The Best Episodes Written By Gary Scott Thompson

Danny's friend Greg is found murdered in the desert, reporter is hot on the trail of a naughty senator, and King Arthur is riding through the casino.

In the third season premiere, Ed's got major problems as the revamped Montecito struggles to finish work in time to re-open on new boss' Monica Mancuso's (Lara Flynn Boyle) schedule as he also tries to lure back Danny and his former staff to prevent a suspected "smash-and-grab" heist that has hit other casinos. But convincing Danny and the gang proves to be difficult since each has his or her reasons for leaving, and what's more, Ed suspects two construction hard-hats are planning an inside robbery once the Montecito's doors swing open again amid much fanfare.

It's Christmas and everybody in the Montecito is forced to take part in Ed's secret Santa gift exchange. At the same time Danny's car, his most valuable possession, is stolen on Christmas Eve. Delinda is planning her first Christmas with Danny. And Sam gets an autographed photo of Elvis during one of his first concerts as a surprise for one of her favorite "whales."