Episode 5 of On Call features some pretty disturbing visuals mixed into an obstacle course of family matters, and a variety of calls that Harmon and Diaz traverse during the run time of the show. This is a sprint of an episode.

But let’s start with the gas station stand off, where Diaz and Harmon meet Sean, who they witness in a dispute with his wife, while their infant child is in the back of their car.

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Sean is suicidal, and one attempt he does is ripped out of the headlines. I’m talking about suicide by cop. A real challenge for law enforcement as mental health issues continue to be a problem in our society.

First Sean sticks his hands in his pockets. This forces law enforcement to protect their own lives and the lives of bystanders around them. But it also puts them in a tough position, because if the person pretends to pull out a weapon, it would force them to shoot. This is often referred to as suicide by cop.

But sadly, that’s not even the most disturbing part of the call. We see Sean then douse himself in gasoline. And while Diaz appeals to Sean (great acting by Brandon Larracuente here), Sean still lights himself on fire. It’s scary echoes of the protester who lit himself on fire over the conflict in Palestine last year.

Goodness, this isn’t even touching on the dual family issues our duo has, with Diaz now having to negotiate the safety of his brother in prison after the Maniac arrest, and Harmon’s sister who is battling addiction. Those storylines will continue for another day.

Oh, and the attempted exorcism of a ten year old girl.

But we saw a very scary portrayal of mental health troubles and the dangers they pose to everyone in the orbit of the suffering individual.

What did you think of the episode? Let me know in the comments.

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