Ep 4. Aisle 13

In Flashpoint season 2 episode 4, titled "Aisle 13," the SRU team is called to a suburban mall where an agitated man, Michael, has taken hostages in a store after a robbery gone wrong. Michael, who is armed and dangerous, clearly has a personal motive for his actions, and it's up to the SRU team to find out what it is and resolve the situation before anyone gets hurt.

Initially, it seems that Michael is a career criminal who has taken a handful of innocent people hostage to use as leverage in his escape from the police. However, as the team begins to investigate, they uncover a much more complex and personal motivation behind his actions. It turns out that Michael's daughter has a rare medical condition that requires expensive treatment, and he is desperate for money to cover the costs. When Michael's employer refused to give him a raise or a loan, he was left with no other option but to rob the store.

As the SRU team negotiates with Michael and tries to get him to release the hostages, they also work to gather information and resources to help him find a legitimate way to pay for his daughter's medical treatment. They discover that the hospital where his daughter is being treated has a foundation that provides financial assistance to families in need, and they work to get Michael in touch with the organization to get the help he needs.

Throughout the episode, tensions run high as the hostages become increasingly agitated and desperate, and Michael becomes more and more erratic as he struggles to maintain control over the situation. The SRU team must use all of their training and expertise to de-escalate the situation and ensure a peaceful resolution.

In addition to the tense hostage situation, the episode also delves into the personal lives of the SRU team members. Sgt. Parker is dealing with the aftermath of his recent divorce and is struggling to balance his work with his personal life. Meanwhile, Jules and Sam are exploring their romantic relationship and trying to navigate the challenges that come with being both partners on the job and in life.

Overall, "Aisle 13" is a compelling and emotional episode that showcases the complexities and challenges of police work, as well as the personal toll it can take on those who engage in it. With its tense action sequences, rich character development, and timely social commentary, it is a standout episode in an already stellar series.