'Tommy' Episode 5 Review: Russell G Jones commands all the attention as Chief Donn Cooper while he backs Tommy
The multi-talented Russell G Jones wears many other hats. The actor is also a writer, producer, theater personality, mentor and educator.
However, recently, we know him better on screen as Donn Cooper. If you haven't watched 'Tommy' yet, then you might want to catch up on the show’s last five episodes and see Jones in action.
In CBS' latest crime procedural, the senior actor plays the role of Chief of Staff to Chief of Police Abigail Thomas aka Tommy. While the characters of most chiefs of staff are sketched to be secondary, Cooper is an exception.
He is not just an advisor, but also a friend Tommy has found in the department, ever she had joined as the chief. Being the first woman in her position has anyway been a challenge and a friendly aide like Cooper only makes her team stronger and her journey a little less difficult.
In the initial episodes, you might not have noticed the significance of Donn Cooper's character, but as the story moved ahead, and more challenging cases come up, Cooper’s involvement and contribution gain prominence and we love how he takes the lead.
Particularly in Episode 5, the chief of staff gets out there and takes control of a hostage situation, where a bunch of diner employees are at risk. His stern but calm demeanor not only helps the police catch the perpetrator and prevent mayhem, but also saves the day for Tommy and the rest of the department.
His character gets the limelight with this episode and makes us admire him and his role, as he takes the lead and proves that even the second in command can take stock of a situation and it is equally his responsibility to push the department forward.
Like Jones once said in an interview, he realized how everyone within a system is accountable for making it work.
Also, as a highlighting point, the chemistry that Cooper and Tommy show as a team is remarkable! Cooper had also been the right hand for Tommy's predecessor, Milt Leakey, but, as he admitted, he relies more on Tommy’s guidance and approach to managing the department.
You might wonder how this chemistry worked out. As actors both Jones and Falco had been guided by writing. As each brought their respective "energies" to the table, it automatically worked against each other and blended into a harmonious relationship between Tommy and Cooper.
Keep watching Russell G Jones in action in 'Tommy' when it airs every Thursday night at 10 pm/9c only on CBS.