Ep 9. I'll Be Home for Christmas

In the second season of the classic police procedural drama Cagney & Lacey, episode 9 titled "I'll Be Home for Christmas" follows the detectives Mary Beth Lacey and Chris Cagney as they investigate a case while also struggling with personal issues during the holiday season.

As the episode kicks off, Chris Cagney is struggling to cope with the recent death of her father, who passed away earlier in the year. She's also been avoiding her family, leading her brother to ask Mary Beth Lacey if Chris will be coming home for Christmas. At the same time, Lacey is dealing with frustrations at home, as her husband Harvey has taken on additional work hours, leaving her to handle all the holiday preparations for their children.

The detectives are soon called to investigate the brutal murder of a young woman who was found in a trash can. As they dig deeper into the case, they discover that the victim was working as a call girl, and her killer could be one of her clients. They soon question a suspect who has a history of violence against women, but they can't find enough evidence to charge him. Cagney becomes emotionally invested in the case, trying to solve it as a way of dealing with her own personal grief and pain.

Meanwhile, Lacey's stress increases as she tries to balance work and home life during the holidays. She becomes short-tempered with her family, causing tension at home. She eventually confides in Cagney, who suggests that Lacey invite her mother over for Christmas to help ease the burden.

As the two detectives continue to investigate the murder case, they uncover more suspects and evidence before finally identifying the killer. Throughout the episode, the detectives also deal with personal struggles, trying to find comfort and support in their friendship with each other.

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a classic episode of Cagney & Lacey, capturing the emotional depths of the holiday season while presenting a gripping murder mystery. The episode showcases the strong bond between the main characters, highlighting the importance of friendship and support during tough times. With its blend of heartwarming moments and nail-biting suspense, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a must-watch episode for fans of the show and newcomers alike.