Picket Fences: Season 3
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Picket Fences Season 2.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
Survival of the Fittest
Sep 23, 1994
A local girl disappears and Sherriff Brock suspects her boyfriend, Brian Latham, is involved. Meanwhile, Jill opposes a grade school teacher who is teaching creationism.
Systematic Abuse
Sep 30, 1994
District Attorney Littleton and defense lawyer Douglas Wambaugh prepare for the upcoming murder trial of Brian Latham. Littleton is concerned that his case will be hampered by the
The Bus Stops Here (1)
Oct 7, 1994
A Wisconsin Federal judge orders that 400 black students from the Green Bay ghetto be bused to Rome's schools, prompting panic among Sheriff Brock and the parents, knowing that a g
Enemy Lines (2)
Oct 14, 1994
Jill and Judge Nance air their feelings in a heated face-to-face exchange after she is arrested when she reveals that she performed surgery on the Christian Science man. Meanwhile,
Cold Spell
Oct 28, 1994
After a young girl spray paints a pentacle on a wall at school, Sheriff Brock removes her from the custody of her mother, a practicing Wiccan, and a court custody battle ensues. Ma
Elective Conduct
Nov 4, 1994
Jill's mayoral campaign is damaged when Zach writes a school report filled with racist content, which he copied from an out-of-date book. Kimberly befriends Aisha when her classmat
Rebels with Causes
Nov 11, 1994
Wambaugh accompanies Jill Brock to Chicago where he receives a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at Chicago Hope Hospital in this series crossover episode. Jill clashes with Dr. Jeff
May It Please the Court
Nov 18, 1994
Wambaugh realizes the dream of a lifetime when he presents oral arguments before the Supreme Court.
For Whom the Wind Blows
Dec 2, 1994
While Brian Latham continues to proclaim his innocence, Kenny and Max review the evidence of the case and begin to believe he is telling the truth. Jimmy turns 55 and suffers a mid
Away in the Manger
Dec 16, 1994
Carter Pike suspects that bizarre genetic experiments are being carried out on cows at a remote farm. This episode was originally planned as a crossover with The X-Files.
Freezer Burn
Jan 6, 1995
A masseur known for giving erotic massages to many female residents of the town is found dead in his freezer. Jimmy Brock is upset when he learns that his wife, Jill, was one of th
Frog Man Returns
Jan 13, 1995
The Frog Man's son tires of his father and goes to court for emancipation. Meanwhile, Zach is injured in a terrible accident and Jill overreacts, striking Matthew for accidentally
Mr. Seed Goes to Town
Jan 20, 1995
Jimmy Brock's ex-wife, Lydia, visits unexpectedly and brings with her an unusual request — she wants to have another baby, and she wants Jimmy to father it.
Close Encounters
Feb 3, 1995
Carter pronounces a woman dead after she collapses while singing, but she later "wakes up" in the morgue and sees Carter as her soulmate. Meanwhile, Kenny and Max take their relati
When in Rome
Feb 24, 1995
When a child molester moves to Rome after spending 16 years in prison it causes big problems for the local residents, especially with Jill and Jimmy, who are struggling to reconcil
Heroes and Villains
Mar 3, 1995
The hearing impaired Dancing Bandit is arrested when she visits Zach on his birthday. Federal authorities want her trial to be set in Rome, where the jury reaches a surprising verd
Changing of the Guard
Mar 10, 1995
Jimmy goes outside of his department to get the help he needs to find Ed Lawson, who is wanted for murder. Meanwhile, the town launches its own search to find a new mayor, and Kenn
Without Mercy
Mar 31, 1995
Jimmy consults Jill when a terminal cancer patient dies of a morphine overdose.
Final Judgement
Apr 7, 1995
When Jill is found guilty of physician-assisted suicide, Wambaugh insists that Judge Bone put the issue of euthanasia on trial. Meanwhile, Kenny and Carter discover that Zack has b
Saint Zach
Apr 28, 1995
When Zach develops stigmata-like sores on his hands, his friends believe he has healing powers, and a classmate asks him to cure his brother of leukemia.
Upbringings
May 5, 1995
Jimmy's father, Walter Brock (played by James Coburn), pays an unexpected visit and asks Jimmy to take over his law firm. This offer provokes long-standing father-son animosities,
The Song of Rome
May 12, 1995
After Father Gary Barrett is shot and killed during a robbery at the church, Mayor Bey proposes holding a spring musical pageant to help pull the community out of its somber mood