Ep 11. Old Dogs, New Tricks

In Third Watch season 3 episode 11, titled "Old Dogs, New Tricks," the men and women of the 55th precinct are trying to adapt to changes in their lives. Bosco (Jason Wiles) and Yokas (Molly Price) are still dealing with the aftermath of their shooting and attempting to return to work. Sully (Skipp Sudduth) has a new partner, Sasha (Nia Long), who is eager to prove herself. Meanwhile, Kim (Kim Raver) and Jimmy (Eddie Cibrian) are adjusting to life as new parents.

The episode opens with Bosco and Yokas getting ready for their first shift back on the job after their shooting. Yokas is nervous, but Bosco is stoic and determined. As they head out, they run into Sully and his new partner, Sasha. Sully seems to be enjoying the fresh start, but Sasha is pushy and overconfident, leading to some tension between the two officers.

Meanwhile, Kim is struggling to get their baby Emily to stop crying and go to sleep. Jimmy is sympathetic but clueless, and their bickering is interrupted by a call to a house where a man has barricaded himself inside. Bosco, Yokas, Sully, and Sasha arrive on the scene, but the initial attempt to negotiate with the man fails. As they wait for the SWAT team, Bosco and Yokas notice a gas leak and manage to evacuate nearby residents before the house explodes.

After the explosion, the officers are tasked with finding the man's brother, who he mentioned in his rantings before the explosion. They track the brother down to a bar, where they find him drunk and belligerent. As they try to calm him down, Sasha's brash approach backfires, and he attacks her. Sully steps in to defend his partner, but the situation spirals out of control, leading to a dangerous standoff.

Meanwhile, Kim and Jimmy meet up with fellow new parents at a playground, trying to connect with others who understand what they're going through. Kim is grateful for the support, but Jimmy feels out of place and self-conscious. As they leave, they run into an old acquaintance of Jimmy's who offers to give them a ride home. As they drive, the man's erratic behavior and reckless driving become increasingly alarming, and they soon find themselves in a life-threatening situation.

"Old Dogs, New Tricks" is a tense and emotional episode that highlights the challenges and dangers faced by police officers and their families. The characters are all struggling with major transitions in their lives, and their reactions reflect the complex and nuanced nature of human behavior. The drama and action are gripping, but the episode also offers moments of humor and tenderness, making it a well-rounded and satisfying installment of the series.