Ep 5. The Usual Suspect

Static Shock season 3 episode 5, titled "The Usual Suspect," follows Static (real name Virgil Hawkins) as he tries to clear his best friend Richie's name after he is accused of a string of robberies.

The episode begins with the police chasing a thief who turns out to be Richie, Static's best friend and confidant. Richie is arrested and accused of several robberies, much to the surprise of Static. Richie insists that he is innocent, but the police seem convinced that he is guilty.

Static is determined to clear Richie's name, but he has his work cut out for him. The police have surveillance footage that shows Richie near the scene of the crimes, and there are witnesses who claim to have seen him carrying a bag of stolen goods. Static and Richie's other friends try to come up with a way to prove his innocence, but they are met with skepticism and resistance at every turn.

As Static investigates further, he begins to suspect that someone is framing Richie. His suspicions are confirmed when he realizes that the robberies all have something in common: they were all committed using technology that was stolen from Alva Industries, a company owned by Edwin Alva, Static's longtime foe.

Static and Richie's friends hatch a plan to break into Alva Industries and find evidence that will clear Richie's name. They succeed in finding the stolen technology and also uncover evidence that links Edwin Alva to the crimes. Static faces off against Alva and ultimately triumphs, clearing Richie's name and restoring his reputation.

"The Usual Suspect" is a thrilling episode that showcases Static's dedication to justice and his loyalty to his friends. The episode also highlights the theme of societal distrust of young black men, as Richie is assumed guilty simply because of his race and appearance. Overall, it is a standout episode in the series that is sure to captivate viewers.