In Plain Sight "Iris Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (2008)

This episode changes the format slightly as for the first time we see how being in the witness protection program truly affects those who are forced to enroll. It is unbearable to think that at a moment's notice, everything and everyone must be left behind and can never be seen or contacted again. Of course the father in this episode is just an unbearable idiot who while whining about the loss of his season tickets seems to forget that there is a death threat out against his daughter by one of the most violent gangs in the country. I think it would have been more interesting to explore this angle with a more likable character. Warren McBride (Wendell Pierce) should have thought a little more about the big picture and not so much about the loss of his material possessions. I understand that one can never know the experience until it is actually lived, but the man is so whiny and detestable to his daughter that it is near impossible to muster up any sympathy for the man or his less than desirable situation.

I'm surprised that M&M went so long before they finally called him out on his immature attitude, particularly Mary who is never shy about disclosing her opinion about some of the losers she is forced to take care of. Maybe she realized it was already a delicate situation that didn't need her piling on the grief or maybe she's trying to figure out why Brandi has such an interest in taking Raph to his physical therapy. Seems like Brandi has become a bit smitten with her sister's sort of boyfriend. They had the one conversation where he admitted that Mary rejected his proposal but where did this sudden interest come from? I suppose it's because they have been spending more time together coupled with Mary's need to maintain her distance. This storyline is not going to end well and since I don't even like Brandi I'm not sure a serious subplot involving her is going to get much respect from me. But we'll cross our fingers and hope for the best.

I think this episode squandered what could have been a great storyline of a family adjusting to their new life. The father is just so full of contempt for his daughter that none of the family drama works because you automatically side with anyone who isn't him. I did really like the scene where his wife gently puts him in his place in that he has been raised in an environment which granted his every whim. She tells him quite directly that if he forces her to choose between him and their daughter, there is no contest and he leaves the program alone. Mary also had her own method of speaking the audience's mind when she wonders why everyone has to tiptoe around the sensitive Warren when it is the daughter who recently had her life in danger. We can always depend on Mary to be the professional but she can never keep those thoughts to herself for long to the comedic relief of the audience.

Favorite moment: Marshall going all badass when he finds out the good doctor has spent the day applying at eight separate hospitals and clinics for a job. The pure rage that flashes across his face was shocking considering we have never seen the character ever get mad. Well maybe he did when he found out Mary read his mail, but this was pure rage. He cuts the man off when he finds him at the bar and tries to bait him into hitting him to show him that he can be sensible. It was great to see Marshall in take-charge mode as he has already tried to bend the rules for this man. Of course he needed a bit more berating before he finally got his act together.