IMHO "Southland" (1.3): See the Woman

This week's episode of NBC's Southland was frenetic and there were parts that just didn't work, but there was enough character development for gay cop John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) to more than earn an up arrow.

This week featured a potpourri of perps for hard-ass cop John and green partner Ben Sherman (Ben Mckenzie). They have to endure multiple trips to The Bickersons (and at one point John became so frustrated with their fighting he said, "put your hand on my badge, I'm going to officially divorce you").

They also have to investigate a theft for a bigwig with a hilariously tacky glass-bottom dining room in his mansion, and they meet up with a tweaked-out acquaintance of Ben, whom I assume is named Heinz.

John shows his softer side when he investigates the beating and extortion of a drag queen at her boutique. I wish we had seen more of this story, but what we did see was nicely done.

Unfortunately, there was much this week that didn't work, starting with the guest spot for Tom Sizemore, who plays a washed-up Hollywood booze-hound. No, it's not a documentary.

Also irritating was dirty cop Dewey, who's played by C. Thomas Howell and had me shouting, "where is Rutger Hauer when you need him?"

But the show ends on high note as we learn more about John. We find out that his father is in prison for rape and murder (possibly of John's mother?), and he has a conversation with ... his ex-wife! Yes, it appears that John was married before, and even more startling, it's the girl from Boston Common!

I know people are upset that they haven't delved more into John's sexuality, but I love that they're taking their time in showing different aspects of his life. I think we're so used to watching shows where the gay character practically holds up a sign saying "I'm the gay character", that it's strange to watch a a show where sexuality is only part of a character's makeup (and is not even the most interesting aspect).

Could John Cooper be the gay character many of us have been waiting for? A character who is not defined solely by their sexuality, as so often is the case? Should we get our hopes up?