“CSI: NY’s” Subplot: The Flack/Lovato Kiss

It seems that “CSI: NY” fans were not disappointed by the show’s first airing for 2013. Last night, viewers watched the central characters struggled to unravel the mystery surrounding the fatal shooting of an attorney as well as a Guardian Angel whose charitable work included anonymously surprising strangers with checks for $1 million. Yet while these narrative developments likely caught and kept the attention of viewers, the show’s central subplot-an evolving romance between detectives Don Flack (Eddie Cahill) and Jamie Lovato (Natalie Martinez)-was equally intriguing. Culminating in a kiss outside of a game center where the two have just played ping pong, the amorous exchange may indicate that the relationship is no longer platonic.

The history of intrigue and flirtation between Flack and Lovato is well-known to fans of the show. When Lovato made her debut as a new detective in the episode entitled “Where There’s Smoke…,” she and Flack engage in a somewhat coy and humor-laden dialogue regarding her position. Yet last night’s transition from playful conversation to meaningful dialogue coupled with physical contact indicates that Flack and Lovato may soon begin dating seriously and eventually categorize themselves as a couple.

To fully grasp the significant step that marks Flack and Lovato’s evolution from friendship and flirtation to potential romance, one must consider both the kiss and the dialogue that transpires between the two long before it unfolds. After the two have a brief conversation regarding their frustrations with respect to case developments, Lovato asks Flack what he likes to do outside of work. Warming up to her demonstration of genuine interest in his hobbies, Flack informs Lovato that he enjoys ping pong and subsequently asks if she would like to join him in playing. Here, the viewer learns that the verbal exchanges between the couple are now marked by clearly stated mutual interest rather than insinuated attraction.

Unsurprisingly, Lovato accepts Flack’s request for a date and subsequently accompanies him to play ping pong. After they have played the game for a while, the two make a bet regarding who will win and-after Flack asks what the victor will receive-Lovato informs him that the winner will decide. Perhaps because of his expertise and history with the pastime, Flack wins. The prize-which many viewers were probably expecting given the steady round of coquetries that transpired as they played-is a kiss. Following this exchange, Flack remarks that the kiss constitutes him collecting his winnings. While one might be inclined to interpret this statement as a manifestation of callousness or Flack’s reducing the kiss to a business transaction, his joking tone and nonverbal communication-namely his endearing eyes-indicate that the words were just a jest.

While the Lovato/Flack kiss is an interesting plot development, viewers can only speculate about what the act will entail. Given that the two now appear to have both a personal and professional relationship, future episodes of the show may be rife with the tensions and complications that result from mixing work with pleasure. Or-out of a desire to uphold principles of professionalism-the two may conceal their budding romance from co-workers and continue seeing each other secretly. Other narrative developments are possible, including Lovato losing interest in Flack and subsequently ending the relationship. Ultimately, viewers don’t know what will happen next. Nevertheless, last night’s developments seem promising.

Fans of “CSI: NY”-and anyone who is simply curious about the show-can watch the latest episode here.