Why? Well, the initial scenes are startling, with Ray and Benton in a completely new setting taking part in a task force training exercise, all high-tech equipment and combat uniforms (and don't they look great in that gear?!) where Benton finds his usual tactic of talking people into submission finally fails him.
The overall storyline is beautifully developed, as Benton comes to believe he's losing his "edge" (and his father helpfully keeps reminding him he's not getting any younger - thanks, Dad) with the assassin outwitting him at every turn and three young Secret Service agents making him feel ancient (which is where the dream bits come in as his sleep is disturbed by self-doubt).
Then there is the introduction of the Mexican agent who provides a wonderful antagonism with Ray, against the background of international trade talks between the USA, Canada and Mexico, whose representives are outwardly all diplomatic smiles but still not trusting each other an inch. This is reflected in Ray's initial mistrust of, but obvious interest in, Agent Cortez.
Also remarkable is the way we are made to empathise with the assassin. Even when he has drugged Dief and is threatening Benton, he is not altogether portrayed as the villain, in what is a very deftly written and acted role. We can understand the way he feels betrayed because of what is being done to his environment. Indeed, it is implied that Benton agrees with his point of view, if not with his method of protest. And of course Benton has to be true to his obligations and protect the participants in the talks.
Eventually, Benton regains his confidence in his abilities and he, Ray and Agent Cortez finally become a well-oiled team to defeat the assassin, outwitting the Secret Service in the process. This display of self-confidence even results in Benton inviting Thatcher out for coffee, making her completely lose her Dragon Lady cool for a moment of beautifully-timed comedy. Meanwhile, Ray has won over Agent Cortez (having earlier saved her life, which always helps!).
But, the most sublime moment in this episode comes near the beginning. The training exercise was a disaster, with Ray having shot Benton, grazing his neck. At a debriefing meeting in Welsh's office, Agent Cortez starts wiping the wound with a handkerchief, only for the overtly jealous Thatcher to snatch a handkerchief and utter the wonderful line as she dabs Benton's neck, "We clean our own personnel here!" Benton's look of exquisite embarrassment, Thatcher's double-take when she eventually realises exactly what she's doing, while Welsh, Ray and Cortez look on, revelling in the scene, are sheer magic. Brilliant, brilliant acting by all. Due South at its best - but I still don't like those dream sequences!
It was seeing Fraser as a cop! Especially at the airport, dressed like some sort of Secret Service guy! It was just so unusual and delightful to see him pull out a gun, and then put it away.
I also liked the confrontation of Fraser and the villain in Fraser's apartment. This is the second time we have seen Benton Fraser *really* afraid (remember 'The Deal'?). Once again, Fraser is at his most vulnerable; he's in his bed in his longjohns. It was such a human moment when the guy moved and you see Fraser flinch!
The ridicoulously jr. agents are the proof that he is in fact powerless in certain situations. But because of that we see that he learns how to step back and when to make the move and that time I think I admire his character. And the way when he save his enemy's life even though a second before that is threatening Fraser's life makes us realize that human character.
I think I liked this episode. And yes jr. agents I think he hasn't lost his edge.