On Call Ending Explained: Do Harmon and Diaz Take Down East Barrio Criminals?

Warning: This article includes spoilers for On Call. The series delves into the transformative journey of Harmon and Diaz, exploring their growth both as individuals and as a team while they confront the challenges posed by East Barrio and Smokey. Mirroring the narrative style of David Ayer’s End of Watch, On Call, crafted by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, offers a raw depiction of the everyday struggles that police officers face while striving to uphold justice within their community.

Set against the backdrop of their quest to apprehend the individual responsible for a fellow officer’s murder, the heart of Harmon and Diaz’s story lies in the authenticity of their experiences in tackling various crimes. As their mission reaches its climax, the stakes rise significantly, placing them directly in the path of the killer’s gang. However, amidst these trials, both characters emerge with newfound insights about themselves and each other.

Why Harmon Restarts Diaz’s Probation in On Call‘s Ending

She Realizes He Is Not Ready for the Job

Harmon consoling Diaz after a traumatic event in On Call

In the concluding moments of On Call, as Diaz’s probation period concludes, he eagerly awaits Harmon’s assessment of his performance. During this moment, he expresses profound gratitude for her mentoring, indicating significant personal development. In a surprising turn, Harmon decides to reignite his probationary period, suggesting that he still lacks the preparedness required for solo duty.

Harmon recognizes that, although Diaz has displayed remarkable growth under her guidance, his impulsive decisions—particularly a near-fatal incident involving Smokey’s daughter—highlight unresolved issues that must be addressed. The tragic loss of Officer Maria Delgado at the series’ outset amplifies Harmon’s concerns about her training techniques and their potential failures.

Why Diaz Returns Harmon’s “Get Out of Jail Free”Card in On Call‘s Ending

Diaz Understands Harmon’s Motives & Appreciates Her

Alex Diaz sipping coffee while talking Officer Harmon in On Call

At the series’ outset, Harmon grants Diaz a symbolic “Get out of jail free”card, a gesture emblematic of her belief in second chances for all her trainees. Initially feeling betrayed by the decision to redo his probation, Diaz soon realizes that Harmon’s actions stem from a genuine desire to safeguard his future. He ultimately appreciates the opportunity to redeem himself, recognizing the importance of the card he has just earned.

Harmon, Diaz, & Koyama’s Plan to Take Down East Barrio & Smokey Explained

Koyama Finds a Major Lead to Capture Smokey

In a bid to curtail the violence stemming from the East Barrio gang’s internal strife, Sergeant Lasman initiates a controversial “tactical alert,”aiming to neutralize threats against innocent bystanders. Although Harmon views this strategy with skepticism, Sergeant Koyama’s intel about Smokey’s operations offers a glimmer of hope.

Koyama identifies a key associate at the airport aiding in drug transportation for Smokey. Armed with evidence, the team intervenes at his residence, compelling him to disclose the drug trade location. Their operations unfold into chaos when rival gang members attack during a routine pick-up, catalyzing a violent confrontation in which Harmon manages to corner Smokey post-battle.

Why Harmon’s Transfer to Sergeant Koyama’s Team Gets Rejected

Lieutenant Bishop Prevents the Transfer

Harmon feels optimistic about a potential transfer to Koyama’s team, only to discover that a higher authority has derailed her move. Her initial suspicion falls on Sergeant Lasman, who may harbor resentment towards her intervention in past colleague matters. Despite their friction, Lasman assures Harmon that underlying motives do not drive their mutual goals to uphold justice.

Once Harmon confronts Lasman, she acknowledges that Lieutenant Bishop likely played a role in obstructing her transfer—exploiting previous confessions regarding her pursuit of Delgado’s killer as justification.

How Harmon & Diaz’s Mission Gets Diaz’s Brother in Trouble

Diaz’s Brother Becomes an Easy Target

Brandon Larracuente as Alex Diaz in On Call

Before accepting Diaz as a trainee, Harmon uncovers troubling information about his brother’s incarceration for armed robbery. Fragile family dynamics come to light when Diaz insists his brother was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Following their successes against gang leader Maniac, Diaz’s brother becomes the target of vengeance from East Barrio inmates.

Diaz’s sibling refuses protective measures, worrying it will exacerbate his situation. In response, Harmon takes initiative to secure his transfer to a safer facility, successfully safeguarding him from impending threats.

Why Harmon Changes Her Mind About Helping Her Sister

Harmon Realizes Only She Can Look Out for Her

Initially dismissive of her sister’s struggles, Harmon’s perspective shifts dramatically when she reveals the darker truths of her sibling’s substance abuse. A poignant moment arises as Harmon recalls her mission to save a young boy’s sister from a drug overdose—a reminder of her obligation towards her own kin.

Consequently, she attempts to intervene by arresting her sister in hopes of aiding her recovery. However, Diaz proposes a more viable alternative, suggesting rehabilitation at a specialized facility that can genuinely assist her sister in overcoming addiction.

How On Call Season 1’s Ending Sets Up Season 2

Sergeant Lasman’s Actions Could Lead to Chaos in Season 2

The inaugural season of On Call concludes on a satisfying yet suggestive note, with Harmon’s triumph over Delgado’s killer and Smokey. Nevertheless, the reopening of Diaz’s probation signifies an impending chapter filled with challenges. Speculation around a potential season 2 raises anticipation about further collaborations between Diaz and Harmon in their mission to combat crime within their district.

Tim Walsh, the show’s executive producer, expresses optimism for a season 2 renewal. Furthermore, the implications of Lasman’s tactical decisions could serve as a catalyst for ongoing rivalries and power struggles in East Barrio, challenging Harmon and the Long Beach police force to mitigate gang-related violence and protect the community. In essence, the anticipated continuation of On Call not only promises an evolution in character dynamics but also an exploration of the deeper ramifications of their actions as they navigate the complexities of policing.

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