"RIPCORD" Creeps October 24, 1997

by
Gordon Hom

In this sixth episode of the new season, Kelly Hu is added to the open (though Kelly isn't in this episode). Meanwhile Mary Mara - the actress Kelly has replaced, has just done a guest shot on DELLAVENTURA as the wife of a slain police officer. This episode also marks the return of Nash's sister Stacy, who seemingly appears out of nowhere and is now part of taking care of Nick.

"Ripcord" dabbles into the subculture of extreme sports represented in that NASH BRIDGES way of characters such as Eddie Green. Eddie's a street performer ridiculously trying to run away with two wire mannequins attached to him. Extreme sports participants seek the adrenaline rush that comes from life-threatening daredevil feats such as base jumping (which is illegal). Associated with this world of illicit danger is daughter Cassidy and through this, a further link is made to SIU member Evan Cortez. Evan's made a play for Nash's willing daughter before (a romance which Nash has forbidden), so their scenes together hint at repressed smoldering passions.

The Cassidy/Kyle romance is brought to a violent end - what is it about sweet-faced girls that are drawn to creeps? There's too many real life examples - I mentioned Valerie Bertinelli (in the previous commentary) married to a heavy metal musician or the notorious Pamela Lee Anderson married to that parental nightmare, that tattooed, emaciated whats-his-name. At the end of the episode, Nash reading literature to Cassidy doesn't wipe away her preference for rough creeps - remember that street hustler (played by Madonna's ex-hubby) last season? Not to confuse real life with Cassidy, but would you want your daughter within ten miles of these types? Nash seems downright tolerant, though he does try to warn Cassidy.

Speaking of creeps, there's Nash's dad Nick, the dirty old man being paid for sex and caught on tape. The ribald humor is played out upon daughter Stacy. NASH BRIDGES continues to use sexual harassment overtones in the workplace as a source of humor. (Last week it was Michelle that was the "victim.") Stacy views the explicit videotape in the squad room, and we are treated to close-ups of her surprised face, as the men (Nick, Nash and Joe) dash out. Aw, what the heck - it's all in the family with dad as star of the tape (with the exception of Joe, but he's a close family friend). It's not like pornography being deliberately left in the workplace for female co-workers to view....

For more, see synopsis for Episode 37

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