Southland Season 5 Premiere Preview: 5 New Developments in “Hats and Bats” 

Warning: Spoilers discussed

I always get super excited this time of year because I know it’s time for a new season of Southland. As you may or may not know, I didn’t pay any attention to the show until it showed up on TNT. I’m sure I have some recollection of it premiering on NBC, but I had no idea about this little gem of a show until it switched networks. And although I’d love to have more than 10 episodes this season, I’m glad to have any at all. So what’s new this season (or at least in the premiere episode of season 5)? Let’s discuss.

1. Chad Michael Murray‘s Dave Mendoza. So far, I have to admit that I’m unimpressed with the ridiculous pornstache he’s sporting (sorry, I gotta call it like I see it) but I’m very interested to see where this character is going. I think he’s going to play a major role in the further alienation between partners Bryant and Sherman. Those two are like a married couple that is slowly coming apart at the seams. I usually love their dynamic (although it started coming apart last season). I don’t like where this is going, but I’m sure it will be fascinating to watch.

2. C. Thomas Howell is now a series regular, so that means a lot more Dewey. One thing I love and admire about this show is that they aren’t afraid of showing us warts-and-all people. Not everyone is likable all the time and some people are almost always despicable. Dewey is the kind of guy who is going to speak his mind – whether or not you want to hear it – but he’ll also have your back every time. I just don’t think I’d be able to listen to all the hate he tends to spew. I think Cooper knows how to take his bullsh*t with a grain of salt, but I still find him incredibly grating. He’s got his moments, I guess. I wonder if he’ll ever grow on me (the answer is no, by the way).

3. The Ex-Factor. I’m trying to remember if there was ever a time I liked Tammi and/or thought she was good for Sammy. Maybe in season 1? Don’t get me wrong, I love Emily Bergl. But it’s easy to hate Tammi when I see what she’s putting Sammy through. It’s not like he isn’t partially to blame for their horrible relationship, though. I understand why Sherman has no interest in hearing about their drama 24/7. I wouldn’t either. But I think it can’t hurt for Sammy to make an effort. I feel like that little scene in the parking lot is going to come back to haunt him. Big time.EM

4. What can I say about Michael Cudlitz‘s Cooper? I like that he’s got a new boot that is giving him some trouble. It seems like they might actually be coming to respect each other (just a little), which I like. The developments on the homefront were so interesting. First of all, I had no idea he was living with someone – was this hinted at before and I missed it? I also like that Cooper’s still Cooper and he’s not going to do anything before he’s ready. In fact, he’s probably not going to do anything until he’s pushed. Unfortunately, it causes major domestic drama. And the last scene of the episode? I can’t give it away, but wow. I’m not sure I was ready for that.

5. One the one hand, I love that Lydia (and the amazing Regina King) is still Lydia whether or not she has a baby. But the fact that she’s not bonding with him at all and would rather be at work than with him should be cause for concern. At least she’s still pretty amazing at her job, even if I absolutely hated the way she went about getting some crucial evidence in this week’s case. Her heart was in the right place, but she put that poor kid through hell. I love her, but I’m kind of disappointed in her. At least Dorian Missick‘s Ruben Robinson is still around. I really like that partnership.

Once you’ve had a chance to see the episode I want to hear your thoughts. Did anything surprise you? What do you think is in store for all these great characters this season?

Southland season 5 premieres Wednesday, February 13th at 10/9c. All photos courtesy of Doug Hyun/TNT.