Audiences expect one buddy to revenge the death of another.
Each is faced with facts which show that his or her group is at worst corrupt, or at least ineffective in achieving its designated goal. Wakefield resolves the tension between the policies promoted by his organization and his own analysis of what drug addicts need by resigning his prestigious position to return home to help his daughter. Soderbergh portrays Wakefield as a hero. Rodriguez faces an even more difficult dilemma. Everywhere he looks he finds corruption.