Characters
Life would be perfect, if it was just kids and dogs.
— Det. Frank Pembleton · Homicide: Life on the Street
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Pembleton imagines a perfect life stripped down to its simplest joys. Children and dogs stand for uncomplicated affection, while the 'if' hints that everything else gets in the way. It's a wistful wish rather than a plan.
Context reviewed