Strangers and Other Partners
Directed By: Kenneth Fink
Written By: Tom Fontana, David Simon, and James Yoshimura
Pembleton leads an investigation into Felton's murder, with the assistance of Falsone and Gharty, while Giardello orders Howard and Russert to make funeral arrangements for Felton. Pembleton and the others finally get a break in the case when Falsone and Gharty realize they both have the same snitch, Eddie Dugan.
This episode contains examples of:
- As Himself: Then-Maryland governor Paris Glendening and then-Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke appear as themselves at the dedication ceremony for Felton at the end.
- Bittersweet Ending; Pembleton and the others solve Felton's murder, Eddie Dugan is arrested as an accessory, Pembleton and Mary reconcile, and Felton gets fully honored by the department. However, Cantwell, the head of the auto theft ring and the one who murdered Felton, gets away. Not only that, but because of a new rotation schedule ordered by Deputy Commissioner Harris, all of the Homicide detectives may be transferred to other units.
- Call-Back:
- When pointing out how much of a Hypocrite she thinks Giardello is being when he prevents her from being part of Felton's murder investigation, Howard brings up the fact Giardello allowed Crosetti to work Chris Thormann's attempted murder, and Lewis to work Crosetti's suicide.
- Russert is not happy to see Gharty because of the way he handled a shooting. Pembleton tells Gharty he's not sure he can trust Gharty because of that. Gharty admits he had to get beaten up in a crack house to get over his fear.
- "Eureka!" Moment: Falsone and Gharty realize Dugan is The Mole inside Cantwell's auto theft ring when they find out he's The Stool Pigeon for both of them.
- Pet the Dog: When they get to Cantwell's headquarters, Pembleton tells Howard she and Russert should bust Cantwell, since they were shut out of the investigation. Howard appreciates the gesture.
- Stay in the Kitchen: Howard accuses Giardello of succumbing to sexism when he tells her and Russert to stop working the case and to go and get clothes from Felton's home for him to be buried in.
- Two-Part Episode
- Wham Line: Giardello tells the Homicide Unit because of the new rotation system, "In three months, none of us may be here."
- You Owe Me: Howard points out to Giardello she's been loyal to him and because of that, and her closeness with Felton, she should be involved with the investigation of his murder. It doesn't work.
