Ep 2. Duty Free Rome

Title: Picket Fences Season 2 Episode 2 - "Duty Free Rome"

Episode Description:

In this captivating episode of Picket Fences, entitled "Duty Free Rome," viewers are once again transported to the picturesque and quirky town of Rome, Wisconsin, as the residents grapple with a new set of dilemmas that push the boundaries of justice, morality, and personal relationships.

The episode begins with Sheriff Jimmy Brock (Tom Skerritt) and his wife, Mayor Jill Brock (Kathy Baker), facing a unique challenge. They find themselves at odds when a prestigious art exhibition, showcasing famous Renaissance masterpieces, plans to make a stopover in their peculiar small town. With the potential influx of tourists and economic benefits, the couple must navigate their conflicting duties: Jimmy, as the protector of the law and order, while Jill, as the voice of the town's best interests.

Meanwhile, the eccentric Wambaugh family stirs up their usual chaos in Rome. Douglas Wambaugh (Fyvush Finkel), the cantankerous attorney, finds himself at the center of the action once again. This time, a controversial case lands on his desk involving a local teenager accused of a heinous crime. As the defense attorney, Wambaugh skillfully maneuvers through the tangled web of evidence, forcing the community to face uncomfortable truths and reexamine their preconceived notions.

Dr. Jill Brock, the town's coroner and Mayor Brock's sister, is confronted with a moral and ethical dilemma of her own. A scandalous secret about to be revealed threatens her reputation and potentially ignites consequences that could severely impact not only her professional life but also her unorthodox romance with Jimmy Don (Costas Mandylor), the charming Gulf War veteran-turned-law student. As their relationship is tested, viewers witness whether love can endure the challenge of public scrutiny and personal sacrifices.

Intertwined with these engaging storylines are the personal struggles faced by other Rome citizens. Maxine Stewart (Lauren Holly), Rome's spirited but nonconformist high school history teacher, finds herself in hot water when the curriculum she teaches causes friction between her and conservative local parents who disapprove of her teaching methods. This clash of ideals lays bare the tensions and divisions present within the close-knit community.

In another part of town, Officer Kenny Lacos (Costas Mandylor), the young and earnest police officer, faces heart-wrenching decisions that force him to question the boundaries between his duty and personal beliefs. The episode explores whether one can retain their unwavering sense of justice while navigating the complexities of real-life situations that demand flexibility and empathy.

As the episode progresses, "Duty Free Rome" deftly weaves these intricate storylines together, highlighting the interconnectedness of the characters' lives, their common pursuit of justice, and the common struggle to define morality in a world filled with gray areas. With its intelligent writing, thought-provoking themes, and stellar performances, Picket Fences continues to amaze audiences with its unique blend of drama, humor, and social commentary.

In "Duty Free Rome," Picket Fences once again proves its ability to captivate viewers, as it explores the human condition through a lens that challenges conventional wisdom and infuses laughter and heartbreak into its character-driven narratives. Suspenseful, heartfelt, and unafraid to tackle complex moral questions, this episode leaves audiences eagerly anticipating what awaits the residents of Rome in subsequent installments of this exceptional series.