Television Review: Throwaway (The Shield, S1X09, 2002)

Throwaway (S01E09)

Airdate: May 7th 2002

Written by: Kevin Arkadie
Directed by: Leslie Libman

Running Time: 45 minutes

One of the most compelling aspects of The Shield is its willingness to confront the messy, unromanticized truths of crime and justice. While real-life crime stories involving serial killers or drug wars are rare—most of humanity’s criminal activity is far more mundane, involving petty theft, minor disputes, or even the occasional bureaucratic oversight—such narratives are far more visually arresting and emotionally resonant for television. The Shield, in its relentless pursuit of authenticity, often chooses to dramatize these “banal” elements, turning them into the backbone of its storytelling. The ninth episode, Throwaway, is a masterclass in this approach, showcasing how even the most unremarkable aspects of crime can be transformed into compelling, if flawed, drama.

The episode opens with the seemingly trivial act of a cigarette delivery truck being hijacked in the streets of Farmington. The driver is brutally attacked by masked robbers who brandish weapons and make threats. The man, however, gives police enough details to identify attackers as members of Los Magnificos, up-and-coming street gang. Strike Team is tasked with bringing gang down, with a particular focus on the robbery ringleader Hector Estanza (Ricardo Molina). When the Vic and his men arrive to home of Hectror's girlfriend, Tigre Orozco (Lisa Jemielita) for a night raid, the situation spirals into chaos. The target, initially believed to be Hector, tries to flee and, when cornered, appears to draw a gun. In a moment of tension, Strike Team member Lem shoots the man. However, the episode quickly reveals that this was a catastrophic mistake. The man shot is not Hector but Tigre’s brother, Chaco (Robert Zepelda), and he held cigarette pack instead of a gun.

This misstep sets the stage for a moral and procedural dilemma. The Strike Team, fearing backlash from the Internal Affairs Division (IAD), decides to cover their bases by planting a hidden gun in Chaco’s hand, thereby justifying the shooting. However, the episode takes a more nuanced turn when it is revealed that Chaco is not the villain the team initially believed. He used to be part of Los Magnificos before turning his life around and working in anti-gang youth education progrrams. He was at Tigre's home to protect her from the violent, abusive Hector.

The Strike Team’s decision to rectify their mistake is a turning point in the episode. Rather than repeating their earlier error, Vic and his team decide to buy Chaco’s silence by promising to erase the planted gun from evidence. However, their plan to steal the gun from the evidence room fails, forcing them to take an alternative, more risky approach. They attempt to steal evidence from a police van, using the insignia of the Los Magnificos to create a fake trail. This plan, while farcical, ultimately works, allowing the team to arrest Hector and his crew. The episode’s tone shifts here, leaning into a more lighthearted, almost ironic resolution. This shift in tone is a deliberate contrast to the series’ usual grimness, but it also underscores the show’s willingness to explore the human cost of its characters’ actions.

Meanwhile, the episode introduces a parallel storyline that highlights the contrast between two families. The case of Maynard Hawkins (Robert Drischell), a blind old man chained in a yard and bitten by coyotes, becomes a focal point for the show’s procedural elements. The investigation into his abuse by his son, Lloyd (Zia Harris), reveals a web of dysfunction: Maynard’s wife is missing for years, yet Lloyd collects her Social Security checks. Dutch and Claudette, the detectives investigating the case, uncover the truth: Maynard’s wife is alive but unwilling to be part of the family’s dysfunction, even at the cost of her own financial stability. This subplot, while less central to the main plot, serves as a commentary on the show’s broader themes of systemic failure and personal responsibility.

The episode also introduces a more functional family dynamic through Claudette’s own story. Her father, Professor Bryce Wyms (Roscoe Lee Brown), arrives from Boston to visit her, bringing with him her daughter Rebecca (Tangi Miller) and her fiancé, Warner (Mystro Clark). Claudette, who has taken a police career despite her father’s disapproval, is initially wary of Rebecca’s engagement to Warner, a man she met at a parent-teacher meeting only recently. The episode explores the tension between Claudette’s professional integrity and her personal life, as well as the challenges of balancing duty with family. However, the subplot resolves with a heartening moment: Claudette agrees to have lunch with her family before their departure, a small but significant gesture that underscores the show’s ability to balance darkness with moments of human connection.

The episode’s writing, by Kevin Arkadie, and direction, by Leslie Libman, are notable for their ability to weave these subplots together. The absence of Shane Vendrell for three days in Las Vegas is a narrative device that allows the show to focus on Lem’s character, giving him more depth and complexity. Lem, like Shane, is a morally conscious character who seeks to atone for his mistake. The script hints at his growing feelings for Tigre, adding a layer of personal drama to his actions. This subtext is subtle but effective, highlighting the show’s ability to explore the intersection of professional duty and personal desire.

The tone of Throwaway is a contrast to the series’ usual grimness. While there is brutal violence, no one dies, and the Strike Team’s misadventures are almost farcical. The episode’s resolution is a rare happy ending for the series, with the team exonerated, Hector’s crew dismantled, and Lem rewarded with a “score” with an attractive woman. This is a departure from the show’s usual tone, but it also serves as a reminder of the show’s ability to balance darkness with moments of redemption.

The episode also explores the parallel between the Hawkins and Wyms families, using the latter as a vehicle for character exposition. The Wymses, with their more stable and functional dynamic, contrast with the dysfunctional Hawkins family, highlighting the show’s themes of systemic failure and personal responsibility. This contrast is subtle but effective, reinforcing the show’s broader commentary on the human condition.

In conclusion, Throwaway is a masterclass in the show’s ability to take the mundane and turn it into a compelling narrative. The episode’s focus on the small, often overlooked aspects of crime and justice, combined with its exploration of moral complexity and human vulnerability, cements its place as one of the series’ more successful episodes. While the tone is lighter than usual, the episode’s resolution is a testament to the show’s ability to balance darkness with moments of hope, making it a standout example of The Shield’s commitment to realism and moral ambiguity.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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