Marshals: Blowback

Most U.S. Marshals would rather kick down doors than worry about personnel issues. That is certainly true in Pete Calvin’s case and Kayce Dutton can surely relate. The Dutton family never really cared about people’s feelings, not even their own. Unfortunately, a lot of personal stuff blows up on the team in “Blowback,” tonight’s episode of creator Spencer Hudnut’s Marshals.

Last episode, Calvin and Deputy Marshal Belle Skinner had a bit of a moment that now leads to a heck of a lot of awkwardness. Calvin also has another doctor appointment, which does not bode well. On top of that, he just learned Deputy Marshal Miles Kittle is dating his mostly estranged daughter Maddie.

That would challenge any supervisor—but wait, there’s more. A former SEAL comrade of Calvin and Dutton, turns up unannounced. Unfortunately, Garrett blames Calvin for his “former” status. However, his extreme PTSD will be mostly Dutton’s problem. Regardless, there is a lot of background noise going on when the Marshals receive an anonymous time regarding one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, who is apparently planning a job in Big Sky Country.

“Blowback” seems to following the pattern established by “Lost Girls” and “Out of the Shadows,” in which two-episode story arcs are set-up with a talky first installment and finished with a guns-blazing conclusion. Hopefully, that will be the case next week too. Nevertheless, this episode will hold significance for some fans, because it introduces real-life country music star Riley Green, as Garrett. Indeed, Green is probably a good fit for the Yellowstone fanbase.

However, it is worth reminding Hudnut and the writers that there is much, much more to the veteran experience than just PTSD. Yes, that is sadly a reality, but there is a host of other issues veterans must contend with, such as the stereotype that they all are unstable basket-cases suffering from PTSD. Gee, you wonder where people get these prejudicial preconceptions, don’t you, Hollywood TV writers?

Still, Marshals largely invites sympathy for its SEAL vets as they manage the baggage leftover from their service, which is something. It also looks and feels like Montana, which is another something. A weaker episode, but recommended for Green’s fans, “Blowback” airs tonight (4/19) on CBS.