Directed by David Von Ancken
Written by Anthony E. Zuiker, Ann Donahue, Carol Mendelsohn, & Timothy J Lea
"On the Job" is the 21st episode of Season 1. It originally aired May 4, 2005.
Synopsis:
Danny is accused of killing an undercover officer during a shootout in the subway. Meanwhile, a nanny is found dead in a restroom in Central Park.Tropes for the episode:
- Dirty Cop: It was revealed Minhas was one who clearly committed murder and attempted murder in order to keep his undercover operation going.
- The Help Helping Themselves: Three nannies conspire to steal valuable items from each other's employers and sell them in order to afford health insurance, which none of the families provide. They figure if any fingerprints happen to be found, they'll be in the clear since their own prints won't match. Sandra steals from Glenda's employer, Glenda from Matrice's, and Matrice from Sandra's. All goes well until Sandra feels guilty and returns the Russian nesting doll she'd taken. This prompts Matrice to kill her, and the whole plot unravels.
- Not-So-Well-Intentioned Extremist: Mild example. It’s not revealed what Minhas was investigating in the first place, but he was shooting at fellow cop Danny on a crowded subway platform.
- "Strangers on a Train"-Plot Murder: The three maids are all unconnected and only come together to help plan thefts.
- Terminology Title: Police terminology to let fellow officers know one is working undercover.
- Title Drop: Part of the dilemma is determining whether or not the deceased officer had identified himself as being "on the job" before he was shot.
- Turn in Your Badge: Subverted. Evidence contradicts Danny's version of events so he almost loses his job, but evidence that Mac and Aiden find is just enough to keep that from happening.
