Ep 2. Ties That Bind

The TV show Pacific Blue premiered its third season, which ran from September 1997 to May 1998, introducing fans to new characters and exciting storylines. In episode 2, titled "Ties That Bind," viewers are placed in the middle of a multi-layered plot that involves family issues, illegal activities, and personal growth.

The episode begins with officers Chris Kelly (played by Darlene Vogel) and Victor Del Toro (played by Marcos Ferraez) investigating a local gang's graffiti on a playground. During the patrol, they encounter a fleeing car and try to catch it, but it leads them to a private property where they meet a wealthy and influential Mexican businessman, Luis Escobar (played by Tony Plana). As it turns out, he is Kelly's estranged father, and their reunion is far from friendly.

Escobar is currently running for a political position, and his campaign is jeopardized by his daughter's (Kelly's sister) marriage to a drug dealer, Tomas Fabricante (played by Carlo Alban). The whole family is under threat from Fabricante's business associates, who want to use their connections with Escobar to further their interests. As Kelly reconnects with her family and tries to help them out of their situation, she gets personally involved with the case and becomes the prime target of the gang.

Meanwhile, rookie officer Jamie Strickland (played by Amy Hunter) deals with her own family problems when her ex-husband comes back into her life and tries to win her over by taking on extra work. Strickland's new partner, Cory McNamara (played by Jeff Stearns), tries to convince her that her ex is no good and that she should move on instead of dwelling on their past.

At the same time, Lieutenant Anthony Palermo (played by Rick Rossovich) has to deal with a character from his past - an old friend who comes to Santa Monica with his yacht and his lavish lifestyle. It turns out that he is also involved in illegal gambling and has to escape the town with Palermo's help.

As the episode unravels, the cases intersect and the officers learn to rely on each other for support. The family theme is strong throughout the episode, highlighting the importance of having strong bonds with loved ones and the effect that dysfunctional relationships can have on individuals.

In terms of action, "Ties That Bind" delivers its fair share of suspense, chases, and shootouts, with the gang's influence spreading to the police force and raising the stakes. There are also moments of humor, romance, and character development that add depth to the episode and keep the audience invested in the show's overarching narrative.

Overall, "Ties That Bind" is a solid episode of Pacific Blue, showcasing the strengths of its ensemble cast, its creative approach to cop drama, and its ability to resonate with viewers on an emotional level. Whether you are a fan of the show or looking for a new detective show to watch, Pacific Blue season 3 episode 2 is definitely worth your time.