Episode Report Card Kim: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Legs
By Kim | Season 3 | Episode 3 | Aired on 07.27.1999
Claire goes to check on Bevilacqua in solitary, and finds him ripping apart his pillow. When she enters the cell, he says, "Nice tits." Man, this is so not the day to mess with her. She starts beating the crap out of him with her nightstick.
In Leo's office, McManus points out that the incidents with Alvarez and Bevilacqua both happened on Claire's watch. Leo points out that she's new. McManus points out that Bevilacqua might have permanent brain damage. Damn! McManus yells that he wants Claire fired, and he storms out of the office to find Claire sitting there like a penitent child. Leo escorts Claire into his office and shuts the door.
McManus tries to get everyone's attention to introduce Sean Murphy, the new guard. In the background, Ryan and Cyril are playing a game where Ryan tries to slap Cyril's hands before Cyril can pull them away. Hee! Murphy makes a little speech about how he knows the prisoners are tough and life sucks in Oz, but he hopes they won't do anything to force him to make things tougher. Ryan tells Cyril that Murphy is Irish like them, and "things are looking up."
In the cafeteria, Vern calls Cyril "buttercup," which causes Ryan to vault over the serving trays and go after Vern. The guards haul Ryan away as he continues to threaten Vern, who is just laughing. After Ryan is gone, Vern calls Cyril "sweet cheeks."
Ryan pleads with McManus not to put him in solitary and leave Cyril vulnerable. Murphy is there too. McManus says that Ryan should have thought of that before losing his temper. Ryan apologizes, and McManus just laughs at him. Murphy asks if he can handle it, and McManus gives his blessing. Outside the office, Murphy says he'll let Ryan go this time, and warns him not to do it again. Ryan wonders why Murphy is being so nice, and Murphy says he has brothers too. Ryan points out their common heritage, and Murphy acknowledges that that might be part of it as well. As they walk back to Em City, Ryan asks Murphy about being a Golden Gloves champ. Murphy is self-deprecating, but Ryan asks for help in coaching Cyril in the boxing tournament. Murphy doesn't think he should, because it would be favoritism. Ryan asks him to offer tips on the down low, "for Ireland." Murphy chuckles and says he'll see.
In the gym, various prisoners are placing bets as Ryan watches Cyril practice. Ryan looks over to Murphy, who gives him a thumbs-up and a grin.
It's time for the first boxing match. The guard/referee tries to quiet things down so that he can make introductions, but the prisoners are very raucous. Finally, he manages to introduce Pancamo, who will be fighting some guy I've never seen before named Pasquin. I think Pasquin is one of the biker guys. The referee gives the boxers their instructions and then calls for the bell. Pancamo lands one monster punch, and Pasquin drops like a stone. Various people look amazed, happy, or pissed, depending on how they placed their bets, I suppose. Pancamo celebrates in the ring.