Written by Marjorie David
Directed by Thomas J. Wright
Airdate: March 19, 1999
Guest Star: Andreas Katsulas (Moses Gourevitch)
"Forcing the End" deals with a Jewish fundamentalist group abducting a child to fulfill an end times prophecy. Once again, Peter Watts proves a vexing presence to Frank after stepping in to help with the investigation.
Affluent couple, Daniel and Jeannie Borenstine are enjoying a quiet evening until intruders break into their house and take Jeannie away, as she's close to giving birth. Jeannie's taken to a temple, given sedatives, and immersed in water for a "pure" birth. Frank and Agent Hollis find a connection with Daniel's secretary and connect her to the fringe group who believes the child will be a messiah. Peter Watts also gets involved in the investigation, offering knowledge to Hollis that helps the FBI track down Jeannie and the child.
With its focus on apocalyptic cults and end times prophecy, "Forcing the End" feels like a return to the first season. There's a bit of tired routine with the yet more strange rituals and charismatic leaders, in this case Katsulas (one-armed man from The Fugitive) filling the role, a former officer in the Israeli army turned religious leader.
The real intrigue in the episode is Peter obviously attempting to groom Hollis for possible membership in the group, he seems more focused on her than Frank. Yet as a character, Watts is getting increasingly cagey with his motives and secrets. We never learn much about the status of the Group either, or what they were even up to as the Millennium was nearing. Watts seems a bit lost and obsessed with Frank this season, making for a muddled arc for the character. "Forcing the End" is a competent episode but contrived and routine in execution.
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