Commotion in the ER. Retrospective: Nurse Jackie – “Walk of Shame”

Season 5, Episode 6

Air Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013, 9 pm ET/PT on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“Calm the fuck down. I say that with love.” – Eddie

Grace may be grounded but I don’t think that’s going to stop her.

Eddie (Paul Schulze) may be the smartest friend Jackie (Edie Falco) has right now when he says those words to her. I don’t understand why Jackie blames herself for not being available to help Grace (Ruby Jerins) the previous evening. First of all, the kid wasn’t where she was supposed to be, having lied about her whereabouts. Second, why can’t a grown divorced woman have a little fun in her life? At least Jackie and Kevin (Dominic Fumusa) come together to finally hand down the punishment Grace needs. The question is, will Grace stick to it? It’s highly doubtful; this girl needs therapy…badly. It’s obvious she’s acting out over her parents’ divorce.

I hate how easily Coop (Peter Facinelli) is manipulated by Dr. Carrie Roman (Betty Gilpin). I know some women sleep their way to the top, but doctors? Doesn’t Coop realize how dangerous it is if he keeps stepping in for Carrie? How is she ever going to learn? Is sex that important to him? Oh, wait. We’re talking about Coop here. Seriously, I hate to think things like that happen in real life but I suppose they probably do, which is very frightening to me. It would be a lot better if Coop stepped up and helped Carrie by teaching her instead of doing her job for her. The world doesn’t need another ineffective doctor.

Jackie comforts Cruz, assuring him he was a great father.

Dr. Cruz (Bobby Cannavale) surprises everyone when he arrives at All Saints for his exit interview. It’s been quite a while since anyone—other than Jackie, of course—has seen him. Needless to say, he’s not there just for the exit interview; he wants to see Jackie again after their one-night stand. This is exactly what Jackie doesn’t need in her life right now—complication, especially when it comes to men. But sex isn’t all Cruz wants from Jackie; after all, he can get that anywhere. Their conversation in the chapel reveals Cruz’s real reason for seeking out Jackie, and is probably one of the most honest and heartfelt moments of “Walk of Shame.” Not only is the dialogue truthful, both Falco and Cannavale act the hell out of the scene. Cruz’s pain is palpable, and Jackie’s empathy is spot on. I nearly started crying.

Racial profiling–really, Prentiss? Good thing Jackie has Anthony’s back.

I can’t believe how insensitive Dr. Prentiss (Morris Chestnut) is when Anthony (Barrington Walters, Jr.), a young black teenager, comes in complaining of general malaise. Just because the kid lives in a drug-infested neighborhood doesn’t mean he’s looking to score drugs, Prentiss! At least he comes up with the right diagnosis after Jackie does something so totally out of character, I yelled “OMG” at my TV. I’m not sure I like what’s happening to Prentiss. When he first arrived at All Saints, he was very likeable. But ever since Gloria Akalitus (Anna Deavere Smith) made him Chief of the ER, it’s seems like he’s letting the power go to his head. He’s downright rude to both staff and patients alike. He better put that I’m-better-than-God attitude away…fast. He does redeem himself at the end of “Walk of Shame” so I haven’t given up on him altogether. I love how easily Chestnut switches personalities—going from good cop to bad cop and vice versa. He’s a fine actor and extremely easy on the eyes. As my mother would say, “He can park his slippers under my bed anytime!”

Things that make you go “hmm:”

Who knew some guy (Michael Chernus) with a broken nose calling Carrie a “cunt” would motivate her the way it does? I was shocked at how easily she sets the guy’s nose. Obviously, there’s more to her than meets the eye but I still don’t like her—nor do I trust her. How about that crazy sex she and Coop have with Coop screaming like Tarzan? Did you notice Coop’s voice recorder blinking while they’re getting it on? That can only mean trouble, right?

May I just say how beautiful Zoey (Merritt Wever) looks in everyday clothes? Seriously, Wever is a beautiful woman, both inside and out. How lucky for Zoey that she just happens to be at All Saints getting a cut taken care of when Cruz strolls in, giving her the perfect opportunity to gossip about him with Jackie. Don’t you just love how she insinuates herself into Jackie’s life?

Memorable lines:

Carrie, hearing her name called: “Aren’t you going to get that?”

Coop: “No can do. Part of being a first year resident means you actually have to touch a patient.”

Jackie: “You know me better than I want you to.”

Cruz: “That makes two of us.”

Is this really a goodbye kiss?

I’m not sure Jackie will stick with her decision to “say goodbye” to Cruz. Even though she seems to be enjoying herself on her date with Officer Frank Verelli (Adam Ferrara), she has trouble closing her eyes during their first kiss. I wonder why she’s having such a hard time clicking with Frank. Could it be that she doesn’t think she’s worthy of someone like him? Or is it because he always knows the right thing to say and do? I’m beginning to think he’s too perfect, and with all the crap in Jackie’s life, is he what she really needs? Probably yes, but can Jackie sustain a relationship with someone as ideal as he seems to be? Or does she relate to Cruz too much? I hope Jackie isn’t going to be the moth to Cruz’s flame.

Tune in to Nurse Jackie Sundays at 9 pm ET/PT, only on Showtime.

Follow the show on Twitter @Sho_Network using the hash tag #NurseJackie. Like Nurse Jackie on Facebook, and stay up to date with the series on its official website.

More Twitter follows for you: Coop @peterfacinelli, Gloria @AnnaDeavereS, and Dr. Prentiss @Morris_Chestnut.

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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!