Marshals: On Thin Ice

It makes good economic sense for CBS and Paramount that Kayce Dutton and his fellow SEALs served in Afghanistan rather than Iraq. That way the Rockies (or their stand-ins) can also double for the Hindu Kush. This will be one of those episodes. Dutton and fellow former SEAL Deputy Marshal Pete Calvin face a fight for survival in the Montana mountains, but the frequent flashbacks take back to their in-country active duty in “On Thin Ice,” tonight’s episode of Marshals on CBS.

Skinner and Cruz limited the damage of the Fugitive-style accident and jailbreak in “Playing with Fire,” but a few still got away. One of them was Neil Lamb, a desperado who once worked on the Dutton ranch for old man John Dutton (a.k.a. Kevin Costner). That means he might know where some of their bodies are buried—literally. The prospect sufficiently concerns Deputy Marshal Dutton that he leaves Garrett Garvey’s hospital bedside, to catch the fugitive, off the clock.

It all seems rather suspicious to his boss, Calvin when he finds the two together. Unfortunately, Calvin is not at his best, for reasons regular viewers will guess. A bit confused and insufficiently outfitted, Calvin is unable to find his transportation, forcing them to arrange makeshift shelter. Of course, that also allows Lamb an opportunity to play on Calvin’s suspicions.

The flashbacks finally explain the long-teased tragedy in the SEALs’ backstory together. For network TV, they do a credible job of recreating warfighting conditions. They also feature excellent guest-starring performances from Riley Green, continuing his arc as Garvey, as well as Jay Reeves portraying the frequently mentioned Roner and Shon Lange as Lt. Commander Muro. Frankly, based on these flashback sequences, creator Spencer Hudnut and franchise mastermind Taylor Sheridan might consider taking a page out of the Terminal List playbook and giving Dutton’s SEAL years a prequel series treatment.

Regardless, this is an episode that pays off some of the audience’s accrued investment. It vividly depicts the SEALS’  courage and sacrifice. However, it also reminds viewers Kayce is indeed a Dutton, which franchise fans will appreciate. It also finally gives Rainwater a subplot, showing his political acumen (while making the kind of environmental statement that has always been a part of the ultra-outdoorsy franchise’s ethos). Recommended for longstanding fans and SEAL Team admirers, “On Thin Ice” airs tonight (5/10) on CBS.