The Glades picked up where we left off last week. Callie was full steam ahead on her plan to ask Ray for a divorce and planning to drive up to prison for the discussion. I think it was the first time I saw a genuine grin of happiness on Jim’s face. There was no reservation from either of them, the decision was made.
That was a good plan, until Callie discovered Jeff cut class and took a bus to prison to see Ray. This meant we got to see the family dynamic of Callie, Ray and Jeff. Earlier in the season, when Ray called his family during a hurricane to see if they were alright, we had some indication of who he was. Now that we have seen more, it does give the impression they are worth rooting for, even though it’s Jim that we all know and love. I know a little about prison, and it’s very easy for someone to be their perfect version of themselves when they have so much time for introspection. It’s hardly the time to push away those that you love. Only time will tell if Ray is truly on a path to redemption. Predictably, Ray told Callie that they were all that were getting him through his ordeal. Nothing like a little guilt to play on an already clouded girl’s brain.
Jim was not grinning when he heard what happened, and I swear I thought he was going to cry when he realized the moment for Callie to ask Ray had passed unaccomplished. Jim started to question his own role, remembering that Callie once told him she would never be one of those women who divorced her husband in prison. Jeff really drove it home when he spoke with Jim on the phone and said it all worked out so well, because he thought his mom and dad just needed to see each other, you know? Ouch.
I am envious of the Callie character, and think she is really well written. She speaks her mind, tells Jim how she feels, lets him know he is not influencing her decision in any way – it’s only hers to make. That’s a fairly bold way to think, and not many women can actually pull that off. To put a character on TV that shows such strength is refreshing. Unfortunately, Jim is not that strong. He’s easily swayed to think it will all go bad. So much so that he ends the episode on Heather’s yacht. He keeps his phone in front of him, just in case it rings, but it doesn’t stop him from unwinding with another woman. It’s definitely insecurity in himself, but it would be hard for a woman like Callie to live under those circumstances. I’d also like to give kudos to the show for using the song by Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now,” during the end of the episode. I don’t think I could have picked a better song myself to express what they were all feeling.
Next week is the season finale, and the previews indicated that a good portion of the show will be dedicated to – you guessed it – Jim and Callie (and Heather). Thankfully we have a second season of The Glades to look forward to, because I am very invested in their quasi-romance at this point.
Click here to see the call out — Team Jim or Team Ray.
Clacked by Carissa Pavlica 
on Sep 27, 2010 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
Great review. I really liked the episode, and I’m glad to see Ray somewhat fleshed out. He’s now a bit more than the evil ex in prison. (Time to do the same with the mother-in-law.) I’m still on Jim’s side though.
I do have to disagree with you on one thing though. The use of the song at the end was way over the top. The lyrics were just too explicit (not explicit as in bad language, but explicit as in telling instead of showing). In my opinion, the boat scenes would have worked better with just soft yearning instrumentals.
*POST AUTHOR*
It just shows what powerful writers that have that they are able to introduce the “other man”, a criminal even, and still give us pause. They didn’t force our hand to feel any certain way about Ray and that makes the exploration so much more interesting than if they had tried to drive us where they want us to go.
It almost feels like one of those kids books (if you like Ray, turn to page 52. If you think she should choose Jim, turn to page 67). LOL
I am with you about the song. I’d prefer to hear “Chasing Pavement” by Adele.
To be honest I’m currently absolutely indifferent. I don’t really see a reason for Jim and Callie to get together. I don’t really know how bad Ray behaved and what he actually did (maybe I should’ve paid more close attention).
I think this just shows how great this show really is. I’m not feeling like those two need to be together, I would like them to be together, but I’m also not annoyed by it all because all the crime stories usually involve something that gives another perspective towards the relationship. I think this also shows that your take on the show was right – it really is a relationship drama, not a crime show. The crime aspect is just the backstory around those two. With the story about the dad inventing that muffler and everything you really get to thinking about whether Ray deserves a second chance. With the senetorial candidate in this episode betraying his wife, you get another aspect of what Jim might’ve done in Chicago. And then he stood there with Heather and directly said that he doesn’t want to ruin a family. Everything was laid out on the table right there. And I think the reason why I like this show so much is that it all feels so real. The way Callie manages to always just do what she wants to and not be overwhelmed is extremely entertaining to watch, while on the other hand the way Jim does the exact same thing while investigating is exactly the same and just as entertaining.
I think thisshow has managed to put the relationship on the backburner in a way that feels so natural that, for the first time (or at least as long as I can remember) I don’t mind for a show to do that. It befuddles me. Well done, showrunners, I tip my hat to you.
And it really shows how much I like it that I am able to stifle my anger about the product placements on the show. “I’m KITT in your car – No you are Jim in my Kia” *growl* “What kind of phone does he use – It’s an Android smartphone with 4G!!!1111oneoneeleven”. And don’t get me started on the Microsoft Windows PCs from last episode with MS Surface and the Kinect plugging in episode four. It gets especially annoying when you know that neither Surface nor Kinect are actually available. *shakes fists in anger* ;-)
*POST AUTHOR*
His phone (and many others on the show) are Motorola Droids. First version. I HAVE ONE! I feel special when he holds it up to his perty face. LOL
I completely agree that while it would be nice to see them together, even for a while, I have absolutely no frustration in a will they/won’t they scenario. They are written so well that I just enjoy them as people. I cannot be upset at either of their reactions or decisions because they seem so natural. On Bones, for example, they are always examining reasons why they shouldn’t go there. Bones? She’s just my coworker. I do not like that style. It makes me want to pound their heads together.
I hope The Glades picks up more viewers for the next go around. Its doing well for A&E, but I really want people to have the opportunity to experience how well these characters are written. There seems to be no pretense…just natural human behavior. Love it!
Who is the actress who plays Heather on the Glades
Hi Amanda. Her name is Rachael Carpani, and I believe she and Matt Passmore are dating in real life. He didn’t come out and say it in the chat A&E had last night, but he did admit they have worked together quite a bit. Not that you asked that! ;-)