| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 1 |
"Pilot" |
Shawn Ryan |
Clark Johnson |
March 12, 2002 (2002-03-12) |
101 |
| Four months into the "Farmington Project", Detective Vic Mackey and his Strike Team prepare to take down a major drug dealer who has never before been caught with product. Meanwhile, following a homicide, Wyms and Wagenbach discover that a child is missing, sold to a pedophile by her drug-addicted father. Episode ends with Detective Vic Mackey taking opportunity to kill Detective Crowley during a high risk raid. Kid Rock's Bawitdaba plays in entirety during the scene. |
| 2 |
"Our Gang" |
Shawn Ryan |
Gary Fleder |
March 19, 2002 (2002-03-19) |
102 |
| After the death of a member of the Strike Team on a high-risk raid, Aceveda begins to investigate the real circumstances behind the raid. Lowe and Sofer find a dying man being mugged, eventually linked to a Mexican gang. |
| 3 |
"The Spread" |
Glen Mazzara |
Clark Johnson |
March 26, 2002 (2002-03-26) |
103 |
| It's Sweep-day on the Farm, with all outstanding warrants to be served. Mackey and the Strike Team move to take down an old foe, arresting a basketball star in the process, seeing a chance to affect sports history and make some money in the process. |
| 4 |
"Dawg Days" |
Kevin Arkadie |
Stephen Gyllenhaal |
April 2, 2002 (2002-04-02) |
104 |
| A gunfight breaks out in a crowded club between two local rappers which could potentially start a gang war. To further complicate matters, one of Mackey's contacts was involved in the shootout. Mackey and the Strike Team try to prevent the conflict from escalating. |
| 5 |
"Blowback" |
Kurt Sutter |
Clark Johnson |
April 9, 2002 (2002-04-09) |
105 |
| Aceveda insists that Mackey take uniformed cops in with them to bust an Armenian gang's drug delivery. After the bust, Margos Dezerian is caught among the Armenian gang and Lowe sees the Team take a portion of the drugs for themselves. But in the end Vendrell ends up having the drugs and the vehicle they're in stolen from them. While the search for the drugs and the truck goes on, Mackey learns that his son is autistic. |
| 6 |
"Cherrypoppers" |
Scott Rosenbaum |
D.J. Caruso |
April 16, 2002 (2002-04-16) |
106 |
| When the body of a young hooker is found in the district, Wagenbach and Wyms get the full resources of the Barn for 24 hours and the help of the FBI to search for Wagenbach's serial killer. Meanwhile, The Strike Team busts an underage prostitution ring, and Capt. Aceveda continues to investigate Mackey. |
| 7 |
"Pay in Pain" |
Shawn Ryan |
D.J. Caruso |
April 23, 2002 (2002-04-23) |
107 |
| When Mackey and Vendrell hook up with a cop from another precinct to investigate the shooting, Vendrell sets off an explosive confrontation with a suspect by making a racial slur; fortunately, Mackey defuses the situation. Wagenbach and Wyms search for a serial killer and bring in a psychic on a complaint from the son of one of her clients, and Aceveda calls internal affairs after getting Lowe's affidavit. |
| 8 |
"Cupid & Psycho" |
Glen Mazzara |
Guy Ferland |
April 30, 2002 (2002-04-30) |
108 |
| Allegations against the Strike Team are front-page news, and the team is broken up pending the investigation. Mackey threatens to reveal that Officer Lowe is gay if he won't recant his statement about the Strike Team. In the meantime, Mackey and Wyms find themselves following the trail of a batch of "cupid" meth, while Vendrell and Wagenbach try to get along on a case. |
| 9 |
"Throwaway" |
Kevin Arkadie |
Leslie Libman |
May 7, 2002 (2002-05-07) |
109 |
| A planted gun in a truck-jacking case causes complications for the Strike Team, and now they're left to clean up their own mess. The rift between Officers Lowe and Sofer deepens, causing Aceveda to intervene. Wyms deals with the mess of her family during a visit from her daughter. |
| 10 |
"Dragonchasers" |
Scott Rosenbaum & Kurt Sutter |
Nick Gomez |
May 14, 2002 (2002-05-14) |
110 |
| Mackey helps Connie quit her crack addiction by going cold-turkey in her desperate attempt to keep her son, leaving Vendrell and Lemansky to investigate a strip-club mugging ring. Wagenbach follows his instincts on a serial killer case and Sofer is bitten by an HIV-infected perpetrator. |
| 11 |
"Carnivores" |
Kevin Arkadie & Glen Mazzara (teleplay); James Manos, Jr. (story) |
Scott Brazil |
May 21, 2002 (2002-05-21) |
111 |
| The Strike Team mediates a dispute between Rondell Robinson and the Nation of Islam while Wagenbach and Wyms investigate a brutal home invasion in the tight lipped Korean community. Aceveda revisits his past. |
| 12 |
"Two Days of Blood" |
Kurt Sutter & Scott Rosenbaum |
Guy Ferland |
May 28, 2002 (2002-05-28) |
112 |
| While Mackey answers Assistant Chief Gilroy's call for help in covering up a hit and run before Wagenbach intuits the facts of the case, Vendrell and Lemansky follow the trail of a gunrunner with a penchant for cockfights. Aceveda turns to Wyms after a double homicide raises ire and fear within an ignored community. |
| 13 |
"Circles" |
Shawn Ryan |
Scott Brazil |
June 4, 2002 (2002-06-04) |
113 |
| In the aftermath of a riot, cops are being lured into ambush shootings by a rash of bogus 911 calls. Mackey and Captain Aceveda must work together to stop these attacks and solve the problems in The Grove, while Assistant Chief Gilroy tries to pit the two against each other to save his own job. |
| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 14 |
"The Quick Fix" |
Shawn Ryan & Glen Mazzara |
Scott Brazil |
January 7, 2003 (2003-01-07) |
201 |
| While Mackey searches for his wife and children, the Strike Team allow more drugs into Farmington through a corrupt connection. But when their latest shipment turns bad, they head to Tijuana to uncover the person behind their tainted cocaine. Wagenbach and Wyms try to track down the man responsible for fire necklacing the captains of two separate gangs. |
| 15 |
"Dead Soldiers" |
Kurt Sutter |
John Badham |
January 14, 2003 (2003-01-14) |
202 |
| As Mackey gets closer to finding his family, the Strike Team focuses their attention to Armadillo after he burns down Tio's HQ. Mackey must now prevent Wyms from finding out the truth about his connection to Tio and his men. Wagenbach is followed around by the new civilian auditor to solve a meter-maid murder, and Sofer and Lowe try to clear up issues between feuding neighbors. |
| 16 |
"Partners" |
Scott Rosenbaum |
Guy Ferland |
January 21, 2003 (2003-01-21) |
203 |
| Still fuming from the death of Tio and his brawl with Armadillo, Mackey takes a day off and leaves the Strike Team with Aceveda, only to end up helping an old partner bust the man who helped him lose his job. Wagenbach and Wyms search to find the people behind the torture and mutilation of a woman who may still be alive, and Lowe fails to back up Sofer's side of the story from her shooting. |
| 17 |
"Carte Blanche" |
Reed Steiner |
Peter Horton |
January 28, 2003 (2003-01-28) |
204 |
|
Now that Mackey is back to work, he and Vendrell go undercover as dirty cops to find the man behind a robbery/murder. Wagenbach and Wyms track down an old rival of Wyms after a turned in gun is connected to a previous case. In an attempt to get the Asian vote in the election, Aceveda assigns Lowe and Sofer to watch over a Korean parish.
Guest Star: Daniel Curtis Lee as Cassius |
| 18 |
"Greenlit" |
Kim Clements |
Terrence O'Hara |
February 4, 2003 (2003-02-04) |
205 |
| Aceveda works with Mackey and the Strike Team to take down a dealer giving heroin to school kids, while Wagenbach and Wyms help a woman find her Alzheimer-addled mother. |
| 19 |
"Homewrecker" |
Shawn Ryan & Glen Mazzara |
Scott Brazil |
February 11, 2003 (2003-02-11) |
206 |
| Detectives Wagenbach, Mackey and Wyms investigate a massacre at a women's shelter, and Captain Aceveda works with Lowe on the case of a stolen bicycle. |
| 20 |
"Barnstormers" |
Scott Rosenbaum |
Scott Winant |
February 18, 2003 (2003-02-18) |
207 |
| Mackey and Emma try to help a woman in an abusive relationship. Mackey and the Strike Team begin to make plans for the Money Train take down, even though the greenlight still has them on their toes. When Aceveda tells Wagenbach that he embarrassed the department with the Bob & Marcy case and that Wyms is now lead on all their cases, he's forced to take any action necessary to prove himself in a new homicide. Sofer finally makes a stand against Yassirah. |
| 21 |
"Scar Tissue" |
Kurt Sutter |
Paris Barclay |
February 25, 2003 (2003-02-25) |
208 |
| When Mackey discovers that Gardocki has been burned as payback, the rest of the team does everything they can to put an end to Armadillo. Wyms makes headway on her investigation against Mackey after a conversation with Corrine, and Wagenbach takes Sofer under his wing as they try to find the suspect of a Thai Town beating. |
| 22 |
"Co-Pilot" |
Shawn Ryan & Glen Mazzara |
Peter Horton |
March 4, 2003 (2003-03-04) |
209 |
| Flashback to the first day of the Barn. Under pressure to get results, Mackey and his new Strike Team make an impression on the streets. Wagenbach and Wyms realize they make a good team, and Aceveda discovers he doesn't have as much power as he thought he would. |
| 23 |
"Coyotes" |
Reed Steiner |
Davis Guggenheim |
March 11, 2003 (2003-03-11) |
210 |
| When Lanie's report on the Barn is leaked to the press, everyone suddenly fears for their jobs, including Aceveda, mentioned as the reason for most of the problems. Mackey and Vendrell deal with a bail-skipping Gilroy while Lemansky shows the newest member of the Strike Team the ropes. Wyms faces some of her own demons as she and Wagenbach try to uncover the culprit behind a possible robbery/homicide and Sofer comes to a startling realization. |
| 24 |
"Inferno" |
Kim Clements (teleplay); James Manos, Jr. & Kim Clements (story) |
Brad Anderson |
March 18, 2003 (2003-03-18) |
211 |
| His face healed, Gardocki comes up with a plan to take down the Money Train. A federal criminal comes back to Farmington, and the Team tries to use every connection trick and resource to bring him in to prove the Barn is still powerful. Wagenbach and Wyms investigate the rape of a young girl which leads to information that puts the case in a new light. Plus, an old friend from the past reappears to make Lowe's life hell. |
| 25 |
"Breakpoint" |
Glen Mazzara |
Felix Alcala |
March 25, 2003 (2003-03-25) |
212 |
| While the Strike Team puts the finishing touches on the money train take down, Mackey works with Wagenbach and Wyms to find a missing child. Aceveda gets an unwanted visit from the Chief, and Lowe receives an unpleasant surprise. |
| 26 |
"Dominoes Falling" |
Shawn Ryan |
Scott Brazil |
April 1, 2003 (2003-04-01) |
213 |
| When a gang execution hits close to home for Wyms, Mackey, Garris, and Wagenbach work together to find the culprit before anyone else gets hurt. Vendrell, Lemansky, and Gardocki are forced to choose between hitting the Money Train without Mackey or letting it go. Sofer receives some life changing news and Lowe's harassment reaches a whole new level. |
Season 3 follows the Strike Team attempts of laying low after the Money Train Heist. However, their efforts are hindered as the repercussions of the heist start to pursue them, which brings some tension between Shane, Lem, and Tavon. Also, Aceveda looks for his replacement as he prepares to take the seat of councilman.
| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 27 |
"Playing Tight" |
Shawn Ryan & Kurt Sutter |
Clark Johnson |
March 9, 2004 (2004-03-09) |
301 |
| The Strike team's attempt to play by the book comes to an abrupt end when they discover that two gangs, the Byz Latz and the One-Niners, are attempting to alter the balance of power by acquiring MP5 submachineguns. Claudette and Dutch investigate the murders and feet amputations of four Armenian men by Armenian mobsters searching for the stolen cash from the money train. Meanwhile Danny, who is doing temp work at a high school while waiting for an appeal, discovers that she might be able to get her old job back. |
| 28 |
"Blood and Water" |
Charles H. Eglee & Kim Clements |
Clark Johnson |
March 16, 2004 (2004-03-16) |
302 |
| Tension within the group begins to mount as the Strike Team attempt to rectify a mistake Vic made, when he decided to use some of the cash from the stolen money train during a botched gun-running sting. Meanwhile, Dutch and Claudette seek the help of a college honor student named Esteban, the only survivor in the murder of two latino gang members, one of them his close friend. |
| 29 |
"Bottom Bitch" |
Scott Rosenbaum & Adam E. Fierro |
Scott Brazil |
March 23, 2004 (2004-03-23) |
303 |
| A prostitute seeks the help of the police in her quest to bring down her pimp. Claudette assigns Vic to the case against his wishes, which puts him on the verge of going over the edge. Dutch uncovers a disturbing trend of rapes, and a politician is arrested for solicitation. |
| 30 |
"Streaks and Tips" |
Glen Mazzara |
Scott Brazil |
March 30, 2004 (2004-03-30) |
304 |
| The newly arrived Decoy Squad and the Strike Team go head to head in the investigation to solve a car-jacking case. Dutch gets in over his head on an attempted murder case. |
| 31 |
"Mum" |
Kurt Sutter & Shawn Ryan |
Nick Gomez |
April 6, 2004 (2004-04-06) |
305 |
| Vic struggles with Claudette's new supervision of the Strike Team. Marked bills lead Aceveda and a federal agent closer to the truth about the Armenian money-train heist, in an episode with a recurring motif of people not reporting crimes against them. |
| 32 |
"Posse Up" |
Kim Clements & Charles H. Eglee |
Felix Alcala |
April 13, 2004 (2004-04-13) |
306 |
| When the ex-wife and child of Julien's former partner Tommy, are murdered, Tommy becomes a suspect, prompting Julien to team up with Mackey to conduct their own investigation. Elsewhere, Shane goes undercover to catch a group attacking gay prostitutes, and Claudette and Dutch investigate a rape case against Aceveda's orders. |
| 33 |
"Safe" |
Adam E. Fierro |
Peter Horton |
April 20, 2004 (2004-04-20) |
307 |
| Vic and the Strike Team decide to take risky measures to protect themselves from being linked to the Money Train heist. Unfortunately, their plan is interrupted when one of Vic's open cases is suddenly linked to a narcocorrido song. |
| 34 |
"Cracking Ice" |
Charles H. Eglee & Diego Gutierrez |
Guy Ferland |
April 27, 2004 (2004-04-27) |
308 |
| An oversight puts Waylon and Trish in serious danger during an undercover job and Claudette is to blame. Meanwhile, Tommy makes a drastic decision when he realizes nobody in the Barn can help him get back on the job. |
| 35 |
"Slipknot" |
Kurt Sutter |
Michael Chiklis |
May 4, 2004 (2004-05-04) |
309 |
| When two high-profile murders are linked to each other, Aceveda orders Wyms to get the entire Barn involved before gang and racial violence breaks out. Mackey uses the case to leverage himself and the Strike Team back into the streets of Farmington. |
| 36 |
"What Power Is..." |
Kim Clements |
Dean White |
May 11, 2004 (2004-05-11) |
310 |
| Aceveda finds himself in a near-fatal confrontation, and enlists Vic to help him take down the suspects in order to help service his own personal agenda. Meanwhile, after losing her position of power, Claudette rejoins Dutch on the search for the cuddler rapist as they get a stunning break in the case. |
| 37 |
"Strays" |
Glen Mazzara |
David Mamet |
May 18, 2004 (2004-05-18) |
311 |
| During a routine bust on bangers, Vic and the Team discover a money laundering ring that reaches far and wide in the crime community. Meanwhile, Dutch takes the chilling confession of the man who was arrested in the serial-rape case, and Danny goes undercover. |
| 38 |
"Riceburner" |
Adam E. Fierro & Scott Rosenbaum |
Scott Brazil |
May 25, 2004 (2004-05-25) |
312 |
| When Aceveda assigns the Strike Team to serve a high-risk warrant against a mob killer to service his political agenda, they find themselves embroiled in a hostile struggle with the Korean community. Now the Team must find out how to put an end to the situation before they end up casualties of a racial feud. Meanwhile, one of Vic's informants works with Danny on finding stolen chairs, while having eyes for her. |
| 39 |
"Fire in the Hole" |
Kurt Sutter & Charles H. Eglee |
Guy Ferland |
June 1, 2004 (2004-06-01) |
313 |
| When a mole in the treasury department is discovered and the framed suspect in the Armenian money train robbery turns up missing, the Strike team race to find the suspect before their cover is blown. Meanwhile, Claudette attempts to make amends with the Decoy Squad by going undercover to help them on a case. |
| 40 |
"All In" |
Scott Rosenbaum |
Stephen Kay |
June 8, 2004 (2004-06-08) |
314 |
| With the Armenian hitman, Margos Dezerian, hot on their trail, the Strike team sweeps the streets of the Armenian community to find him before he finds them. After catching a break, Aceveda's suspicions grow about the Strike Team's involvement with the Money Train robbery. Meanwhile, Dutch and Claudette investigate a case that could repeal hundreds of convictions, which leaves Claudette having to choose between her conscience and her career. |
| 41 |
"On Tilt" |
Shawn Ryan & Glen Mazzara |
Scott Brazil |
June 15, 2004 (2004-06-15) |
315 |
| When Aceveda confirms that the Strike Team is the target of an Armenian mob hitman, Margos Dezerian, Mackey must take matters into his own hands. Meanwhile, Wyms' career is on the line when she disobeys Aceveda's orders to put a case to rest that may prove the innocence of convicted felons. |
Season 4 features the new captain of The Barn, Monica Rawling who implements controversial federal asset forfeiture laws to control drug dealing in Farmington, which is controlled by the leader of the One-Niners gang, Antwon Mitchell, who has just been released from prison. To stop this, Rawlings empowers Vic, whose Strike Team has disbanded since the last season forcing them to reunite.
| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 42 |
"The Cure" |
Glen Mazzara |
Scott Brazil |
March 15, 2005 (2005-03-15) |
401 |
| Vic is no longer the cop he used to be, acting adrift after his past actions have caught up to him. The strike team has dissolved, leaving Mackey to menial busts that keep him off the streets. When Aceveda moves on to his new City Council position, Captain Monica Rawling takes over the Barn and empowers Vic to implement her controversial anti-gang policies. |
| 43 |
"Grave" |
Kurt Sutter |
Paris Barclay |
March 22, 2005 (2005-03-22) |
402 |
| Mackey tries to help an old acquaintance find a wayward teenager, but the search quickly turns ugly when the missing teen appears to have been involved in a shoot-out. Meanwhile, Shane heads out into the field with his new partner Army, teaching him shady police tactics and seeing how far he'll go to be partnered up. Plus, Aceveda spends his last day trying to bury Vic for good, which makes things difficult for Rawling trying to take his place. |
| 44 |
"Bang" |
Scott Rosenbaum |
Guy Ferland |
March 29, 2005 (2005-03-29) |
403 |
| With Farmington on the brink of a gang war, Monica and Vic race to find the catalyst and stop the bloodshed, enlisting Antwon's help along the way. Still in the doghouse, Dutch decides to take action in thawing the relationship between Claudette and the D.A. Danny and Julien get up close and personal with the Farmington 1-Niners, while Monica looks to Vic for support when the implementation of her property seizure policy challenges her morality. |
| 45 |
"Doghouse" |
Adam E. Fierro |
Dean White |
April 5, 2005 (2005-04-05) |
404 |
| When Monica puts Vic on the trail of an escaped fugitive in Farmington, he must continue to prove his worth while playing it straight. Claudette gets suspicious of the D.A's motives when she and Dutch are assigned to investigate a major drug dealer who ends up being a minor offender. David seeks an illicit outlet for the troubling feelings caused by his rape. Vic decides to bring Shane closer as his fears about Shane's connection to Antwon Mitchell rise. |
| 46 |
"Tar Baby" |
Charles H. Eglee |
Guy Ferland |
April 12, 2005 (2005-04-12) |
405 |
| A tip from Lem's juvie leads Vic and Monica to take down a major heroin operation with connections to Antwon Mitchell. Monica continues to battle Aceveda as she tries to sell her new policies to the community, and Julien begins to doubt her methods. Claudette loses trust in Dutch when she suspects he made a backroom deal with the D.A. And Shane and Army find themselves in over their heads with Antwon when he blames them for Vic's heroin bust. |
| 47 |
"Insurgents" |
Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain |
Vondie Curtis-Hall |
April 19, 2005 (2005-04-19) |
406 |
| Vic and Monica strike a deal with the DEA to shut down Mitchell's tar heroin operation. When the bust comes up empty, Vic's suspicions of Shane grow, until Shane proves himself by coming up with a key piece of evidence that reveals a large stash of tar being stored at a local church. Meanwhile, Dutch and Claudette's friendship continues to feel strain as they try to tie a young woman's murder to a suspected serial killer. Plus, Julien takes a stand against Monica's policy, then goes to David for support when she suggests he consider transferring out of Farmington. |
| 48 |
"Hurt" |
Scott Rosenbaum & Lia L. Langworthy |
Nick Gomez |
April 26, 2005 (2005-04-26) |
407 |
| Just as Monica and Vic get close to a big break in the Garage Sting, Chief Phillips unexpectedly hands over the bust to the Organized Crime Unit. He blames the decision on an emerging PR scandal involving a videotape of Vic at the church bust that was leaked to the Assistant Chief through Aceveda's office. Vic uses his leverage with the Byz Lats to find a Russian mob leader before the mobster flees the country. Monica threatens two foster care social workers with jail after a young girl is found close to death in her foster home, then tells Julien if he doesn't put in for a transfer, she'll request one for him herself. |
| 49 |
"Cut Throat" |
Jennifer R. Richmond & Glen Mazzara (teleplay); Randy Huggins & Glen Mazzara (story) |
Dean White |
May 3, 2005 (2005-05-03) |
408 |
| Monica and Vic rush to get their informants off the street after two C.I's are found brutally murdered. Meanwhile, as Dutch and Claudette investigate a brutal beating and robbery, a case from the past forces Dutch to take one in the line of duty. Plus, Vic suspects he's being set up when Shane comes to him after his situation with Antwon and Halpern spins out of control. |
| 50 |
"String Theory" |
Charles H. Eglee & Shawn Ryan |
Philip G. Atwell |
May 17, 2005 (2005-05-17) |
409 |
| Monica orders her units to turn the streets of Farmington inside-out when two officers mysteriously disappear after answering a 911 call. Shane tries to make amends with his old crew after Vic agrees to help him get out from under Antwon, but things don't work out as planned. Dutch and Claudette convince Monica to let them take active roles in the case of the missing officers, but soon find themselves at a dead end with the only witness being clinically insane. |
| 51 |
"Back in the Hole" |
Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain (teleplay); Shawn Ryan (story) |
Scott Brazil |
May 24, 2005 (2005-05-24) |
410 |
| Vic and Shane confront Captain Rawling about the hidden videotape and information about Antwon and Angie's body. Monica forces them to take a polygraph. Aceveda goes overboard with the hooker and realizes he's not "a good man" for doing so. He ends the relationship. |
| 52 |
"A Thousand Deaths" |
Adam E. Fierro (teleplay); Shawn Ryan (story) |
Stephen Kay |
May 31, 2005 (2005-05-31) |
411 |
| Vic and the Strike Team use their leverage on the One-Niners to track down anyone involved with the cop killings. Their hunt leads them down an unexpected path with the Russian mob. Monica puts pressure on the team to come clean about any of their dealings with Antwon. Dutch and Claudette investigate a gang shooting and soon realize their key witness is close to the Barn, and has something to hide. |
| 53 |
"Judas Priest" |
Kurt Sutter & Scott Rosenbaum (teleplay); Kurt Sutter & Charles H. Eglee (story) |
David Von Ancken |
June 7, 2005 (2005-06-07) |
412 |
| Vic tracks down the Russian involved in the cop-killers but an accidental explosion kills him. Vic discovers Antwon had a half-brother and his involvement with the murdered cops. Aceveda is blackmailed by the man who raped him. Antwon cuts a deal with DEA. |
| 54 |
"Ain't That a Shame" |
Shawn Ryan & Glen Mazzara (teleplay); Shawn Ryan & Kurt Sutter (story) |
Stephen Kay |
June 14, 2005 (2005-06-14) |
413 |
| Enraged by the prospect of Antwon Mitchell's release from prison, Monica Rawling decides to go behind the DEA's back. She asks the Strike Team to find and arrest the Salvadoran drug lord Mitchell is to provide information about before the DEA does. The Strike Team is successful but Monica loses her job after an angry DEA chief threatens to cut off federal funding from Los Angeles unless she is fired. Rawling stays at the Barn just long enough to arrest Mitchell upon his arrival. Danny goes home from the hospital and is tended to by Julian. The Internal Affairs detective that Rawling called reports to her and informs her that they discovered the packet of heroin in Lem's car and switched it for a fake. |
Season 5's plotline is concerned with the attempts of Internal Affairs Lt. Jon Kavanaugh to bring down Vic Mackey for the murder of Terry Crowley as well as other crimes. He does this mainly by attempting to force Lem to cooperate by using a possible jail sentence as leverage, after learning that Lem had earlier kept some drugs he was supposed to turn over to evidence. The season also focuses on Vic and the Strike Team's efforts to end Kavanaugh's investigation and protect Lem.
| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 55 |
"Extraction" |
Kurt Sutter |
D.J. Caruso |
January 10, 2006 (2006-01-10) |
501 |
| Wagenbach and Wyms investigate a riot at a high school that stemmed from racial tensions. Lemansky gets an unexpected visit from Internal Affairs Lt. Jon Kavanaugh. Lowe tries out his new role as training officer for rookie Tina Hanlon, and Sofer refuses to disclose the father of her baby. |
| 56 |
"Enemy of Good" |
Charles H. Eglee & Adam E. Fierro |
Guy Ferland |
January 17, 2006 (2006-01-17) |
502 |
| Lemansky is interrogated by Kavanaugh and Aceveda about the Strike Team's corrupt past. The Strike Team investigates multiple homicides and an extortion scam, and Wagenbach and Wyms investigate a preacher about attempted murder. Hanlon causes problems for Lowe and Sofer. |
| 57 |
"Jailbait" |
Scott Rosenbaum & Glen Mazzara |
Stephen Kay |
January 24, 2006 (2006-01-24) |
503 |
| The Strike Team figures out their next step concerning Internal Affairs' investigation into Lemansky; they send Hanlon undercover to help take down a sex-trafficking operation. Wagenbach feels betrayed by Wyms when she re-opens one of his cases, and Mackey comes face-to-face with Kavanaugh. |
| 58 |
"Tapa Boca" |
Elizabeth Craft & Sarah Fain |
Guy Ferland |
January 31, 2006 (2006-01-31) |
504 |
| Becca Doyle contemplates whether or not to represent the Strike Team in court, Mackey questions Emolia's loyalty. Wagenbach and Wyms investigate a case of road rage that escalated to a double homicide. Hanlon's continuing mistakes create friction between her and Lowe, and Corrine has a confrontation with Kavanaugh. |
| 59 |
"Trophy" |
Kurt Sutter and Renee Palyo & Tony Soltis |
Philip G. Atwell |
February 7, 2006 (2006-02-07) |
505 |
| Kavanaugh bugs the Strike Team's clubhouse in an effort to get his stalled investigation back on track as Mackey and the Strike Team investigate an illegal prescription drug ring. Wagenbach senses that Wyms is not being honest with him as they work a missing person's case. |
| 60 |
"Rap Payback" |
Charles H. Eglee & Ted Griffin |
Michael Chiklis |
February 14, 2006 (2006-02-14) |
506 |
| The walls close in on Mackey when Kavanaugh sets up office in the Barn. An elusive serial killer re-enters Wagenbach and Wyms's lives, and Hanlon's discovery of Lowe's homosexual past adds a new level of tension to their relationship. |
| 61 |
"Man Inside" |
Adam E. Fierro & Emily Lewis |
Dean White |
February 21, 2006 (2006-02-21) |
507 |
| The Strike Team's solidarity begins to crack as Kavanaugh has Gardocki interrogated and he struggles to discover how Mackey got $65,000 that he gave to Corrine. The Strike Team investigates the murder of a drug dealer’s girlfriend and her daughter. Wyms's grueling effort to break Kleavon Gardner takes a toll on her health. |
| 62 |
"Kavanaugh" |
Shawn Ryan & Scott Rosenbaum |
D.J. Caruso |
February 28, 2006 (2006-02-28) |
508 |
| As Kavanaugh deals with the emotional circumstances surrounding the return of his ex-wife, he forges an unlikely alliance with Antwon Mitchell in his obsession to take down the Strike Team. Emoila, sent by Mackey, infiltrates a Salvadoran gang that has been stockpiling grenades.As Kavanaugh calms his mentally ill wife in one of the interrogation rooms he realizes that the whole emotional scene may have been watched through the camera. Vic and Lemansky run from the recording room and Kavanaugh catches them. Vic menacingly smiles at Kavanaugh which infuriates him and he orders the arrest of Lemansky. Lemansky's badge and gun is taken and he's handcuffed by Julien and put behind bars. Kavanaugh visits Antwon Mitchell in Prison and agrees on a deal. |
| 63 |
"Smoked" |
Sarah Fain and Elizabeth Craft & Glen Mazzara |
Dean White |
March 7, 2006 (2006-03-07) |
509 |
| With their finances frozen by Kavanaugh, the Strike Team is forced to find another way to make bail for Lemansky. Hanlon's future at The Barn is in doubt when she jeopardizes the safety of an undercover detective, and Corrine decides to confront Sofer about her baby's paternity. |
| 64 |
"Of Mice and Lem" |
Charles H. Eglee & Kurt Sutter |
Gwyneth Horder-Payton |
March 14, 2006 (2006-03-14) |
510 |
| Mackey strikes a deal with Antwon Mitchell that will guarantee Lemansky's safety in prison as Lemansky prepares to plead guilty. The deal unexpectedly goes awry, and Mackey takes drastic measures to protect Lemansky. A betrayal and uncontrollable circumstances threaten to damage Wagenbach and Wyms's longstanding friendship. |
| 65 |
"Postpartum" |
Adam E. Fierro & Shawn Ryan |
Stephen Kay |
March 21, 2006 (2006-03-21) |
511 |
| Mackey arranges to get Lemansky out of the country to a new life in Mexico. Aceveda and Kavanaugh join forces to nail Mackey for harboring a fugitive. Wagenbach files for a transfer, and Sofer decides to inform her baby's father of his new child. Shane takes extreme steps to stop the investigation. |
This 15-minute mini-episode was produced between the fifth and sixth seasons, and initially released to various websites in February 2007 as a promotion for season six. It was later made available on the Season 5 DVD set.
Season 6 is mostly concerned with the attempts of the Strike Team to solve the murder of Lem and the aftermath of Vic's discovery that Shane was the killer. Other storylines include a new officer added to the team by Claudette who is intended to eventually replace Vic, Vic's attempt to save his job, and the investigation of the murder of several Mexicans.
| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 66 |
"On the Jones" |
Kurt Sutter |
Michael Fields |
April 3, 2007 (2007-04-03) |
601 |
| With the Barn grieving over the loss of one of their own, Vic's quest to find his friend's killer puts him in the crosshairs of Kavanaugh. Things don't seem to go smoothly for Claudette when she attempts to settle into her new role as Captain. Ronnie and Vic begin to worry about Shane's unusual behavior. Meanwhile, Dutch and Billings investigate a mass murder in San Marcos. |
| 67 |
"Baptism by Fire" |
Scott Rosenbaum |
Guy Ferland |
April 10, 2007 (2007-04-10) |
602 |
| As Kavanaugh closes in on him, Vic resorts to some extreme measures in order to find his best friend's killer. Claudette finds herself under the political microscope as a result of the San Marcos murders. Meanwhile, Danny receives some interesting news. |
| 68 |
"Back to One" |
Adam E. Fierro |
Gwyneth Horder-Payton |
April 17, 2007 (2007-04-17) |
603 |
| Vic receives bad news about his career as he comes close to apprehending Lem's suspected killer, while the secret Shane is keeping continues to eat away at him. Ronnie works with Dutch and Billings on a case. Meanwhile, Dutch finds himself in an awkward predicament with Tina. |
| 69 |
"The New Guy" |
Sarah Fain, Elizabeth Craft |
Clark Johnson |
April 24, 2007 (2007-04-24) |
604 |
| Claudette offers Vic a chance to keep his job; an unsolved case from Dutch and Claudette's past comes back to haunt them; an influential businessman may further Aceveda's political aspirations. |
| 70 |
"Haunts" |
Glen Mazzara, Charles H. Eglee |
Michael Chiklis |
May 1, 2007 (2007-05-01) |
605 |
| In a rush to avenge Lem's murder, Vic discovers he may have killed the wrong man; Dutch makes headway in the serial-rapist case; Mara is furious when she discovers Shane's affair, so he confesses to murdering Lem. |
| 71 |
"Chasing Ghosts" |
Shawn Ryan, Adam E. Fierro |
Frank Darabont |
May 8, 2007 (2007-05-08) |
606 |
| Vic and the other Strike Team members build up suspicions of Shane when they realize he does not want to find Lem's real killer after Vic finds out it wasn't Guardo. |
| 72 |
"Exiled" |
Scott Rosenbaum, Kurt Sutter |
Dean White |
May 15, 2007 (2007-05-15) |
607 |
| Shane tries to get the upper strategic hand on Vic; the Strike Team works with and tries to keep the cover of an undercover agent when trying to find a perp. |
| 73 |
"The Math of the Wrath" |
Charles H. Eglee |
Rohn Schmidt |
May 22, 2007 (2007-05-22) |
608 |
| Vic learns about his true status at the Barn from Hiatt. Shane gets involved with the daughter of an Armenian mob boss. Claudette begins to question Hiatt's loyalty. |
| 74 |
"Recoil" |
Sarah Fain, Elizabeth Craft, Adam Fierro |
Guy Ferland |
May 29, 2007 (2007-05-29) |
609 |
| Vic's time at the Barn seems to be running out, despite his work to help close the San Marcos murders. Billings' manipulations bring the tension between him and Dutch to a boil. |
| 75 |
"Spanish Practices" |
Shawn Ryan, Scott Rosenbaum |
Paris Barclay |
June 5, 2007 (2007-06-05) |
610 |
| Claudette notices Hiatt's mistake when he makes an arrest, and Billings delivers shocking news to the department. Vic forms an alliance with Aceveda, while he waits for his review board hearing. Meanwhile, Shane's life keeps spiraling out of control, as he tries to protect both his and Vic's family from the wrath of the Armenian mob. |
| # |
Title |
Writer |
Director |
Original airdate |
Production code |
| 76 |
"Coefficient of Drag" |
Kurt Sutter |
Guy Ferland |
September 2, 2008 (2008-09-02) |
701 |
| Vic confronts Shane and deals with threats to his family, including Armenian hitman Ari Zadofian. A federal agent arrives to investigate a recent wave of violence in Farmington. |
| 77 |
"Snitch" |
Gary Lennon |
Gwyneth Horder-Payton |
September 9, 2008 (2008-09-09) |
702 |
| A gang war heats up, enabling Vic to position himself as a valuable commodity to both sides. Meanwhile, Corrine and Cassidy confront Vic. |
| 78 |
"Money Shot" |
Adam E. Fierro |
Terrence O'Hara |
September 16, 2008 (2008-09-16) |
703 |
| Corrine finds herself in legal trouble, Vic works an angle to make himself valuable to the Armenian mob, and Tina targets a producer of adult entertainment. Cassidy's rage causes her to violently lash out at her mother. |
| 79 |
"Genocide" |
Lisa Randolph |
Dean White |
September 23, 2008 (2008-09-23) |
704 |
| Following a fire at an Armenian safe house, Rezian asks Vic to set up a meeting with the Mexicans. Meanwhile, an angry Cassidy goes to Danny with questions about her father, and Dutch questions a teenager that shot an intruder. |
| 80 |
"Game Face" |
Charles H. Eglee |
Michael Chiklis |
September 30, 2008 (2008-09-30) |
705 |
| When the daughter of a drug kingpin is kidnapped, the Strike Team must free her without drawing attention to the fact that Agent Olivia Murray is following them. Meanwhile, serial killer Kleavon Gardner, soon to go on trial and defending himself, hits a nerve when he deposes Claudette; Dutch continues his effort to unmask teenager Lloyd as a potential serial killer, Danny pressures Vic to sign away his parental rights to their child, and Shane tries to turn Ronnie against Vic. |
| 81 |
"Animal Control" |
John Hlavin & Angela Russo |
Gwyneth Horder-Payton |
October 7, 2008 (2008-10-07) |
706 |
| Vic and Ronnie set up a Mexican-Armenian meeting, but tell the two sides different things, while keeping some pertinent details from Shane. Shane and former Strike Team adversary Tavon Garris team up uneasily as a six-year-old murder case heats up. Ellis Rezian is gunned down and Shane barely makes it out alive, realizing that he was set up to be killed along with Rezian by Vic and Ronnie. Ronnie gets a warning from Claudette about Vic's freelancing, and a naked sleepwalker is found in a warehouse with blood on his body that isn't his own. |
| 82 |
"Bitches Brew" |
Charles H. Eglee & Elizabeth A. Hansen |
Stephen Kay |
October 14, 2008 (2008-10-14) |
707 |
| Vic's review board hearing is moved up unexpectedly, putting new pressure on his mission to take down Pezuela, which hits another snag when the Feds take over the investigation of Robert Martin's murder. Meanwhile, Vic ramps up his quest to stay in his infant son's life, Shane tends to private business as he probes a prostitute's murder, and Dutch is disturbed by what he finds at Claudette's house when he and Billings investigate a neighborhood break-in. |
| 83 |
"Parricide" |
Kurt Sutter & Gary Lennon |
Guy Ferland |
October 21, 2008 (2008-10-21) |
708 |
| Vic and Ronnie escape attempts on their lives, and when Ronnie's assailant is caught, Shane must think and act quickly. Meanwhile, with barely a week to go before he must turn in his badge, Vic offers Olivia a business proposition. He also has some dirty work to do for Pezuela, involving a priest whose church is in a location Pezuela finds inconvenient. |
| 84 |
"Moving Day" |
Adam E. Fierro & Lisa Randolph |
Rohn Schmidt |
October 28, 2008 (2008-10-28) |
709 |
| Vic closes in on Shane, Mara, and their sick young son, Claudette dismantles the Strike Team, Pezuela offers Aceveda "assistance" for his mayoral campaign, Rita Denton comes on to Dutch, and Billings' ex-wife and daughter are fearful when a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood. |
| 85 |
"Party Line" |
Angela Russo & John Hlavin |
Gwyneth Horder-Payton |
November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) |
710 |
| While Shane remains held up in L.A. with Mara and Jackson, Corrine decides to cooperate with Dutch and Claudette, who are now spearheading the LAPD effort to bring down Vic. Meanwhile, Vic plays Aceveda, Pezuela, Beltran and ICE against each other. However, Ronnie's tempted to simply give up and run to Mexico, recommending that Vic run as well. |
| 86 |
"Petty Cash" |
Charles H. Eglee & Jameal Turner |
Craig Brewer |
November 11, 2008 (2008-11-11) |
711 |
| Corrine agrees to be Vic and Shane's go-between, and also agrees to cooperate with Claudette and Dutch as she does so. Meanwhile, Vic comes to an understanding with Aceveda and seeks one out with Olivia. Claudette assigns Ronnie to work with Julien in order to investigate the murder of a high-school football star. This keeps Ronnie out of the Barn, resulting in him being unable to intercept the letter Shane sent to Claudette detailing one of the Strike Team's "sins." |
| 87 |
"Possible Kill Screen" |
Adam E. Fierro & Evan Bleiweiss |
Billy Gierhart |
November 18, 2008 (2008-11-18) |
712 |
| Olivia joins forces with the remnants of the Strike Team to catch a Mexican drug lord, and stop his shipment. Meanwhile, Dutch is thrust into a position to clean up Billings' mess. Vic confesses to all his prior crimes, including the execution-style slayings of Terry Crowley, Margos Dezerian, Guardo Lima, and many others, in the hopes that he will be protected under ICE's immunity deal, provided he helps secure Beltran's takedown. |
| 88 |
"Family Meeting" |
Shawn Ryan |
Clark Johnson |
November 25, 2008 (2008-11-25) |
713 |
| Vic attempts to secure his immunity by going after Beltran and his incoming drug shipment. Shane becomes increasingly desperate as his situation worsens. Cops in the Barn investigate a woman's disappearance. |
