Cold Case (TV Series) The River (2006) User Reviews

Consistent quality series

[woolcock · 9/10 · 26 September 2006]

This is a comment on the series of 'Cold Case' not an individual episode. Each week I am impressed by the way another period of time is reproduced as the setting of the crime - the cars, buildings, rooms furniture etc. The actors dress and hair do are always just so right for the times. It also amazes me how well the younger actors are matched up with older ones to show the passage of,in some cases many many years. I remember I thought this show would deal with unsolved cases just a few years old but some have been as far back as the 1940's and earlier . As a crime show this one stands out because of its unusual approach, extremely high production values and of course its excellent cast of actors who present their characters so believably. The background music complements the time of the case that is being investigated, so well. We hear songs that were played in the year that the crime story takes place. The script writers should take a bow as each week there is a totally new story, another cold case to create for our detectives to solve. The quality of the stories has been maintained - in fact I believe it has become stronger as a little more is revealed about our main characters' backgrounds. It is a show I look forward to watching each week. I was sorry this Monday night was the last of the current series.

The gambler

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 22 February 2010]

A new witness steps forward trying to help the detectives attached to the Cold Case team. She is a former prostitute who saw someone kill a prominent physician, Dr. Bowen, that had fallen on bad times. As the woman is brought over to give her testimony on the unresolved murder, the detectives of the Cold Case unit go to work right away.

In flashbacks we are taken to the hospital where the doctor is working at the emergency room. He was working to save a Chinese man. His wife is grateful for what she did to save her husband. She will pay prominently in the story because of an encounter with the doctor just before he is killed.

The root of the doctor's problems stem from an addiction to gambling. A trip to Atlantic City gives Dr. Bowen a taste for a passion hidden inside him. That passion, ultimately, will lead to his downfall. This man goes from being a highly regarded professional into the lower depths of depression caused by something he can't control. His situation is aggravated by one of his gambling acquaintances, who plays a key role in his death.

A good episode directed by Craig Ross and written by Tyler Bensinger. The guest stars work well with the regulars. One of the best episodes of that season. Mr. Ross gets good performances from the cast.