Heart of Darkness

Season 1, Episode 2

Original Air Date: 9/28/1984

Songs Featured: The Tubes "She's a Beauty", John Waite "Missing You", Devo "Going Under", George Benson "This Masquerade".

Notable Guest Stars: Ed O'Neill

Essential Viewing: Yes

"Heart of Darkness" is a fitting title for the second episode of the series.  In addition to exploring the darker aspects of society it also showcases the negative impact that undercover work can bring. The main plot sees Crockett and Tubbs working to bring down a pornography ring that deals in underage girls. They hit a slight bump in the road though when they discover that the second in command is actually an undercover fed (Ed O'Neill) who has possibly gone to the other side.

Seeing Ed O'Neill play a character before he became known as Al Bundy on "Married with Children" is interesting. The hardened undercover operative that he plays here is worlds away from the middle-class sad-sack that is Al Bundy. It was a bit of a shock at first, but his performance is strong enough that visions of Al Bundy were quickly erased from my mind.

"Heart of Darkness" doesn't add anything to the overall continuity of the show but is essential for many reasons. First it's a great episode. Sure, other great episodes down the road might not be deemed essential, but being that this is the second episode ever it gets a pass. The episode also offers up some great character moments for Crockett and Tubbs. The conflict that O'Neill's character shows stirs emotions in Crockett and we get a sense that undercover work has had an extreme impact on his life. We also see Tubbs' knowledge of law enforcement techniques as he gives Switek and Zito some tips on how to better  arrange the layout of a stolen goods sting that they are assigned to.

BONUS AUDIO ESSAY!