Eclipse is the first episode that shows the complex character that Ray Kowalski is. The episode is set around an investigation of the real Ray Vecchio, and 9 missing kilos of drugs. With every one at the precinct needing Kowalski to get them out of a difficult situation the detective is nowhere to be found. Fraser goes on the hunt and along the way finds things out about his new partner, such as his love for dancing. When he catches up with Ray, in a Crypt, he discovers that Ray is trying to settle an old score.
When he was thirteen years old Ray and his female friend went into a bank, whilst they were there a robbery took place. The robber, Elery, grabbed his friend, and the young Ray became so frightend that he wet himself. Marcus Elery was distracted by this and the girl was able to get away. The girl believed that Ray had wet himself to allow her to get away and he never corrected her on the fact. He eventually married the girl, Stella.
There are many comedic scenes throughout the episode, such as an old lady firing a gun into her husband's grave in order to drive insects away, and Ray questioning Fraser about his attractiveness to women. Whist keeping up the surveillance of the cemetry, waiting for Elery to arrive for his mother's funeral, Ray and Fraser run into two petit criminals who also add humour to the situation.
The whole episode develops the relationship between Kowalski and Fraser and allows the viewer to begin to understand Kowalski more.
Meanwhile at the station the officers are still waiting for Ray to help them out of the situation.
At the cemetry just as Fraser and Ray are about to leave, Kowalski spots Elery, and gives chase. The two fall into an open grave. Ray is shocked when Elery doesn't remember him, eventuially he lets him go, after thanking him for "Making me what I am.... a cop" When Fraser arrives Ray tells him that he had been overpowered.
Eventually the two arrive at the station, just in time to clear the precinct from the investigation. Ray convinces the officers to place him in an identification parade, and of course he is not recognised.
The Episode concludes at a party in aid of the real Ray Vecchio's birthday, which shows all the officer s relaxing.
The entire episode answers a lot of questions, for example that of Ray's real name (Stanley Raymond Kowalski) and his past. It also informs the viewer of the fact the Kowalski is in deed a good police officer, and the number of citations he has been awarded. It is a very informative and amusing episode that allows viewers a rare insight into the charcters.
Eclipse is a much improved Due South episode to the previous one Burning Down The House. I think Kowalski was thrown into Due South with very little information on his background,his personality and his feelings. We learn about all of these in Eclipse. I still miss Ray Vecchio but I'm beginning to like Kowalski more, especially after watching this episode. We can see that he's full of determination as he is persistant in finishing his buisness with Ellery. And he doesn't seem to give a damn about his division going down. Quite a rebel! Vecchio certainly wouldn't have done that. Luckily Fraser comes in and convinces Ray to reconsider. However like his predecessor Kowalski does make crack jokes. The argument over weather the Scotch is 'open' and not working between Ray and the caretaker is brilliantly constructed. Also Ray asking Fraser if he finds him attractive is different to past Due South humour but still amusing. Vecchio again wouldn't ever ask Fraser that.If you've seen this episode you'll know that a large amount of it takes place within and around a crypt. Some people may think that this isn't a good idea and that there should be sveral locations involved. But I think in this situation it works very well. It's a stepping stone for more Due South to come in the way that we learn a lot about a key character. A character some of us were a little uncertain about. I love how more and more people are thrown into the crypt with Fraser and Ray. First it's the two thieves, then the old lady, then the drunk caretaker guy. What they all discuss is interesting too. Francis Bacon,love,women,marriage and the question Ray desperatley wants to find out.Is Ellery going to show? A thoroughly enjoyable episode to watch. I rate Eclipse 4/5.