Because I am still so wrapped up in the Sam/Gene love, I just ignore that part. I don't want to call Annie a beard because she was much more than that to Sam, (and she was so smart and lovely) but I can't come up with a better word for her.
Plus, I was still in squee mode over Chris FINALLY mentioning Sam. Chris definitely learned to be a better copper directly due to Sam's influence, and it was bothering me that he never mentioned him. (Chris takes the tape recorder into the room for the Billy Kemble interrogation and he flat out asked Sam for advice on women.) I also found it significant that after Chris mentions Sam the camera turns to Alex and Jackie discussing him and Gene is out of frame.