As tensions run high due to Angus Boone's tightened security measures on the farm, Stabler and Trisha do their best to work together without being discovered. Angus decides to keep the pair close to him, making communication between them and the outside world extremely difficult.
Angus has consistently stood out as a more relatable antagonist compared to others. He's portrayed as someone who errs on the side of wrongdoing for what he perceives as noble motives, which makes him the kind of villain audiences find compelling, even if they wouldn't associate with him in reality.
This characterization becomes even more evident in the latest episode. Angus's unwavering loyalty is highlighted by his willingness to eliminate a fellow Marine whom he views as a "traitor" to their shared cause. However, despite his commitment, he harbors deep resentment towards the predicament he finds himself in due to his allegiance to Redcoat and yearns to break free from it.
The squad watches via camera feeds as Angus and "Hank" are picked up and taken to meet with Julian Emery. The car has blocking tech that cuts the camera feeds once it's in range, so they're unable to identify the car to track it.
Angus is pleased with the outcome of the meeting - one more deal and they're done for good.
Upon Angus and "Hank" returning from their meeting with Emery, there's a palpable tension as Tyler and Angus arrive to take Trisha and "Hank" away. Unlike Stabler, Trisha struggles to conceal her unease with the situation. So, when Angus exposes her identity as an undercover ATF agent, it doesn't come as a shock to those in Angus' circle. Elliot manages to get a morse code message to the squad via a light and the video feed, though Vargas misses it the first time.
Trisha narrowly escapes a potentially fatal encounter, with Stabler not only jeopardizing his own undercover status but also resorting to aiming his weapon at Angus to prevent another senseless killing. This pivotal moment unveils an unexpected revelation: Angus and Stabler share more in common than either initially realized. The squad show up just in time to arrest Mama Boone and her boys.
Elliot and Angus finally have a blunt, honest talk in interrogation. Elliot reveals his real name, and that he really was a marine. It wasn't all a lie. But it was Stabler telling Angus the truth about Sam's death and his fervent determination to avert further unnecessary loss of life that ultimately persuades Angus to collaborate.
Just when we thought this case was all wrapped up, we see someone meeting Julian Emery on his plane at the hanger.. and it's none other than Elliot's little brother, Joe Jr. His involvement is not a major surprise given his ties to drugs and the wine business, but it will be interesting to see how Elliot deals with this in future episodes.
