“Climb” brings Agent Craig and Cross face-to-face with their alleged suspect. After denouncing Esteban’s death was a mere suicide, the two setup a meeting with Rebecca Matthews aka Luz. Cross is convinced he can appeal to her heart for justice, emphasizing that his way is the sole route to ensure Lance Durand is held accountable for her mother’s and countless others’ deaths.

Luz, feeling regret for Esteban’s fate, agrees to Cross’ terms. However, her decision is met with robust pushback from her Aunt Guadalupe and Donnie. To convince her otherwise, Donnie brings Luz to an abandoned Crestbrook plant. We learn his personal grind with Durand began when the company’s chicken farm contaminated the air and water near his family’s home. In an act of rage, he set the plant’s chicken coupe ablaze, not realizing the child laborers were forced to sleep inside the structure. His arms bear the scars from his failed attempt to rescue the screaming innocents. He tells Luz she isn’t the only one seeking to atone through their mission.

Meanwhile, Cross and Kayla hit a roadblock in their relationship. She objects to his truce with Luz, signaling that she can’t be trusted. It spurs up old feelings of resentment; Cross’ inability to be wrong, and Kayla’s need for the glory. While this is half true, Kayla’s lashing out is rooted in her race to detach herself from the Mastermind blowback.

Back in D.C., John and Detective Vega discover a break in his case. Initial reports relayed five shots were heard the night of the murder. But evidence proves six with one bullet unaccounted for. A review of the crime scene reveals a possible eyewitness escaped with the missing bullet.

Episode 5 is the strongest episode yet, delivering quality drama and palpable action while maintaining a level of suspense that leaves viewers guessing. This season has found a way for these characters to breath within the narrative, exuding multitudes of emotions and motivations at once, for a grounded and nuanced journey. Jeanine Mason’s performance continues to amaze. She holds her own with Aldis Hodge in a scene where they both are right, calling each other out for their lived contradictions. The writing has also elevated the chemistry between Cross and Alona Tal’s Agent Craig. Season one previewed their shared history as being strictly physical; season two has shown a depth of genuine care between them. And it honestly feels more real than what he had with Elle. Speaking of, that subplot is the weakest. A father’s ex shouldn’t be so involved with said father’s family, especially if there’s no future for reconciliation. It feels forced as a wrought way to keep the family in frame. A smarter, more plausible way to focus on the Cross children would to have seen them adjust to Roberto in the home.

Rating: 8.5/10