Normally, I have much to say about CSI:NY in the days after it airs, nitpicking and criticizing and exposing the holes in plot, logic, and continuity, but "Flag on the Play" was so inoffensive that there isn't much to say. The case wasn't riveting, but it was sturdy and serviceable, and I didn't find myself marveling at the madman's logic with which they often spackle together half-assed conclusions, though the shady, fraudulent doctor angle did come out of left field forty minutes in. Some foreshadowing would have been nice.
It was wonderful to see Sid, who's been MIA for several episodes, enjoying a brief moment in the spotlight. They showcased his compassion without presenting him as the righteous uberhero. Unlike Mac and Stella, who often warp the laws of physics and credibility in their pursuit of justice and sainthood, Sid worked solely within the confines of his office to help a grieving mother and bring a reckless con artist to justice.
The episode was far from perfect, however. I find the stolen badge storyline idiotic. I can well believe that Danny's badge might have been stolen. There are enough kleptos, druggies, and law-enforcement fanboys that I can see someone stripping Danny's locker bare and pawning the loot. I can also buy that insecure, paranoid, indecisive Danny wouldn't "want to make a big deal out of it" for fear that it reflect poorly on his already spotty track record. He's already had his gun stolen by a grief-stricken mother and been suspected of murder, and of killing a fellow cop. He's been suspended for excessive force. He's probably on thinner ice than his colleagues, and under greater scrutiny. He likely can't afford many more missteps. So, while he's being stupid, I understand why.
But I cannot buy that neither Lindsay nor Flack would insist that he report the theft. To his credit, Flack pointed out that Danny's badge could be in the hands of a nutjob who could use it to hurt someone and was genuinely disgusted by Danny's feeble, whiny excuse, and to her credit, Lindsay pointed out that Danny's failure to report could earn him a command discipline, but neither of them does anything about it. Maybe Flack figures it's none of his affair, or maybe he's tired of cleaning up after Danny, whose gross unwillingness to take responsibility for the tools of his profession has twice endangered the people he's sworn to protect and serve and has grown to dangerous proportions.
But Lindsay, I don't get. I think it's fabulous that Madame Me finally cares about someone other than herself, but she has to know that Danny's failure to report the theft could have terrible consequences for the entire family. If Danny's badge is used in the commission of a crime and the prior knowledge of its loss comes to light, Danny could be fired and/or prosecuted for negligence and dereliction of duty. Grieving families could sue for wrongful death. Hell, she might be fired for helping him conceal the theft. She needs to help Danny, yes, but both of them need to act like adults, like parents, and consider the possible repercussions for Lucy, who never asked to be born to a pair of clueless, self-involved putzes.
So, the thief is Shane Casey? I won't lie; I squealed like a giddy Clay Aiken fan. Shane Casey is one of the most interesting nemeses the show has ever had, and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Flack had an alcoholic uncle who sold his cuff links to get his drink on? Well, that puts an interesting spin on Sam's alcoholism and his own brief foray into binge drinking earlier this season.
I refuse to believe that Sid Hammerback would be so crass as to play touchdown with a football given to him five minutes before by a grieving mother. Really, writers? Why must you shoehorn a paean to Mac's unassailable greatness into every episode at the expense of other characters' integrity?
B
) 
