Kowalski ends up in a lousy situation as bodyguard protection for his ex-wife and her new boyfriend, an Alderman who has been receiving death threats.

Detailed Overview

The Canadian Consulate staff is stuck with a psychologist giving them 'blot' tests. Fraser and Thatcher see totally different things in the B&W images, but it makes no difference, as there is no correct response. However, the psychologist is fascinated (and Thatcher somewhat mortified) when Fraser asks if either of them hear the sounds of carpentry work, something only he can apparently hear!

Meanwhile, Kowalski appears to be even more obsessive on studying the law than Fraser; he can quote the laws from the 19th century. Point in case, lascivious public behavior, which he would love to enforce on a couple he spies on the sidewalk. When Fraser spots a gunman aiming for that couple, both he and Kowalski rush to the rescue. Only after the gunman escapes are introductions made, and it seems the female half of the 'lascivious' couple is none other than Stan's ex-wife.

City councilman Frank Orsini, Stella's new boyfriend, is so impressed with Stan and Fraser's daring that they end up as his bodyguards. Unfortunately, Stan has no say in the matter and must endure his own private hell as they accompany Orsini to city meetings and, worse yet, dates with Stella.

It seems Orsini is involved in a controversial project in which a slum will be torn down and new housing units put up, only there won't be room for everyone. Perhaps this is the reason people are taking potshots at him, but the protesters deny doing any such thing. At the other end of town, Stella (an Assistant State's Attorney) is prosecuting Dwayne Weston, an abusive husband, who is anything but a pleasant individual.

When Fraser and Stan must accompany Orsini and Stella on a date on a cruise boat, Stan decides to take advantage and asks his wife to dance. Stan still loves Stella and seems hopeful of rekindling that romance, but it's not to be. The music stops, Orsini interrupts. But Fraser's astute eyes spot a bomb in the form of a champagne bottle, which he tosses overboard, saving many lives when it explodes harmlessly in the water below.

Fraser manages to retrieve the bomb fragments, and Stan ends up driving Stella home for the evening. The passion may still remain, but the harsh realities douse it. Stan reluctantly leaves, then drags Fraser to the office to solve the case so he can get off the case and, hopefully, get Orsini out of Stella's life.

Their detective work pays off. Orsini set up the hit on himself for publicity, but the 'hitman' denies any involvement with the bombing. Stan happily arrests Orsini, and is given the opportunity to drive Stella home. And it looks like there might be a rekindling of romantic feelings, but it's rudely interrupted by the ever-diligent Fraser, who has tracked down the true bomber.

When the bomber abruptly bursts arrives, the good guys seem to be at a disadvantage, but quick talking by Stan distracts the man. Fraser gets the bomb, disposing of it with just seconds to spare. Alas, the timing again doesn't seem right for Stan and Stella.

Back at the Consulate, Fraser is given the results of the psych test. When Thatcher leaves, Fraser investigates the strange noises he keeps hearing and this time when he opens the closet. He is astonished to find that his dead father has built a complete office in his closet. A discussion ensues between the men, albeit a short one, for Inspector Thatcher opens the closet door. Can Fraser talk his way out of this predicament??

Music

BRINDIS
Composed by Verdi
Arrangement and Orchestration by Peter Coulman
for Lenz Entertainment
Stan and Stella dance to this music on the boat.

WIENER BLUT
The Emperor Quartet, "In Perfect Time"
Composed by Johann Strauss Jr.
CD JTK-4-002
On the boat after the song above finishes.

DE CARA A LA PARED
Lhasa de Sela, "La Llorna"
(c) 1997 Audiogram Records
#ADCD 10101
Stan and Stella dance to this song in her apartment; also at very end of episode as Stan sits alone in his apartment.

Interesting Trivia

• Canadian Nielsen Rating - #14 (970,000 viewers)
• Anne Marie Loder joins the series in a recurring role as Stella Kowalski, Stan's ex-wife.
• Tom Melissis makes his first appearance as Thomas E. Dewey, Huey's new partner.
• Ramona Milano officially joins the ranks of the regular cast as she takes over Elaine's slot.
• Look for a hilarious blooper in which Draco's trainer can be seen in the reflection of the car window as Stan and Fraser drive Stella and her date home at night.

Original Broadcast Information

• Australia: March 18 / April 1, 1998
• Canada: October 5, 1997
• South Africa: November 26, 1997
• Sweden: August 29, 1998
• Switzerland: February 15, 1998
• United Kingdom: June 20, 1998
• United States: Week of October 6-12, 1997

Other Cool Links

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