Given that Season 5 was plagued from the outset and history ultimately proving that the show was doomed by 1987, and that viewers can now see the somewhat stale plots and action set pieces of the final episodes, And yet there were some pleasant surprises in Season 5, and "Family Reunion" is one of them. I believe this is one of the best episodes of the entire series for the pure emotion that comes from the drama between A.J. Bancroft and Face, and Murdock's conflict throughout the episode. It had been 15 years since I last saw this episode and vividly remember the scene between Murdock and Face when Murdock reveals the truth. It holds up well after all this time and for once we see substantial character depth with the main characters that you wish was more of a focus in Season 5. This episode concentrated more on smart dialog, such as Face and Ellen, and especially between Murdock and Face, and with enough action to keep things moving. The final scene at the cemetery is remarkably well shot, and the classic A-Team final freeze frame image is superb since it ties everything thematically and emotionally together about the episode. "Family Reunion" is a highlight and the writer must be congratulated on penning a well done episode, especially in the series' twilight.
Review of Family Reunion
