Southland has been known for its surprises.
Fans of the show will remember Nate's sudden and tragic death caught in the crossfire of a brutal gang war; Sammy returning home to learn his wife was pregnant by another man; Ben's short temper causing him to hit a civilian... more than once.
In this week's episode ("Identity"), my character Lydia joins the fray with a surprising storyline of her own. Early in the hour, we learn a shocking secret that she's kept from her colleagues for some time. Something she has no plans to reveal any time soon, because doing so could end her career as she knows it.
Although Lydia is fiercely compassionate on the job, she has worked hard for four seasons to keep her personal life intensely private. Even fans of the show, watching her life after she takes off the badge, speculate about what makes her tick. Why does she choose to remain single? Has she loved and lost? Who is Det. Lydia Adams, really?
But in last week's episode, the final minutes revealed that perhaps there is someone in Lydia's life she hasn't shown us yet. And this someone, without giving too much away, could play a big hand in her future, whether she likes it or not.
I hope that Southland fans are as excited as I am about how this surprise changes Lydia's trajectory and opens a wealth of storylines to be played out for her. Although Lydia might try to fight it, we may just get to know more about this woman we have all come to love and respect.
Watch tonight at 10/9c on TNT to see this transformative episode. Then comment here how you think this big change will affect Lydia's life, career and pursuit of her own happiness.
