When Ray renews his acquaintance with Frank Zuko's sister, a brawl results that leaves Ray suspended -- until Louis is killed in a car bomb meant for Ray.

Detailed Overview

Ray, an unlikely Romeo, falls hard for Irene Zuko, his childhood sweetheart. All that stands in the way is her brother, Frank, the neighborhood Mafia don, and the blood feud that has existed between Ray and Frank since they were kids.

But there is more at stake here than just Irene; Frank's crime family lieutenant, Michael, is intent on taking control of the family business and finds an opportunity to frame Frank for murder by staging a hit on Ray. Tragically, the hit goes wrong and instead results in the death of Ray's friend and fellow officer, Detective Louis "Louey" Gardino.

Vengeance becomes the order of the day as Ray, Detective Jack Huey (Gardino's partner) and their police buddies decide to take down Frank Zuko once and for all -- with or without due process of law. Fraser alone refuses to be influenced by emotion. Investigating the facts of the case, he believes Zuko to be innocent of Gardino's killing and sets out to prove it, placing himself between the cops and Zuko's soldiers in an effort to uphold justice.

Left to sort out the web of intrigue without Ray's support, Fraser discovers that the evidence trail that conveniently ties Zuko to Louey's killing has been manufactured by Michael. Of course his proof is Fraser-like, involving Mountie clues that Ray in his grief over the potential loss of Irene and guilt over Louey's death, refuses to give credence to.

Michael's palace coup is about to pay off when Ray confronts Frank in a jealous clash over Irene. Ray, fearing for Irene's life at her brother's crazed hands, tries to forcibly remove Irene from the mansion. A gun battle breaks out. But when the smoke clears it isn't Ray or Frank left dead on the floor. A stray bullet has taken the one person both men held most dear -- Irene.

Irene's death leaves both men bereft. Ray as a witness knows he has enough to put Frank away, but in Irene's memory he honors her wish not to let revenge destroy him or her brother and lets his enemy walk away.

Music

FINICULI, FINICULA
arrangement by Suzie Kalayama
(c) Killer Tracks (BMI)
c/o Skinners Pond Music (SOCAN)

MI'AMORE, MIA PISTOLA
written and composed by Jack Lenz & Jay Semko

RAIMONDO STA SANGUINANDO
written and composed by Jack Lenz & Jay Semko

MY FOOLISH HEART
performed by Pat Farenga
written by Washington & Young
(c) Chappell & Co./Patty Washington Music/Largo Music for Catherine Hinen Music
Permission granted by Warner/Chappell Music Canada
Ray and Irene dance at the restaurant.

FULL CIRCLE
Loreena McKennitt, "The Mask and the Mirror"
Warner Brothers Records
CD 9 45420-2
During Louis Gardino's funeral.

GHOST OF A FEELING
performed by Cindy Valentine
written by Cindy Valentine & Judd Friedman
(c) Cin-Full Music/Sea Palms Music
courtesy of peermusic Canada, Inc./Administered by Cohen & Cohen for Cindy Valentine
Irene is in her bedroom; rips down panels off her canopy bed, then hears noise at window.

Interesting Trivia

• Daniel Kash (Louis Gardino) makes his final appearance on the show in this episode.
• The destruction of Ray's Buick Riviera marks the second time he loses one of these beloved cars. The first time, Ray was forced to blow his car up to save their lives in the Season 1 episode "The Man Who Knew Too Little."
• This is Jim Bracchitta's (Frank Zuko) second appearance in the show. He and Ray clashed before in the Season 1 episode "The Deal."
• Falconer Abraham (Bomb Squad Leader) shows up again later in this season in the episode "All the Queen's Horses" as a team leader.

Original Broadcast Information

• Canada: February 1, 1996
• Luxembourg: December 31, 1996
• United States: February 2, 1996

Other Cool Links

• The DueSies Project
• Episode Title Origins
• Fan Episode Reviews
• Filming Locations