Nurse Jackie – “Jackie and the Wolfe” Review. A Day of Reckoning.

Season 7, Episode 10

Air Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015, 9 pm ET/PT on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“Zoey, this is not about some hearing; it’s about you and me. That’s just what it comes down to. Do you trust me?” – Jackie Peyton

I knew Eddie’s (Paul Schulze) actions in last week’s episode, “Serviam in Caritate,” would cause trouble for Jackie (Edie Falco) but I never expected a little dog to be at the center of those problems this week in “Jackie and the Wolfe.” It’s the day of Jackie’s hearing to regain her nursing license but things don’t go as smoothly as planned. After Jackie’s lawyer, Barry Wolfe (guest star Mark Feuerstein), gets involved, does the hearing board rule in Jackie’s favor or does Jackie lose her beloved career after all?

With the flick of an eye, Jackie knows exactly what Eddie needs.

It’s fun to watch Schulze and Falco when their characters interact. They’re just so cute together. Eddie and Jackie have come a long way in their relationship over the years and I appreciate the way the various writers and directors have brought these two together this season. It seems so right. Eddie and Jackie are of one mind, especially when an adorable little drug-sniffing beagle enters the scene. Unfortunately, when Gary Roberts (guest star Steve Rosen), representing Eddie’s employer, shows up asking for an accounting of Eddie’s sample drugs, it has unexpected consequences for Jackie at her hearing. Whether Eddie’s job is in jeopardy, however, remains to be seen. You won’t believe who is behind this whole scenario. I took an immediate dislike of Roberts from the moment Eddie opens the door, which is a testament to Rosen’s acting abilities. Roberts is the kind of person who uses a fake smile and laugh to hide his true intentions.

Jackie pleads her case to an understanding Zoey.

Wolfe shows up with some great news…well, he thinks it’s great until Jackie relates the morning’s events. The advice he gives her isn’t going to be so easy to follow, especially with Zoey (Merritt Wever) hot on Jackie’s trail for her final “pee test.” It’s nice to see Zoey and Jackie being friendly again in “Jackie and the Wolfe” following last week’s road trip. Truth be told, I never thought that would happen. It’s comforting to see Zoey rooting for Jackie. Just goes to show true friendships can usually be mended, and Zoey proves just that after her conversation with Jackie in the bathroom.

Other Observations

The noises Karlsen (guest star Jeremy Shamos) makes when Carrie (Betty Gilpin) examines his bruised nose sound like he’s having an orgasm. Get over yourself, Karlsen; Carrie has no interest in dating you so give it a rest.

I definitely do not like what happens to Dr. Prince (special guest star Tony Shalhoub) when Thor (Stephen Wallem) hands him an otoscope to use with a patient. Prince explains it away by telling Thor it’s a “head rush” but I know better. I hope episodic writers Ellen Fairey and Carly Mensch aren’t leading the audience down a path none of us want to see.

Funny lines

While Carrie tends to Karlsen’s nose, he hits on her again.

Karlsen: “Would you like to come with me to an opening at the Metropolitan Museum near Eastern Antiquities?”

Carrie: “I almost just fell asleep.”

Karlsen: “Wonderful!”

Carrie: “Yeah. Um, also, aren’t you married?”

Karlsen: “In Norway I am.”

I didn’t know Carrie could be so funny!

Man, is Gloria pissed when Wolfe rises to the challenge!

Jackie is beyond nervous about the upcoming hearing and rightfully so. I love when Prince and Thor interrupt the meeting, giving Ellen (guest star Adriane Lenox), the head of the board, their “two cents about how much we love Jackie.” Shalhoub is an absolute hoot in this part, especially when he starts talking about the beloved television series M.A.S.H.—a much needed bit of comedic relief in an otherwise extremely tense scene. But Gloria (Anna Deavere Smith) is out for blood, forcing Wolfe to use the background material he has on her, information Jackie previously didn’t want him to use. Is Wolfe right that Gloria has turned this into a “misplaced vendetta?”

Overall

“Jackie and the Wolfe” is extremely well-written and directed, and does a great job of setting up the remaining episodes of Nurse Jackie‘s final season. Now that a decision has been rendered in Jackie’s hearing, what will it be like when Jackie and Gloria return to work? And what about what Jackie tells Zoey? “This is my life. It has cost me everything—every relationship I’ve ever had, including with you. This is not something that just goes away, and I will likely have these cravings for my whole life. But right now, I am clean.” I was absolutely blown away by Jackie’s impassioned speech, proving once again why Falco has won multiple Golden Globe awards for her iconic role in The Sopranos, as well as Emmys for Nurse Jackie. She’s the only actress to have won the coveted Emmys in both the comedy and drama categories.

I’d love to discuss “Jackie and the Wolfe” with you. Did you enjoy that huge smile on Jackie’s face towards the end of the episode? Hit me up on Twitter @SeasideTV or leave your comments below.

Tune in to the remaining two episodes of the final season of Nurse Jackie, Sundays at 9:00 pm ET/PT, only on Showtime.

Follow the show on Twitter, using hashtag #NurseJackie, as well as @SHO_Jackie and @SHO_PR. Like Nurse Jackie on Facebook, and stay up to date with the series on its official website.

You can also follow these cast members: Gloria @AnnaDeavereS, Thor @StephenWallem, Carrie @bettygilpin, Grace @RJerins, and Fiona @mackieealadjem.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!