In episode 9, RJ Decker opens with a flashback of the night RJ was arrested, after Lucas attempts to rob him unsuccessfully. In the present day, RJ and Emi visit Wish’s bar and meet Wish, Mel, and Catherine. RJ explains it all and asks them to help take down Victor.
Emi thinks they finally have the evidence they need. On the night RJ was arrested, Victor tried to coerce him into stealing his camera, suggesting there was something incriminating on it.
What’s on the Camera?
Emi says she lied to her dad about wrecking the memory card. Instead, she handed it to Lucas to keep for her. RJ thinks the photos may be connected to the execution of financial advisor Peter Bellwether at a restaurant.
Catherine goes over her notes on the case; Mel looks through the official files. Meanwhile, Ray breaks into their house and Mel is surprised and even slashes his tires to send a warning. Wish tells RJ that he’ll support him no matter what because he’s worried about RJ’s future.
RJ meets up with Lucas later to get the memory card and apologize for their fight earlier. He also tells Emi that he has forgiven her and Lucas. RJ moves his trailer to Catherine and Mel’s driveway to stay safe.
Was Victor Murder Peter?
The probe goes in a different direction. Peter’s husband admits to hiring a hitman after Peter threatened to divorce him due to his drug use. He staged the killing out of fear of losing everything through a prenup. Truth is revealed but RJ is disappointed, till Mel sees Ray’s car in one of the photos.
But why did Victor want the camera?
The answer is a second offence. Jessica, an architect, died in a suicide, it was ruled, on the same evening Peter was killed. But new evidence suggests it was a hoax. The team thinks Victor had Ray kill her. Victor had been trying to get Jessica to join the team for years.
Ray is brought in for questioning but refuses to co-operate, even threatening Emi subtly. Backstage, tensions build between Ray and Victor, particularly when Ray begins to suspect that Emi could blow their cover.
Emi attempts to persuade one of her father’s associates to help, but fear prevents him from speaking. RJ has no leads, but has Wish follow Ray after he leaves the police station, only to see Ray murdered.
Who Killed Ray?
Ray gives Wish a hint about a thumb drive before he dies. She thinks it might be in her father’s safe. She diverts Victor away from his house, giving RJ time to break in and steal it.
Victor tries to justify himself and warns Emi that he can’t protect her if she continues to dig into his business.
RJ gets the drive but soon learns there is a warrant out for his arrest for a parole violation. Wish tells him to run but RJ decides to confront the matter.
At first the thumb drive looks like a dead end… until all the evidence points to Bruce. It is revealed that Jessica warned him that his construction project was unsafe and he killed her. Bruce also killed Ray out of fear of exposure.
Mel has proof, solid proof. He goes to Bruce with it and Bruce agrees to help. He’ll give the police what they need to arrest Victor.
Season 1 Ending Explained?
Victor is arrested. RJ turns himself in. But Mel steps in and tells RJ’s parole officer not to make any deals with Victor. The charges against RJ are dropped and he is released.
RJ has a showdown with Victor in a holding cell but Victor is sure his influence will keep him safe. He even brags that his links, including with the DEA, will secure his freedom. As expected Victor is bailed out.
However, the group reunites at Wish’s bar to celebrate RJ’s freedom. The episode ends with a shocking final twist as Victor is found dead in his swimming pool and RJ and Emi enjoying the party, unaware of what has just happened.
Episode Summary
Episode 9 is a great episode to end the season on, as it ties up a lot of different plot lines, but also leaves a lot of room for things to progress. Some depth is added with the mystery of the camera and Jessica’s death. The final reveal involving Bruce is both logical and impactful.
RJ and Emi’s chemistry continues to be one of the show’s best elements. Their relationship isn’t defined, but the chemistry and growth is apparent. The series has been very deliberate in building their relationship, and it’s one of the most interesting things looking forward.
The death of Victor sets up an interesting direction for season 2. Who killed him and for what reason opens the door to a new mystery. There is also the possibility that Emi, or even Lucas, could be suspected.
Overall, Season 1 is an enjoyable crime drama with good characters and a strong story base. If renewed, the series has many opportunities to build the story and keep the audience interested.