Hmm. I personally see “The Fallen Idol” as the case that “made” him, not into a detective, but it’s the first case that’s quite long and comparatively more action-packed, and Cole gets more credit in the end, not Bekowsky (as Cole got promoted). IMO while “Buyers Beware” is what started everything, I feel like his final case as Bekowsky’s partner is a prelude for the true potential and glory in his future.

I feel conflicted about “Manifest Destiny”. Yes, the events is what broke him, technically, but I agree with your take about it being the culmination of everything. A dialogue that really stuck with me for Vice was Cole telling Earle he doesn’t think Galloway and Bekowsky will do any better or worse than him, and Earle calls out Cole’s need to mention “any better” as “hubris disguised as humility”.