Common Law Preview: Season 1 Finale “Gun!” [VIDEO] 

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR SEASON FINALE

I just finished screening the season 1 finale of USA Network’s Common Law. And while most of this first year has been fun, semi-lighthearted entertainment, the season ender does take a bit darker turn. Not too dark, because even though this is a show about two cops forced to turn to couples therapy when they can’t deal with each other, Common Law likes to go for the comedy with these guys. Usually, Wes and Travis’s sessions attempt to get to the heart of the matter between these two detectives, but it never really delves too deep.

And for the most part, I’m OK with that, although admittedly, I like my shows to have a little more edge to it. I think that’s why I enjoyed “Gun!” immensely. Here’s what to expect:

USA Network synopsis: Wes (Warren Kole) and Travis (Michael Ealy) try to work their way back into the good graces of Dr. Ryan (Sonya Walger) and their therapy group by finally agreeing to tell the whole story of what landed them there in the first place.

1. It answers something we’ve been wondering this whole first season. We find out why Wes pulled a gun on Travis, which resulted in these job-mandated therapy sessions. And, you know what? I’m totally on board and satisfied with the answer.

2. All season long, Wes and Travis have been doing a really good job of avoiding doing the work to achieve a better healthier partnership, although Dr. Ryan’s lessons did manage to seep in every once in awhile. Well, in this episode, there were some breakthroughs. Travis and Wes didn’t try to outmaneuver their issues. They met them head on. And it was pretty wonderful.

3. Travis, in particular, displays a serious side. It’s true. We actually see him struggle to contain his anger. We see him get emotional in an intense way — and there’s a very good reason for it. It was refreshing considering this guy is constantly in deflection or sarcasm mode.

4. The chemistry between Michael Ealy and Warren Kole is probably the best it’s been all season. I feel like they really connected in a way they hadn’t yet. I really like these two guys. As Travis and Wes, I think they make good partners. I still think they should have waited to do the role play episode next season — should there be one — but that may just be my opinion.

5. I was waiting for a cliff-hanger to end the season but there’s not really one. There is a jumping off point should Common Law be renewed but this episode could also serve as a satisfying series finale. I’m anxious to see what a second season of this show would bring, however.

6. Dominic Purcell guest stars as a cop. He plays an integral part in why Wes pulls the gun on Travis. It’s good to see Purcell, who was Michael Scolfield’s brother Lincoln Burrows on FOX’s Prison Break. Back in the day, he was the lead in a short-lived TV thriller called John Doe. And this guy guest starred on the episode of Castle where Kate and Rick ventured out to Los Angeles. Over the years, he’s also appeared on House M.D., North Shore and BeastMaster.

The season 1 finale of Common Law airs on USA Network tonight at 10/9c.

Trailer for the finale

Clip of Wes and Travis trying to get back into Dr. Ryan’s good graces.