I've been slowly doing a rewatch of the series in order and this was one of the best episodes I've seen in a long time thanks to a great script. So many of the characters are criminal or unhinged, you have no idea which one will end up dead or how. And then once that happens, it's not easy to guess who the murderer is and what their motive was. There's so much going on with each subplot. Carrie Snodgress especially did a talented job playing a controlling, delusional, mother. The scene where Jessica confronts the casino owner showed she can be a hard core badass at the drop of a hat. She's definitely the one pulling all the strings in Cabot Cove.
And Andy actually plays a part in the case! Who knew what a good cop he is until now. All we usually hear from him is basically "yes, sheriff." Maybe he should be chief of police and Mort can be his deputy, seeing how Mort usually gets every case wrong. Andy's probably has been in the background noticing everything. I like to imagine now he's the one pushing Mort to the right solutions whenever Jessica isn't around to do it.
The only weakness is that we get the tv version of addiction. Wings Hauser's character says "I'm sorry. I'll get help." And that's supposed to mean happily ever after for everyone. First, I can't imagine he only stole from Jessica and Seth (and probably ruined their credit). Would all the others be so rich they can just write off that money like Jessica? Yet he gets *no* consequences for a serious crime. Second, most of us know it usually takes several attempts be successful at recovery. Relapses are also part of the condition. At minimum he would lose his business, if not end up in jail. Thinking about it, let's say Jessica, Seth, and Mort just let him walk after apologizing, it would be likely he would the go on to prey on others the same way.
The ending was just too hokey. I also wish we got the slightest hint more of what Candace's reaction was besides just seeing her crying at the funeral. Her boyfriend was killed by her ex's crazy mom. That's going to be traumatic. But these are mostly minor quibbles compared to the overall story, which was excellent.
And Andy actually plays a part in the case! Who knew what a good cop he is until now. All we usually hear from him is basically "yes, sheriff." Maybe he should be chief of police and Mort can be his deputy, seeing how Mort usually gets every case wrong. Andy's probably has been in the background noticing everything. I like to imagine now he's the one pushing Mort to the right solutions whenever Jessica isn't around to do it.
The only weakness is that we get the tv version of addiction. Wings Hauser's character says "I'm sorry. I'll get help." And that's supposed to mean happily ever after for everyone. First, I can't imagine he only stole from Jessica and Seth (and probably ruined their credit). Would all the others be so rich they can just write off that money like Jessica? Yet he gets *no* consequences for a serious crime. Second, most of us know it usually takes several attempts be successful at recovery. Relapses are also part of the condition. At minimum he would lose his business, if not end up in jail. Thinking about it, let's say Jessica, Seth, and Mort just let him walk after apologizing, it would be likely he would the go on to prey on others the same way.
The ending was just too hokey. I also wish we got the slightest hint more of what Candace's reaction was besides just seeing her crying at the funeral. Her boyfriend was killed by her ex's crazy mom. That's going to be traumatic. But these are mostly minor quibbles compared to the overall story, which was excellent.