Ep 13. These Things Take Time

In the Heat of the Night season 2 episode 13, titled "These Things Take Time", opens with Chief Gillespie (Carroll O'Connor) receiving a phone call from a man named Charlie Finley, who claims to have hit a deer on the highway and is requesting Gillespie to come to his aid. When Gillespie arrives, he finds Finley unresponsive in his car, with a plastic bag taped over his head. The case turns out to be a homicide investigation, and Gillespie and his team must piece together clues and motives to find out who killed Charlie Finley.

The investigation leads them to a local group of young people who are known for their drug use and rebellious behavior. Officers Bubba Skinner (Alan Autry) and Virgil Tibbs (Howard Rollins) question the group, trying to find out any information that could lead them to the culprit. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover that the group's ringleader, Jerry Sykes, has a troubled history that involves drugs, violence, and run-ins with the law.

Meanwhile, an old friend of Gillespie's, Libby Majors, comes to Sparta for a visit. Libby is a successful lawyer who is in town to defend a man who has been accused of rape. Gillespie's relationship with Libby becomes strained when he begins to suspect that the accused is guilty, while Libby strongly believes in his innocence. The tension between the two friends escalates as they work opposite sides of the case.

As the investigation into Charlie Finley's murder continues, Officer Skinner finds a piece of crucial evidence that leads them to the killer. However, the perpetrator's identity comes as a shock to the entire team, and they struggle to come to terms with the motive behind the crime.

Amid the homicide investigation and the rape trial, Chief Gillespie is also dealing with personal issues. His wife is sick and requires constant care, and he begins to reflect on his own mortality and the possibility of retirement.

In the Heat of the Night season 2 episode 13, "These Things Take Time", is a powerful episode that explores themes of justice, morality, and personal responsibility. The episode showcases the excellent acting skills of the cast, particularly Carroll O'Connor and Howard Rollins, whose chemistry and dynamic performances bring depth and authenticity to the characters they play. The plot is well-written and intricately woven, with enough twists and turns to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Overall, "These Things Take Time" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that is a must-watch for fans of the series.