Episode 5 of City on Fire, 'Brass Tactics,' sets the stage with a nostalgic flashback as Sam introduces Charlie to her treasured sanctuary - the photo printing room of her college. Their heartfelt conversation about family bonds unfolds against the backdrop of Sam's beloved passion, photography. This delightful scene captures the essence of their connection, but let's not dwell in the past for too long.
As we return to the present, Charlie finds himself on a mission to uncover the secrets locked within a reel of photos discovered in Sam's room. It's a tantalizing glimpse into a hidden world, like peering through a keyhole into a locked room. The plot thickens as Keith faces the music at the police station, spilling the beans about his affair with Sam. Just when things are about to go from bad to worse, enter Amory, the string-pulling savior who whisked Keith away from the jaws of impending doom.
But hold onto your hats, folks, because Ali and Parsa, the dynamic duo, are convinced that the Lamplighters are behind Sam's shooting. It's like a teenage game of Clue, with everyone suspecting Colonel Mustard in the library, except here, we have more suspects than we know what to do with. The intrigue is mounting, and the audience is left wondering who holds the smoking gun.
Speaking of guns, the escapades of Regan and Keith take an unexpected turn. Worried that their son, Will, may have stumbled upon Keith's firearm and accidentally shot Sam, they approach him with trepidation. The tension crackles like an electrical storm, but fear not, dear readers, for this twist takes us on an unexpected journey. Will confesses to using the gun but reveals he only aimed at a poor, innocent sparrow. Amidst the chaos, Keith and Regan find a glimmer of hope, rekindling the warmth of their relationship amidst the embers of their troubled past.
Meanwhile, our enigmatic artist, William, plunges deeper into his obsession with uncovering the truth about Sam's shooting. His creativity reaches a crescendo, painting the canvas of his mind with a masterpiece born from his inner turmoil. But dear William, beware the man in the fancy suit. His suspicions lead him to Amory, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
Alas, he underestimates Amory's cunning, a predator disguised as a savior. The ensuing chase is like a cat-and-mouse game on steroids, with William as the unfortunate prey. And just when we think we've seen it all, Nicky and his gang, our resident troublemakers, hurl William off a cruise ship, leaving us gasping for breath. Will he swim back to shore, or will he join the fishies for an underwater tea party? Only time will tell.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room. While the episode's plot dances like a fiery flamenco, captivating us with its twists and turns, there are moments when the tempo falters. Conversations repeat like a skipping record as if the writers decided to spin in circles instead of pushing the story forward. Charlie's once captivating storyline now leaves us yearning for more William, like a sweet melody drowned out by a cacophony of noise.
Yet fear not, for this review is not one to dwell on the negatives but to bask in the light of humor and wit. Picture yourself sipping a cup of tea, chuckling at the antics of our characters, and eagerly awaiting the next dance step in this thrilling performance. City on Fire has its moments of brilliance, laced with teenage essences, like a pop song with a rebellious twist.
Final Score- [6.5/10]