While last week's Fairly Legal annoyed me, "Ripple of Hope" almost had me in tears.

Finally, Kate was actually negotiating. It's felt like she hasn't done much of that this season. With most of her cases it's been as though she's picked a side. With Ben's help, the hunger strike issues felt a bit more balanced. 

Whether you agreed with the warden or not, she wasn't kidding about having to watch every dime of the prison's budget and get approvals that probably had her jumping through the seven rings of hell, even for something as basic as food.

But the negotiations quickly spiraled into another Kate Reed rescue mission. His her need to save people compassion or compulsion?  I'll say that it's probably a little of both. This time I didn't think that was such a bad thing, especially since it turned out to be one of my favorite cases.

Lea Ferran was young and stupid and listened to the wrong guy. Now she was paying for that with 15 years behind bars. She was innocent but once a jury found her guilty her fate was sealed.

As Kate spoke in front of the parole board, my heart broke. They didn't care about new evidence and in their defense I guess they weren't suppose to. This wasn't a new trial and they only wanted to hear that Lea was making amends and moving forward.

As Ben pleaded with Lea to lie, I felt for them all. He wasn't wrong in his advice, especially when taking the high road was going to keep an innocent young woman in prison.

But Lea was just as head strong and idealistic as Kate. I don't doubt that Ms. Reed would have made the same decision but the sadness of having lost the fight was palpable. Lea Moran would do her time for a crime she never committed. You don't often see such unfairness on Fairly Legal which was probably why it resonated.

Leo, on the other hand was all about fighting for fairness…for a pretty girl. I definitely loved Ashley's tag line. What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?  That's an awesome thought and I loved the way it worked on Lauren.  Of course the movie deal also helped.

Kate and Justin continued their dance. She still wondered who his mystery date was and obviously Justin had a close eye on Kate and Ben. These two still care deeply for one another and their chemistry is undeniable but I wonder if they'll ever find their way back as a couple.

Ben kissing Kate at the end was surprising and hot and heartbreaking all at once. I was a little shocked by how quickly these two pulled me in. A week ago I would have said I'd happily see them as more of a brother/sister team. Now I'm not so sure. 

So are you still rooting for a Justin and Kate reconciliation or has Ben gotten under your skin? Kate's love life is in flux. Which direction would you like to see it go on Fairly Legal?

C. Orlando was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.