Frank backsteps to stop the death of the Attorney General at the hands of a psychopath, but flashbacks to his traumatic time in Somalia become increasingly real and threaten his sanity.

It’s difficult to know where to start with this episode. Kenneth Johnson once again delivers a rich look that perfectly captures the terror of being in the middle of a major war. Frank’s experiences are likewise wonderfully acted by Jonathan LaPaglia, who is completely convincing as a man who’s been through so much and somehow survived.

The problem lies in the storyline. An exciting and scary teaser promises much, but Gary Graham is given little chance to show his abilities due to not being seen through most of the story. With Frank fixating on his past, events become increasingly set in Somalia, leaving the main plot somewhat wanting. Olga’s ability to help Frank is very much in character, but it seems unlikely Parker would be able to get over such trauma so readily. Although the situation in places mirrors what he went through, there’s no actual link between Somalia and his mission that should lay his ghosts to rest.

As a study in the horrors of war, it works. However, the flashbacks rather overtake the story, leaving a simplistic search-and-destroy which is accomplished with relative ease.

***

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