Ep 15. The Farm

The episode titled "The Farm" is the fifteenth episode of the second season of the Canadian police procedural drama television series Flashpoint. The episode revolves around the Strategic Response Unit's (SRU) efforts to rescue a family who is being held hostage by a farmer who blames a big corporation for ruining his land, leading him to take drastic measures.

The episode starts with the SRU team being called to a rural community where a farmer, Joe Travers, has taken a family hostage at their home, holding them at gunpoint. Travers has become extremely agitated and enraged after discovering that his farmland has been exposed to deadly pesticides from a corporation, and to make matters worse, their cattle have been poisoned as well. He soon discovers that the family who resides on the farm is connected to the corporation, making them a prime target.

The SRU team, led by Sergeant Gregory Parker, surveys the farm, trying to find a way to enter the house without being detected. They soon realize that Travers is not alone and has several booby-trapped traps around the property. The team also learns that Travers is a former soldier who has PTSD and is not afraid to use his weapons.

As the SRU team tries to establish communication with Travers, they begin to learn more about his history and the events that led him to take such drastic measures. Parker and his team eventually discover that the family's connection to the corporation is not as direct as Travers thinks, and they soon realize that there is more to the story.

Parker, who has a strong sense of empathy, tries to get through to Travers, hoping to find a peaceful solution to the standoff. However, as time passes, tensions begin to rise, and Travers becomes more dangerous and unpredictable.

The episode builds up to a thrilling climax as the SRU team races against time to rescue the trapped family and take down Travers before anyone gets hurt. As the team moves in, the situation quickly spirals out of control, leading to a dramatic showdown that leaves everyone questioning what could have been done differently.

The episode highlights the complexities of mental health issues and how they can drive people to take drastic measures. It also explores the repercussions of corporate greed and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Overall, "The Farm" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The strong performances from the cast, particularly Hugh Dillon as Sergeant Parker and David Paetkau as Sam Braddock, add depth and nuance to the story, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.