Cold Case

Sabotage

Season 5, Episode 12, Aired 1/6/08

Episode Summary

The team re-opens the 1999, 2001, and 2003 pipe bombing incidents that killed two and blinded one victim. The serial bomber is still on the loose and ready to strike again as he missed his latest target.

8.9

EPISODE RATING: Great

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Cast & Crew

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Kathryn Morris

Lilly Rush
Danny Pino

Scotty Valens
John Finn

Lt. John Stillman

Fan Episode Reviews (7)

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A serial bomber who struck several times between 1999 and 2003 is still at large and may be targeting another victim. Lilly and the team start their investigation in the hopes of stopping the bomber while they still have time.moreless

6.0

"Fair"

By meathead704, Nov 30, 2011 Report Abuse

This is one of the more disappointing episodes of Cold Case. I did not get into this episode and did not at all feel for the character who's anger and frustration with society drove him to murder. I have basically seen this basic storyline in countless movies (John Q, Mad City) and television shows that I no longer find it interesting. I didn't really have a vested interest in this episode until the very end when the bomber's final explosive device detonates. That scene was done well. That can't be said for the rest ofthis episode and it recycled plot line.moreless

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There's a serial bomber on the lose.

6.7

"Fair"

By keipots, Dec 28, 2010 Report Abuse

So this is my first ever Cold Case episode review. I dunno, I'm in a writing mood lately.

It was entertaining to watch our Philly detectives slowly uncover the connection between the victims of the bombings. We were given a pretty good idea who the perp was early on, and it was sad to see everything that perp went through that drove him to kill people. A man can only take so much.

The ending was nicely done albeit a tad predictable. The perp looked really sad and completely hopeless while he was talking to Stillman. That last part with all the chaos after the bomb exploded was great, and the song (OneRepublic's Apologize) added to the emotional factor.

This episode wasn't as sad as I wanted it to be, but it did keep me glued to the screen. Great acting by the guest stars. I'm giving this 3 out of 5 Philly PD badges.moreless

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Very emotional stuff.

9.0

"Superb"

By TreyRoo1, Jan 08, 2010 Report Abuse

This case about the sudden re-emergence of a seemingly random bomber is a perfect example of the brilliance of this show. We see the ramifications of his actions, and when he's finally identified, his motives are suddenly obvious. We find an educated man continuously victimized by corporate profit-mongers, and then by the lack of accountability in modern America. One criticism I will offer is on the subject of the ending. It let's the audience, the bomber, and the prosecutor off way too easy. It's the light at the end of the tunnel that people always look for and that was, in this case, spoon-fed to us. Brilliant ep, mediocre ending. Watch it anyway.moreless

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And the show is still good! Great one.

9.6

"Superb"

By karatiz, Jan 15, 2008 Report Abuse

With all the writers strike this episode keeps is level, it's a good one.

There is a bomber on the loose and now he is back. The story behind the reason why the bomber is doing this is interesting.
All the references, John Henry, that music box, the song.

One man that had lost his job and by that his daughter because of her condition, his envy of his brother's life, the fact that a kid in a story said that product was disposable...

Big and little things that can change a person. I understand his rebellion with the health system, it's a terrible thing to see someone you love in pain and anyone doesn't anything to help.

That was a beautiful music box. At the station, when they started to show his brother's wife and daughter and Lily figured it out, I was suspecting it. And then the bomb explodes! That sound, her expression, the images after, I just wanted to know what had happened with them, if they were hurt, alive, dead. The perfect music for the end, "it's to late to apologize".
So many things happened that can't be forgotten or are hard to forgive.
And then Nick and Kat walk out of the house with the girls alive and OK.moreless

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The central theme is that of a mania fed by the seemingly innocuous behaviors of everyday people and is powerful and emotional. I suggest this episode may be the first to show multiple victims "watching" Allesandro led away in cuffs.moreless

9.8

"Superb"

By Seanacha, Jan 11, 2008 Report Abuse

This series continues to demonstrate television excellence with yet another complicated storyline showcasing an array of detection techniques and personal interactions among our Philly police detectives. "Cold Case" maintains its high standard of superb acting by not-yet-famous people in challenging roles: Allesandro's supervisor awkward and uncomfortable in his position of having to lay off his staff; the physician's assistant unfairly expected to step in and perform a medical miracle on a sick child; a big box store manager, seemingly too young for a position of retail authority; and, so sad, Wojciechowski, an ex-Air Force pilot recently cleared to fly commercial aircraft and newly engaged to marry, in the wrong place at the wrong time and whose life is spared but impossibly changed forever. We, the viewers, are left on the edges of our seats anticipating the horror of a mother and child torn to pieces by Allesandro's fifth bomb. It is rare to find a fault or error of logic in the many "Cold Case" scripts we've watched so faithfully, but I suggest it is a too-long stretch of our imaginations to believe that Luke Ross's wife would have held a lengthy telephone conversation with a man purporting to be a bank official investigating credit card fraud without ever having even a hint of recognition of her brother-in-law's voice. Allesandro did, in fact, live with the Ross family for a time after his divorce and the death of his daughter. That is the only flaw in an episode of a television series known for its quality craftsmanship and lack of "loose ends." Otherwise, this "Cold Case" series is as riveting as any episode in its five seasons, and long may it continue to run.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- Curt Fitzpatrick died on December 26, 1999. Edit
Notes
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- International Airdates: - Denmark: March 5, 2008 on TV3+ - Sweden: June 21, 2008 on Kanal 5 - Australia: June 25, 2008 on Network 9 - Czech Republic: July 23, 2008 on TV Nova - Germany: July 23, 2008 on Pro7 - Finland: July 29, 2008 on MTV3 - Norway: August 20, 2008 on TVNorge - The Netherlands: September 20, 2008 on Net 5 - Spain: May 22, 2009 on La Sexta - Slovakia: September 15, 2009 on Markiza - Turkey: December 24, 2009 on CNBC-e Edit
- Music Featured in This Episode:
  - Last Christmas by Wham! (single released in December 1984)
  - Snow ((Hey Oh)) by Red Hot Chili Peppers from Stadium Arcadium (2006)
  - Turn My Head by Live from Secret Samadhi (1997)
  - Crestfallen by The Smashing Pumpkins from Adore (1998)
  - Apologize by OneRepublic from Dreaming out Loud (2007)
  Edit
- This episode aired at a special time at 9:30 p.m. due to a NFL playoff game. Edit
Quotes
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- Scotty: (dressing up in the morning at Alexandra's place) I was just looking for that shirt. Alexandra: And here I was beginning to think you were a vampire. Scotty: Yeah, why is that? Alexandra: First time you stayed till sun-up. Edit
Allusions
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- The 1999 bombing of Curt Fitzpatrick takes place in a department store called "Big Box". This not only sounds like the real department store chain Big Lots but the logo is also similar. Edit