TV Verdict

Diamonds were the focus of the latest episode of Leverage, “The Ice Man Job”. The gang is trying to clear a security guard who is suspected of a diamond heist. In reality it is the owner of the diamonds who is behind the scam.

It is hard to say who stole this episode. It is a toss up between Hardison and Parker. Hardison takes the lead and puts on a performance as the “Ice Man”, a skilled diamond thief. Parker gets to play a sultry temptress. Nope, you did not read that wrong. Parker dons a tight mini dress and heels to play Hardison’s girlfriend. She doubts her own ability and has hilarious flashbacks to her other encounters with men, which include the time she stabbed a man with a fork.

Both Hardison and Parker were incredible and hilarious to watch. Hardison plays his character a little too well, accent and all, and the team has to bail him out. This eventually leads to a scene in which we get to see Hardison kick Eliot’s butt. Okay, not really. Hardison was fake punching but it was still pretty awesome to see.

I loved that Nate used the name Sterling while impersonating a claims investigator who is investigating the original diamond heist. Anyone who has been on board since season one will recognize the name as that of the gang’s original nemesis. I liked the way he played it with a rather persnickety attitude and a somewhat effeminate tone to his voice.

I also found it interesting that even though Sophie is out of the country, each member of the gang takes their turn to pull her into their scheme. Not a single one of them is able to refrain from calling her for advice. Even Nate breaks down and calls.

This was a solid episode with a believable, entertaining plot. It wasn’t the most exciting episode or even the funniest but the characters shined. The chemistry between them was as evident as ever. In one way or another, this show seems to get better with each week. Too bad we only have one episode to go before mid-season break; just when their momentum really gets going.