Morgan is excited to get her official LAPD badge despite Karadec's reluctance. The detectives work tirelessly on an emotional missing children case, which hits close to home for Morgan and sends her mind into overdrive.
Morgan previously told Soto it's nearly impossible for her to sleep while she's obsessing over something. Her mind doesn't allow her to stop and decompress. She is able to get a couple hours each night despite the agony of not knowing what happened to Roman. New details have started to emerge with that mystery. This episode is the first not to feature an update on that case. Instead, the entire run time is devoted to the mystery of two kidnapped girls. Morgan relates to the mother who is overcome with emotion not knowing where her kids are. It's important to have a fresh perspective after a good night's sleep. Morgan's brain simply doesn't turn off. That becomes a liability in the field. She wasn't sleeping before getting this case. The detectives don't solve it before they are told to go home and sleep. Soto knows the team needs to take care of themselves in order to help others in this job. Morgan is still learning things. She's excited over getting an ID badge. She doesn't have the same responsibilities as the detectives. She still carries the emotional weight of this job. That's even more daunting.
The lack of sleep and the immense empathy towards the mother provide a keen focus for Morgan. That's the perspective through which she analyzes the case. She needs to have an engaging story in order for the episode to be effective. That's apparent after four episodes. Morgan remains the protagonist. Everyone else fulfills a simple role. Sure, Morgan and Karadec are growing closer. They trust each other more. However, not a lot of progress has been made. It surely doesn't require a shoutout from Soto about Karadec being more willing to break the rules now. That's how the story chooses to develop. Similarly, Morgan makes a big deal about getting her badge. And then, she carelessly loses it while conducting a search in the mountains. Karadec returns it to her. They are becoming more aware of each other's ticks. That's largely an example of the show telling the audience instead of letting us experience it. Moreover, Oz and Daphne still have no significant personality traits or character importance. No effort has truly been put into fleshing them out and expanding this world. Instead, the core function of the plot remains the same in each episode.
The show is still finding its rhythms. New shows are allowed that luxury. Only a rare few arrive fully formed. The narrative is figuring out the best way to tell its stories. It understands the importance of the ongoing Roman mystery. It doesn't have to provide an update every week. Moreover, the central mystery has to have enough twists and turns to sustain the plot for the full hour. If not, then it has the potential to include a B-story. However, that only feels fulfilling right now if it connects back to something more important later on in the same episode. All of this is tricky. Here, the focus is entirely on the missing kids. It has the depth to provide Morgan with plenty to do. It's actually meaningful when she pushes back against the detectives after they suspect the mother. Morgan understands what it's like to face that scrutiny. She relates to this woman. She has grown emotionally attached to the outcome of the cases. She knows things won't always go well. She remains hopeful. She has a routine that has been worked out at home. She relies on that support. She's also constantly thinking about work. It's the job her mind has now been given. She likes it. It also makes her stress much more elevated.
The parallels between Morgan and Mia come from the case. Elsewhere, Morgan better relates to the life of the struggling social worker. In that environment, she knows when something is out of place. She recognizes the souvenirs from the recent trip to Hawaii. That wouldn't be practical for someone in her financial position. Secrets are kept within this wealthy family. Mia's father has the influence to make anything happen. It previously required him to bribe a judge. It worked in his favor too. Mia's ex-husband grew a conscience and was planning on sharing these secrets. That's not what resulted in his death. Instead, the family's driver had a crush on Mia that pushed him to do whatever he deemed necessary to protect her. Wendell was a good father. He taught his kids how to survive. They leave a trail so the police can find them. That creates the happy ending. Solving the case requires everyone to shift their perspectives. John Ashford is a criminal. His scheme is exposed. Yet his alibi also benefited the person who committed the murder and kidnapping. That's just as important. Morgan catches those details. She solves another case. The specificity makes it more engaging. However, the bar is still high to justify her presence. That pressure remains because any some slip up in the plot can derail everything.
