Ep 7. Choices

In the episode "Choices" of Cagney & Lacey season 3, Detective Christine Cagney and Detective Mary Beth Lacey find themselves immersed in a deeply personal case that challenges their beliefs and tests their resilience. As they navigate a complex web of emotions and choices, they must confront the consequences of their own actions and grapple with the difficult decisions they are faced with every day as detectives in New York City's 14th precinct.

The episode opens with Cagney and Lacey arriving at the precinct to start their shift, only to be immediately assigned to an unusual case. A young woman named Lisa Mitchell has been found raped and beaten in a park nearby, and the detectives are called in to investigate. As they delve into the details of the case, they discover that Lisa was a sex worker who had given up her child for adoption. This revelation hits close to home for both Cagney and Lacey, as they each have personal experiences that resonate with Lisa's situation.

Cagney, who has struggled with her own relationships and demons, feels a strong empathy towards Lisa. She sees in her a reflection of her own vulnerability and past mistakes. Determined to bring justice to the victim, Cagney becomes emotionally invested in the case, pushing boundaries and taking risks that threaten to compromise the investigation. Her relentless pursuit of the truth stems not only from her desire to catch the perpetrator but also from her own personal need for redemption and closure.

On the other hand, Lacey approaches the case from a more pragmatic standpoint. As a mother herself, she understands the pain and guilt Lisa must have felt giving up her child, and she empathizes with her struggles. However, Lacey recognizes the importance of focusing on the evidence and sticking to the protocols of the investigation. She provides a balancing force for Cagney, offering her level-headed advice and reminding her partner of the consequences of their choices.

As Cagney and Lacey follow leads and interview potential witnesses, they encounter a range of personalities – from fellow sex workers who were friends with Lisa to potential suspects with dubious alibis. Each encounter brings them closer to the truth but also exposes them to the harsh realities of the world Lisa inhabited. The detectives soon realize that their investigation extends beyond finding the person responsible for Lisa's assault; it is also a search for compassion, understanding, and ultimately, justice for someone who was marginalized and often overlooked.

Throughout the episode, Cagney and Lacey are forced to confront their own biases and preconceptions about sex work and the people involved in that line of work. They grapple with questions of agency, autonomy, and the innate human desire for connection and belonging. In their pursuit of justice, they are confronted with difficult choices that challenge their understanding of right and wrong, leading them to question the very fabric of their own morality.

As the episode nears its climax, Cagney and Lacey find themselves at a crossroads – they must choose between taking a path that adheres strictly to the law or following their hearts and doing what they believe is right. The choices they make will not only impact the outcome of the case but also have profound personal and professional consequences.

"Choices" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode of Cagney & Lacey that explores themes of empathy, justice, and the complexities of human nature. It challenges the characters and viewers alike to consider the ramifications of their actions and decisions. As Cagney and Lacey tackle their most personal case yet, they bravely confront their own vulnerabilities, pushing the boundaries of their abilities as detectives and human beings.