Mary’s a Mom! Advance Review, In Plain Sight – “The Anti-Social Network” @InPlainSightUSA

Advance Review, In Plain Sight, S5, E1 – “The Anti-Social Network”

Air Date: Friday, March 16, 2012, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

It used to be having a show on Friday primetime was its death knell. But that all changed when such series as Blue Bloods, Grimm and Supernatural began to flourish. Now, In Plain Sight has been added to the ever-growing list of Friday night must-watch TV when the series switches nights for its final season beginning March 16, 2012 at 10/9c on the USA network.

Mary’s a Mom! Advance Review, In Plain Sight – “The Anti-Social Network” @InPlainSightUSA 1

Mary with her newborn, Norah

When we last saw our favorite WITSEC Marshals, Mary (Mary McCormack) had saved Marshall (Frederick Weller), Stan (Paul Ben Victor) and a witness from near-death in an ambush. Mary also went into premature labor after Brandi (Nichole Hiltz) fled her nuptials to Peter (Joshua Malina).

This final season gives us a brand new Mary as she deals with juggling motherhood both at home and work. New in that she faces fresh challenges ahead with a baby; although, in “The Anti-Social Network,” she’s still the same old Mary—with her quick comebacks, sarcastic humor, and know-it-all attitude. You know—the Mary we’ve all grown to love! It’s pretty funny how unnerved she is now that she’s decided to keep baby Norah. Nothing and no one has ever been able to shake Mary the way the baby does and it’s very entertaining, to say the least.

In the season premiere, Mary and Marshall have to deal with both Ivan Gunter (Joseph Fuhr), a Winston University college student who witnesses the death of his friend at the hands of the very people he’s been working for, and his mother (Rebecca Wisocky), who refuses to leave the university until she has concluded her very important research. What Ivan uncovers may lead to one of the country’s most powerful secret societies—a society that includes “two Presidents, seven past and current state senators, one Secretary of State and one Supreme Court Justice”—being taken down, but not before they attempt to recover the information Ivan has.

Mary’s a Mom! Advance Review, In Plain Sight – “The Anti-Social Network” @InPlainSightUSA 2

Marshall runs into a bit of trouble when transporting some very important information

According to the powers-that-be, the final season of In Plain Sight promises episodes that will have us on the edge of our seats “with heart-pounding storylines all building to an unforgettable finale.” I hope “The Anti-Social Network” isn’t included in that description because unfortunately, I figured out who the ‘bad guy’ is early on in the episode. There is no “heart-pounding” storyline, and to say that’s disappointing is putting it mildly. I expect more from the writers who have always given us the fun and exciting episodes we look forward to each week. Of course, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the episode. Quite the contrary, actually, especially when it comes to the affable banter between Mary and Marshall, which is always a source of humor and terrific witty dialogue.

As with any police shooting, Mary must see the department’s shrink, Dr. Shelley Finkel (Ali Marsh). These scenes may give us the largest insight into Mary’s personality, especially when the good doctor forces Mary to think about why she got pregnant in the first place. Without giving away any specific details, I love Shelley’s interpretation of who Mary is. “Motherhood can be quite a transition, especially for someone who’s so used to being…you.” There’s a wonderful rapport between these two women, and as strong as Mary is, Shelley isn’t going to let her off easy, something Mary respects. She’s going to have to deal with her issues if she ever wants to have her “gun, shmun” back.

Mary’s a Mom! Advance Review, In Plain Sight – “The Anti-Social Network” @InPlainSightUSA 3

Jinx is so happy taking care of granddaughter Norah

Lesley Ann Warren reprises her role as Mary’s mom Jinx, and she’s as delightful as ever especially when talking baby talk to her new granddaughter. With the relationship Mary has had with Jinx in the past, it’s heartwarming to see them working together as a mother and grandmother only concerned with Norah’s welfare. I wonder, though, how long this will last. Mary isn’t known for her patience and this isn’t their usual dynamic. I’m amused by how much their scenes remind me of my first pregnancy and dealing with my mother-in-law.

And what of Brandi? According to Jinx, she’s in Miami day-trading with her half-brother Scott (Aaron Ashmore) and doing quite well for herself. True to Brandi’s nature, we learn that gig doesn’t last for long and I’m anxious to see what the writers have in store for her as the season unfolds. To be honest, I missed seeing her in this episode. I love her character, as well as Hiltz’s interpretation of the type of person Brandi is.

What I’m most looking forward to during this final season is how Mary adapts to being a mother and how she’ll integrate it with her sometimes dangerous job. Also, will Marshall come to grips with his feelings for Mary, or will he continue to convince himself Abigail (Rachel Boston) is the right woman for him? They certainly look pretty comfy together. And how about Stan? In “The Anti-Social Network,” it appears Stan has a lady friend, according to Marshall. But does he? If so, who is she? Inquiring minds need to know! And I’m not just talking about the fans as Mary, Marshall and Delia (Tangie Ambrose) all obsess over who the woman is.

The most important question—at least for me—is whether Mary will find true love this season. I hope so. She’s so busy trying to take care of everyone else; it would be nice having someone take care of her for a change. I know Cristian de la Fuente will be returning to the show as Mary’s former love, Raph, and Bryan Callen is reprising his role as Mark, Mary’s ex-husband and father of the baby. So will one of these men finally steal Mary’s heart, or will it be someone new—if there’s anyone at all? I know many fans are hoping Mary and Marshall get together, but I think that would be a little cliché. So I’m rooting for Raph. I love the chemistry they had, and Raph is nothing but caring.

On a side note, we’re in for some fabulous guest stars this season—Stephen Lang, Tia Carrere, Julia Jones, Madchen Amick and Mimi Kennedy playing such witnesses as a bigamist, a drag queen, and a supermodel. Now these sound like they’ll be providing some “heart-pounding” storylines—at least I hope so!

Tune in to the final season of In Plain Sight, Fridays at 10/9c, only on USA.

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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!