Post by TVFan on Jun 22, 2004 10:10:23 GMT -5
Okay, so I know the long dreaded summer has begun and that means reruns. So, I thought that we could pass some of that time discussing our overall impressions of the first season of Cold Case. Here's my review (dips big toe into the water 
).
Cold Case started out with a strong pilot episode that was "ripped from the headlines" in Wolf (Law & Order franchise) style. Although I typically don't like when television shows use this gimmick, CC did a nice job of delving into the psychological element of a crime that closely mimicked the Michael Skakel/Martha Moxley case. The next few episodes weren't as strong for me as the pilot. Despite the weaker episodes, Kathryn carried the show and caused me to stick with it. Around the time Sherry Darlin’ aired, CC began to fall into its own. The show continued to improve from this point on with well written, well told, and well acted stories. I know many critics have criticized the show for too obvious perps, but I have always liked the "why dunnit" angle to the show. It makes it stand out from other seemingly assembly line cop shows.
Cold Case did a really nice job of blending personal lives and information into the episodes without sacrificing the importance of each case. In my opinion, the balance this season was perfect. I wouldn't want the scales to be tipped in either direction next year. The writers have created a perfectly imperfect character with Lilly. It's so rare to see such well written roles in Hollywood, particularly for women. I love all of her different layers. She never seems to react in the same manner to a case, showing the true complexity in the character.
Favorite episodes: "Sherry Darlin'," "Fly Away," and "Glued." Sherry Darlin' delved not only into the psyche of the suspect, but also into the character of Lilly. The ending scene with Lilly and the suspect was very real, and obviously affected her. Fly Away was the most moving episode of the season for me. The tragic circumstances that led up to the mother and daughter going out of the window were so sad. This was a hugely personal case for Lilly, which allowed us to learn a lot about her upbringing. One of the best elements of this episode was the fact that Lilly instantly judged the mother. I loved the way the writers and Kathryn showed us how flawed Lilly can be.
It made her so human. This episode also had the most moving ending of the season for me. First Lilly realizes her mistake and helps the mother, then she passes all of the children in the police station there to give their statements on how Mr. Feeley abused them (this really got me), then we have Lilly alone watching home movies. Very tragic and moving episode. Finally, Glued just had so many wonderful elements. There was the humor from Lilly and Kite (first in his office, then with the fries, and then at her house) and the "No drugs today" stint. We had a moving case that exposed the sometimes overwhelming duties of being a parent, Stillman's guilt in not solving it and sacrificing his own family trying, and the racism that still exists in our society. There was also a wonderfully poignant scene between Lilly and Stillman in his office when he tells her about his daughter expecting a baby. I also loved the closing scene with Lilly at home. What a great scene! It tells us so much about her without saying a word.
The show has such grittiness to it. The detectives don't mince words and the cases are solved with good old police work. I love the way the show exposes the darker side of humanity because it's so tragic and I think we tend to forget how terrible we can be to each other. Overall, I thought that Cold Case's first season had a wide variety of cases, incredible writing, great acting, and amazing technique. It's off to a great start, and I hope that the show continues to grow and develop into many successful seasons. It's so nice to have a fresh, well written, and well acted show on television.
).Cold Case started out with a strong pilot episode that was "ripped from the headlines" in Wolf (Law & Order franchise) style. Although I typically don't like when television shows use this gimmick, CC did a nice job of delving into the psychological element of a crime that closely mimicked the Michael Skakel/Martha Moxley case. The next few episodes weren't as strong for me as the pilot. Despite the weaker episodes, Kathryn carried the show and caused me to stick with it. Around the time Sherry Darlin’ aired, CC began to fall into its own. The show continued to improve from this point on with well written, well told, and well acted stories. I know many critics have criticized the show for too obvious perps, but I have always liked the "why dunnit" angle to the show. It makes it stand out from other seemingly assembly line cop shows.
Cold Case did a really nice job of blending personal lives and information into the episodes without sacrificing the importance of each case. In my opinion, the balance this season was perfect. I wouldn't want the scales to be tipped in either direction next year. The writers have created a perfectly imperfect character with Lilly. It's so rare to see such well written roles in Hollywood, particularly for women. I love all of her different layers. She never seems to react in the same manner to a case, showing the true complexity in the character.
Favorite episodes: "Sherry Darlin'," "Fly Away," and "Glued." Sherry Darlin' delved not only into the psyche of the suspect, but also into the character of Lilly. The ending scene with Lilly and the suspect was very real, and obviously affected her. Fly Away was the most moving episode of the season for me. The tragic circumstances that led up to the mother and daughter going out of the window were so sad. This was a hugely personal case for Lilly, which allowed us to learn a lot about her upbringing. One of the best elements of this episode was the fact that Lilly instantly judged the mother. I loved the way the writers and Kathryn showed us how flawed Lilly can be.
It made her so human. This episode also had the most moving ending of the season for me. First Lilly realizes her mistake and helps the mother, then she passes all of the children in the police station there to give their statements on how Mr. Feeley abused them (this really got me), then we have Lilly alone watching home movies. Very tragic and moving episode. Finally, Glued just had so many wonderful elements. There was the humor from Lilly and Kite (first in his office, then with the fries, and then at her house) and the "No drugs today" stint. We had a moving case that exposed the sometimes overwhelming duties of being a parent, Stillman's guilt in not solving it and sacrificing his own family trying, and the racism that still exists in our society. There was also a wonderfully poignant scene between Lilly and Stillman in his office when he tells her about his daughter expecting a baby. I also loved the closing scene with Lilly at home. What a great scene! It tells us so much about her without saying a word.
The show has such grittiness to it. The detectives don't mince words and the cases are solved with good old police work. I love the way the show exposes the darker side of humanity because it's so tragic and I think we tend to forget how terrible we can be to each other. Overall, I thought that Cold Case's first season had a wide variety of cases, incredible writing, great acting, and amazing technique. It's off to a great start, and I hope that the show continues to grow and develop into many successful seasons. It's so nice to have a fresh, well written, and well acted show on television.
I really need to rewatch each episode.
