Ep 4. Code 4

In Southland season 3 episode 4, "Code 4," Officer John Cooper is still struggling with his painkiller addiction, even as he tries to hide it from his fellow officers and his boyfriend. Meanwhile, Officer Ben Sherman begins to question his decision to become a cop after a routine traffic stop leads to a deadly encounter with a suspect. Throughout the episode, the officers of the LAPD's Southland division must work together to deal with the aftermath of the incident and the consequences that it has for their personal and professional lives.

The episode opens with Cooper and his partner, Officer Lucero, responding to a noise complaint at a local hotel. When they arrive, they find a group of rowdy partiers who refuse to quiet down. Cooper and Lucero try to reason with them, but things escalate quickly, and before long they find themselves in a heated confrontation with the partygoers. Cooper ends up getting into a physical altercation with one of the guests, and it becomes clear that his addiction is starting to affect his ability to do his job.

Meanwhile, Sherman is paired up with a new partner, Officer Sammy Bryant, and the two of them are tasked with responding to a report of a stolen car. When they pull the car over, they discover that the driver is a young black man who is on probation for a drug offense. Sherman decides to search the car, despite the fact that there is no probable cause, and he finds a small amount of drugs hidden in the trunk. The suspect becomes combative, and in the ensuing struggle he is shot and killed by Bryant. Sherman is left shaken by the incident, and begins to question whether he has what it takes to be a cop.

As the episode progresses, the officers deal with the aftermath of the shooting and the media attention that it has generated. Cooper continues to struggle with his addiction, and his boyfriend confronts him about his behavior. Sherman becomes increasingly disillusioned with the job, and starts to consider his options for the future. Meanwhile, Officer Lydia Adams tries to provide emotional support to her partner, Russell Clarke, whose daughter is dealing with a serious medical issue.

"Code 4" is a tense and emotional episode that delves into the personal and professional struggles of the officers of the Southland division. With its frank portrayal of addiction, police brutality, and the emotional toll of police work, the episode is a sobering reminder of the challenges that law enforcement officers face every day. Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode also features moments of humor and camaraderie between the officers, reminding us that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a glimmer of hope and humanity.