That kind of revolving focus not only keeps Third Watch constantly fresh, it embraces master filmmaker Jean Renoir's famous observation (paraphrased here) that each of us has a reason for being who we are and doing what we do. Beyond its success at turning such an expansive spirit into appealing drama, Third Watch is also noteworthy for superb writing (much of it by Wells), harrowing set pieces, production values that stress an original, signature look, and a strong emphasis on relationships between on-the-job partners. The cast remains superb, particularly Jason Wiles as an immature, cynical, yet oddly effective young cop, Molly Price as his beleaguered but dedicated partner, and Skipp Sudduth as a veteran police officer whose leadership on the streets belies his rudderless off-duty existence. Among some truly memorable episodes in The Complete Second Season are "Four Days," in which one of the program's most stable characters, African-American paramedic "Doc" Parker (Michael Beach), slowly comes unglued by his growing perception of institutional racism, and season finale "â¦and Zeus Wept," a nightmarish thriller about a school shooting. --Tom Keogh
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