"MYSTERY DANCE" Come To Daddy December 20, 1998

by
Gordon Hom

This is the turn-around episode we've been expecting for Caitlin Cross - the one where she is turned from defiant missy to quivering mush. She then goes running into the long protective arms of daddy Nash. A Clintonian moment occurs as Caitlin, so confused and lonely after all those CIA years spent in secrecy, looks into Nash's eyes and offers herself to him. Does Nash go presidential and ravish Caitlin right there on the office coffee table, clearing off the table top and sweeping their guns to the floor? No, the moment is not quite right - she's too vulnerable, it's not a ratings sweeps month, nor is it the end of the season yet.

Besides, something else is off with Caitlin. She can't seem to trust anybody (make that MEN), poor little kitten, in her reluctance to ask Nash for help, and at the end of the episode, Caitlin can't even utter words to thank Nash. Throughout the entire episode, poor Caitlin is in a state of turmoil, stuttering and unable to return repartee with the constantly jabbering Nash. For Nash to kiss her at that Clintonian moment would be like, ah, like a priest taking advantage of the moment of the confession.

This tone is reinforced by the hilarious backstory of Cassidy volunteering to be Nick's tango dance partner. As the dance instructor exhorts the dance class on, directing them to have more body contact, more hip thrusts: "Remember, the tango is the dance of a very expensive prostitute." Grand daughter Cassidy looks at Grandfather Nick uncomfortably, as the nasty incestuous thought hangs in the air. This same tone hangs in the air for Nash as he stares back at Caitlin about to kiss him. Nah, it's just not right yet - Caitlin's in Nash's protective fatherly custody. It's more fun to cop a kiss off Caitlin at a swinger's party (see episode #61 "Swingers"). While all these healthy bodies are joining, Joe is doing the opposite. Joe quits his punishing exercise instructor.

At the start of this season, we noted that the television season was overshadowed by the real events of the presidential scandal (see Commentary for episode #55, "High Fall"). As this is being written one day after "Mystery Dance" airs, the United States is at war with Iraq, and President Clinton has just been impeached. How can NASH BRIDGES compete with this kind of drama? We think Don Johnson can do it. How? Don, it's time to marry that girl and generate mucho gossip and publicity...

For more, see synopsis for Episode 65

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