down to the character driven scenes where Lombard, played by the excellent Dennis Farina must decide whether or not to testify; after all is he honour bound to protect a man who is trying to kill him? Usually in cop shows we just see the criminals as bad guys doing bad things but here we see a more human side as Lombard worries about what his son thinks of him and even cooks a homemade meal for Crockett and Tubbs while he is under police protection. This was a fine conclusion to the first season that left me looking forward to season two.

Not the best or worse! Lombard episode starts out strong: The struggles of mob life. Testimonies of a young cappo, betrayal and Dennis Farina believable acting make great story environmental build up. The over the top attacks and over personal drama of Lombard with his son is too sappy and formulated and drags the episode down wards. What saves the Lombard episode is Dennis Farina! Dennis Farina acting as the Lombard character creates a real life conversing with a reluctant Crockett! Excellent dialog and most memorable for the Vice series ! Lombard shows a human side, cooking, joking, and regrets of the personal price of mob life. Crockett regrettable protects Lombard realizes Lombard mixes truth with lie, and is a harden criminal who can not be trusted. Crockett reminds Lombard of the pain and hurt Lombard caused, which develops the Crockett character. Crockett harden because he cares. Crockett does his witness protection job regrettably. The ending is powerful, Crockett has a pointless experience which explains Crockett sarcasm. Okay, but the middle drags the episode down. 6 out of 10 stars!