Ep. 4.02 The War at Home

[TVFan]

THE 2004 CASE INVOLVING THE DISAPPEARANCE OF A FEMALE IRAQI WAR VET IS RE-OPENED WHEN HER HIGH-TECH TITANIUM ARM IS FOUND IN THE RIVER, ON "COLD CASE," SUNDAY, OCT. 1

Alex Zakrzewski directed the episode that was written by Samantha Corbin-Miller.

Lilly Rush: Kathryn Morris
Scotty Valens: Danny Pino
LT. John Stillman: John Finn
Nick Vera: Jeremy Ratchford
Will Jeffries: Thom Barry
Kat Miller: Tracie Thoms
Joseph: Kenneth Johnson
Mike Valens: Nestor Carbonell
Alegria: Camillia Sanes
Emilio: Aramis Knight
Dana Tucker (2004): Lesley Fera
Geoff Tucker (2004/2006): Tim DeKay
Lindsey Tucker (2004): Gigi Goff
Lindsey Tucker (2006): Lily Goff
Brenda (2004/2006): Kathrine Narducci
Paula (2004/2006): Kristin Bauer
Tommy Kelly (2004/2006): Brian Gross
Bill Kozlowski (2004/2006): Michael Wiseman
Tara Kozlowski (2004/2006): Bitsie Tulloch
Female Principle: Saundra McClain
Boy: Malik Elijah Kirkwood


After you view this episode, be sure to vote for it above. Also, leave a post with your thoughts.

[eurache]

Also, "LIVE" chats are on Monday and Wednesday nights. Look at our NEWS FADER for time and dates.

Also, click on "LIVE" Chats to see our discussions for this episode. ;D

"LIVE" CHAT

[Naj]

Don't forget to mosy over to the Episode Sound Tracks forum to vote on the sound track and to list any songs you may know.

The War At Home Sound Track

[michelle]

Heartbreaking!! this has to be in my top five eps ever list! More tomorrow. ..

[Naj]

Yep. It's pretty late for me here too. I'm no night owl. Basically will have to comment tomorrow.

I thought the case was interesting. I wasn't able to guess but then I let the writers take me on a journey. I never try to figure it out beforehand.

I liked the opening a lot with Lilly and Kat and some of the direction with the flashback stills to end each segment.

[longislanditalian2]

I loved the scene where Lilly is trying to cook breakfast not to mention her cute pyjamas, her hair is back up! She finally opens up to Joseph telling him about the time when her dad left and she was 6yrs old. She really seems to miss him dearly. Joseph seemed to understand about it without asking too much, oh yeah he's also holding Olivia in his arms. That's weird how he immediatly knew that someone had left her.

Lilly with the little girl, that was sweet how she told her that if she was her girl she would be proud. Is it just me or did Scotty get cutier and handsome in ever episode?

[TVFan]

This one was just "good" for me. It lacked the luster of the season premiere because it had a few missteps.

1. I thought it played a little too much to military stereotypes. The episode did do a nice job skirting the war issue considering its current-ness and based-on-real-life events format. I was a little afraid of this episode for this reason, but it did a nice job. I think, though, that overall the miltary themed eps don't appeal to me like some of the others. Just personal preference. However, I was very interested and involved in Dana's story.

2. The actual "murder" seemed weak. I wasn't sure whether Tommy killed Dana or whether he accidentally flung her off the bridge while trying to end his own life. He seemed a bit suicidal there at the end. After she "fell," he was instantly upset about it, so I'm just not sure what happened.

3. Both Lilly and Scotty's personal stuff felt very forced to me. Scotty's conversation had no small talk before he got right to the point. Lilly went from burning pancakes to discussing some of her issues in no time. I think this is just a symptom of the procedural format not allowing for much personal stuff, but I would have liked both scenes better if they had worked up to their confessions more before just jumping into them.

Regardless, I loved Lilly's scene with Joseph. Not only was it adorable, but it also provided the missing link in Lilly's past. We now know that her father left when she was 6. Most of us figured that this was the case, but it was nice to see some reaction to it. It also speaks to the pattern in her life. All of the men that she has been close to have left starting with her Dad, then her fiance, Ray (who seems to ride in and out of her life), Kite and any number of others. This is also why I think that she cares a lot about Joseph, has a lot of fun with him and is completely in lust with him, but certainly not in love. Lilly would never be so careless with her heart, not after it has been betrayed so many times by the men that she cares about. Sure, she'd love for things to work out and she's more willing to allow them to after what happened with her mother in BLF, but she's still slightly guarded (and rightfully so). The greatest part about this scene, though, was what Joseph didn't say, but implied with his final line. He told Lilly that he could be her last (guy to cut and run when the chips are down). It was a statement of committment that Lilly seemed to like, but she certainly wasn't sold on the idea. I chock that up to her being a little (OK, maybe a lot) jaded by her experiences. I'm very curious to see what happens between these two because I'm still seeing a guarded heart on Lilly's side and a completely open one on Joseph's. Lilly has changed, but not completely. This scene sort of highlighted that for me, and I found it fascinating. And on a completely superficial note, she looked absolutely adorable in the burnt breakfast scene. We finally found something that she's not so good at (besides relationships).

I loved Scotty's line to Paula after she said that he probably thinks that she's some home-wrecker floozy. He said (paraphrasing here) "pretty much." HILARIOUS!

I have to say that I really thought this one was going to end up being a suicide. In fact, I had no suspects in my head until Dana said that "we" have to say goodbye. Tommy popped into my head, and I knew that he was the killer. He was such a mess after everything that happened to him and learning that he had "nothing left," so he seemed like he was going to end his own life instead of Dana's. I'm still surprised that he didn't jump in there with her.

Overall, a good, solid episode, but not as strong as last week's. I have a few screencaps over at Pass the Remote, including Lil's breakfast scene, to tied you over.

[ruda]

TV Fan
you rock!!!!
thx for screencaps and great review!!!

[The Reverend Bizarre]

I too thought the "murder" was rather weak. Tommy flings her, but apparently he didn't mean to fling her off the bridge.

OOPS!

Other than the mediocre revelations scene I thought it was a great episode, and I really felt for Dana when she revealed what happened. I also got really choked up when her daughter gave that salute.

[eurache]

I voted "good" It was good, but not up to par like the first episode. I choked up when her daughter saluted her mom too. I agree with TVfan's view too. Thanks for the pics TVfan

[Naj]

Yea, I agree that the actual murder was weak. It was weird and really isn't that arm kinda heavy. It didn't look like much of an effort from Tommy for her to fall over.

TVFan said:

Both Lilly and Scotty's personal stuff felt very forced to me. Scotty's conversation had no small talk before he got right to the point. Lilly went from burning pancakes to discussing some of her issues in no time. I think this is just a symptom of the procedural format not allowing for much personal stuff, but I would have liked both scenes better if they had worked up to their confessions more before just jumping into them.

I agree. For me it was the placement of Scotty's visit. It didn't seem like it fit that segment. They needed to show us more of the case at that point. And the oddness was because they tried to show two personal segments in the first part of the show. It made it feel like Judging Amy or something. Also, I think they tried to give us Lilly while trying to give Scotty a segment.


I was excited about the story but it wasn't the kind of story I was hoping for. I didn't know who the killer was (which is good).

I loved Vera's quip: "Remeber that gal in Iraq had that guy on a leash?"


I was so caught off that Lily was making breakfast that I missed most of the conversation. Except for Lilly's dad leaving her at age six. Have to watch this over again. I gave it a Good.

I'm sure I'll think of more things about the case...

~Naj

[longislanditalian2]

Did Joseph says anything about his childhood, I wasn't sure?

[Pixie]

I though it was excellent, even though with these few minor things....
Season 4 is off with a great start, can't wait for more ;D
It's odd seeing Nestor in a serious role, because last I saw him was in Suddenly Susan, and it's kinda new being introduced with Scotty's family. (Did he have other brothers? )
Kinda fun seeing Lilly be "mother-like" trying to make pancakes (mmm pancakes....^_^) and I agree it's weird how she just opens up and tells her almost darkest secret.
The closing scenes was almost perfect, when Lindsay salutes her mother reminds me of the clip when JFK's son salutes his farther (can't remember where I saw it ), but instead of Dana in her Army gear, she should have been in her formal Army uniform standing proud.

-or is it just me?

[longislanditalian2]

It's weird to see Lilly cooking or doing anything domestic. Was she cooking at her house or his? Lilly looks still unhappy but I'm glad that Joseph really does love her but why does Lilly still look like she wants to cry?

[LillyKat]

I happened to really like this episode a lot - I think much more than I originally thought I might.

I really got into the case and/or the story simply for the fact that it was focused on a female war hero/vet, and that she was indeed injured/wounded in the line of duty and had to subsequently face the consequences of her experience upon returning home. I sometimes think whenever shows handle female military personnel characters, they are "desk job" / administration types. There are exceptions, of course. (e.g., JAG; NCIS). But all in all, the female military characters are sort of handled with kid gloves.

This was not the case with this ep. I found it to be very timely, plausible, and with a nice twist on the usual male war hero (like S3's "Honor") who comes home from the war, traumatized, not the same, and struggling to regain footing in the life that was before deployment. I was pretty drawn to Dana, and I had complete sympathy for everything she went through - right up until the end.

Now, the actual "throw Dana from the bridge" moment (not to be confused with Throw Momma From the Train ) was very ... well, silly. I mean, it hardly looked like Tommy even moved her at all, let alone garnered up enough force to have her lose her balance and fall over. I was not sold on that whatsoever. But the case itself was compelling for me. And all of the supporting characters were pretty interesting - each with their own set of "issues." Kept me interested.

I also really enjoyed the little personal sub-plots once again. In fact, I found it a nice change of pace to start seeing the homicide gang somewhere OTHER than PPD, actually having to deal with this thing called life. While we can all be work-a-holics, we do - eventually - go home at the end of the day. And, we do have stuff going on that has nothing to do with the job - and sometimes, we have to deal with it at inopportune moments. Thus, Miller driving Veronica to school but being called to the scene first; Scotty having to take time out to start dealing with bro; Lilly having an outburst whilst cooking breakfast ... all these moments were, I felt, very real. It's life. Stuff happens. You deal with it as it comes. It's unpredictable.

For me, I applaud CC for finally taking us outside PPD and getting us to the "other" parts of these characters. It makes them more real, more rounded and more relatable. And they are doing it, I feel, in a well-paced sort of way. Half the episode is NOT being devoted to personal drama. Instead, we are getting one scene here and there that gives us just enough to want to know what comes next. Then it's back to the case. I really like that.

I personally loved the Lilly / Joseph moment because it was so unexpected, yet also very real - she's at home, trying to fix herself something to eat. Lilly has to eat, right? Or have we thought she's been microwaving breakfast burritos for the past dozen years? LOL! I've had moments like that where I'm seemingly doing the most ordinary thing, and it triggers something in me that either has me reflecting on my past, thinking about where I am in the moment, etc. Thus, for me, I could absolutely identify with Lilly's outburst, and I appreciated how Joseph just ever so subtly knew exactly what the issue was (which, to me, I chalk up to his counselor background; this was one aspect I had hoped CC would pursue this season - that given his counselor background, he would be well-equipped to get - and or help - Lilly deal with some of her deepest issues whilst not fearing them, either). This scene played very well for me. And the piece of backstory we got out of it was a big key to Lilly's overall character development. Double-thumbs up for that.

Samantha Corbin-Miller did a great job with the script, and Alex Z. did his usual spot on directing. I have to say I enjoyed how this episode seemed to be "in the light" - there were very few dark, dreary scenes. I get tired sometimes of having to only see people in shadows and what not (LOL!). This used to drive me crazy with The X-Files - people's faces half lit, sets half-dark. Once in a while, I like seeing EVERYTHING and EVERYONE without having to squint.

All in all, really great ep for me.

[koufax]

I was disappointed in it. I thought the Scotty scene was out of place and that the episode was similar to one last year(with the Vietnam POW)

[tiger_lilly]

This was only a good episode for me. I agree with you TVFan, that the murder seemed weak. It didn't seem like it was very hard for him to throw her/push her over the railing. I mean that can't be so easy if the victim doesn't want to go...I guess she was caught by surprise, but still.

I also agree that the scene with Scotty and his brother was too short. I had expected much more. But I guess they might delve into that further in the future.

The breakfast scene was ok. I liked seeing Lilly cook and it was nice to hear her finally talk about her father. Joseph was really nice to her, but I thought that (and yes, now I might be contradicting myself a little) he was almost too nice. And him holding the cat...come on, we don't need to see all the time how alike they are.

All in all a good episode, but I've seen better.

[longislanditalian2]

The question being is Lilly unhappy with her current relationship or in general? Here she has loving boyfriend a great job but why is she still not happy? Lilly does give up some mixed signals so she can act one way but feel another way.

[myril]

It was an ok episode for me. Though Dana's story was touching and some good drama, the case was weak. They wanted to tell a female war vetaran story, so far so good , but they didn't seem to come up with a good idea how to kill her.

But I didn't like the ending scene with Lindsey saluting and Dana's ghost in combat gear, sorry, but I never like such stuff as making war heroes of people, found it rather cheesy. Honor and remember them as humans, not as soldiers. And I thought it was weird, that they gave the medal to Lindsey, the very medal that her mom threw away to draw a line and go on with life! Made me wonder. Guess it was about keeping the memory of Dana, but on the other hand the medal symbolized in a way the moments that destroyed the family.

BTW. Though the story here was more about the homecoming, at the beginning I immdiately was reminded of an independent short film by Eric Escobar with Renee O'Conner: One Weekend A Month. It's telling the story of a woman getting her call from Nationalgarde. If you want to watch it: It's in the videosection on www.reneeoconnorfanclub.com

The scene with Joseph and Lilly: Agree with what TVFan said about Lilly guarding her heart, think she's not letting go easily and that was obvious at the end of the scene. Don't think she has yet decided, how far she can or want to trust Joseph. Actually I liked the sort of casual way Lilly suddenly spoke about her father. The way I saw it, Lilly talked about her father to not talk about someone else, though accidentally she gave a lot away about what makes her tick. Or it was a sudden realisation spilled out loud: it started with her father. Other guys might have went on joking or fallen silent, giving credit to Joseph that he simply asked Lilly straight, who left her. But he has experience with counseling so not a big surprise.

But seeing Lilly's cooking skills was hilarious. Well, she is a hard working girl, sure not much time to improve on cooking. It was quite like it sometimes is: there you are and want to show some good qualities as host and of course you mess up... LOL

Oh, and Scotty's family scene: No idea why they had to put it into this episode. To keep balance between 2 main characters or so? Get a little bit of personal stuff from Lilly, so have to get a little bit from Scotty? What a waste. It seemed so displaced that I hardly noticed it.

[coldcasegirl]

I loved this ep! ;D Lilly rocked out in it ESPECIALLY! She totally opened up to Joseph and he was sooo sweet to her! And I loved watching her act all 'motherly' to Lindsay, she really knows what she is doing, and how to communicate with the young AND old!
As for the case:
It was so sad, but very good. Really wrong what her husband did with that other woman...(Paula was it?)lol And the ending song was great too, as for the other songs
I will definitly watch this tape again soon! Can't wait for the next new episode!