Ep 19. Let Them Eat Pretzels

Cagney & Lacey season 2 episode 19, titled "Let Them Eat Pretzels," follows the dynamic duo of police detectives, Christine Cagney and Mary Beth Lacey, as they navigate a challenging case while also dealing with personal struggles. This compelling episode explores themes of addiction, family dynamics, and the pressures of the job.

The episode begins with Detectives Cagney and Lacey responding to a report of a break-in at a local convenience store. As they investigate the crime scene, they discover that a significant amount of money and several cartons of cigarettes have been stolen. It becomes evident that this is not an isolated incident as similar burglaries have occurred in other parts of the city in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, both Cagney and Lacey find themselves dealing with personal issues that affect their ability to focus on the case. Cagney's struggle with alcoholism takes center stage as she attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and tries to maintain her sobriety. Her determination to lead a sober life is put to the test when she attends a work-related event where alcohol is abundantly available.

On the other hand, Lacey faces challenges within her own family. Her teenage son, Harvey, is going through a rebellious phase and clashes with her over curfew and school requirements. Lacey struggles to strike a balance between being a dedicated detective and a present and caring mother, particularly when her son's behavior begins to escalate.

As Cagney and Lacey delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a pattern that suggests the burglaries are not random acts. They discover that all the targeted stores have one thing in common—they are owned by members of the same extended family who have a known history of involvement in organized crime.

Suspecting that this could be an inside job, Cagney and Lacey work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the culprits. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles, including reluctant witnesses and family loyalty that stands in their way. Their tenacity and determination are put to the test as they strive to bring justice to the victims and put an end to the burglaries.

As the episode progresses, the personal struggles of Cagney and Lacey begin to intersect with their professional lives. Cagney's battle against addiction reaches a critical point when she is tempted to use alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with the mounting pressure of the case. Lacey, on the other hand, grapples with feelings of guilt and self-doubt as her son's behavior worsens, questioning whether she can effectively balance her duties as a detective and her responsibilities as a mother.

Amidst all the challenges they face, Cagney and Lacey's friendship and mutual support remain steadfast. They provide each other with the emotional strength and encouragement needed to stay focused and persevere, both in their personal lives and in solving the case.

As "Let Them Eat Pretzels" reaches its climax, Cagney and Lacey find themselves in a dangerous confrontation with the criminals behind the burglaries. The resolution of the case brings unexpected twists and turns that test their ingenuity and instincts as seasoned detectives.

In this captivating episode of Cagney & Lacey, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of intense police work, complex personal dilemmas, and unwavering friendship. Through their struggles, Cagney and Lacey provide a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers both on and off the job, making each episode a gripping and thought-provoking experience.