Cold Case

This intriguing case takes us back to 1978 and involves a cult, specifically the death of one of its members, Matthew by name. His sister turns up and has Lily and co. look back at the cult, its leader, its strong-arm deputy - who has switched to Christianity - and Matthew’s father, who drove him to the cult (a warning to parents here).



As this investigation proceeds, it raises issues about the cult, amidst the sub-plot of Scotty’s personal life colliding with police work, and Lily finds the cult is still alive and kicking despite its leader being in jail. Things then really kick off as we discover who Maurice the cult leader’s real right hand on the outside is…



Overall, an enjoyable, above-average episode of this usually-gripping series.

One of the strengths of this show is how it brings closure to situations long after the world has forgotten about them. However, in this episode, they open as many wounds as they close. Valens reactions to losing his love are heartbreaking. I did think it unlikely that he would be allowed to return to work so quickly. When he returns to work, the first case he works on is a possible suicide. Would that not qualify the Philadelphia office as winner of the 2005 Insensitivity Award? Aside from this nitpick; the show balanced the story of Lily and company with the cult culture very well. However, if you are looking for an episode to leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling, this is not the one.