This was a rock solid episode. It had some meat on its bones in a way that the previous 3 episodes did not; while those featured stories that were somewhat predictable, this one actually felt like a good old fashioned whodunnit. It had intrigue, and I didn't know where it was going.
Where it went -- inside a seemingly ordinary churchgoing family who are hiding dark secrets -- did end up in some ridiculously melodramatic territory. But Cold Case has a knack for pulling off plots like this and making you care through its slick cinematography, smooth camera movements, period flashbacks, and great licensed music. It's not the most realistic show around, but it usually has something to say about the human condition -- this episode was no exception.
The performances were good too, especially Isabella Hofmann as a mother suffering from Alzheimer's, and the always reliable Jimmi Simpson as one of her children. The ending montage was fitting: "Live to Tell" by Madonna. Also keep an ear out for a rare un-ironic usage of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up."
Overall, a very good episode of Cold Case.
Where it went -- inside a seemingly ordinary churchgoing family who are hiding dark secrets -- did end up in some ridiculously melodramatic territory. But Cold Case has a knack for pulling off plots like this and making you care through its slick cinematography, smooth camera movements, period flashbacks, and great licensed music. It's not the most realistic show around, but it usually has something to say about the human condition -- this episode was no exception.
The performances were good too, especially Isabella Hofmann as a mother suffering from Alzheimer's, and the always reliable Jimmi Simpson as one of her children. The ending montage was fitting: "Live to Tell" by Madonna. Also keep an ear out for a rare un-ironic usage of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up."
Overall, a very good episode of Cold Case.
