Not everything has a tragic end in series like "Cold Case". Sometimes the creators of this satisfying program leave the viewers with a positive note, as is the case of this installment titled "Fireflies". In taking us back to thirty one years before a crime was committed, we are given a glimpse of our not too glorious past by showing us an ugly side of the way racism was rampant during the years the action takes place.
The first black family to move in an all white neighborhood is met with hostility. The new owners of the house next to Melanie Campbell, are the Pierces who come to Philadelphia from Brooklyn. The Campbells are horrified to see their neighbors' reaction. They are downright nasty to the newcomers. Melanie couldn't be happier in finding a great playmate in Cherise Pierce. Both girls bond quickly, the way children do. Unfortunately, their friendship will be put to a test.
There are many neighbors who resented the invasion of their turf. Among them was Dale Wilson, a teenager that was embarrassed by Melanie when she steps to defend her friend Cherise. There is another real estate agent interested in creating panic among the white neighbors because he is selling a new development that appears to be for white only.
The Pierces, now grown and with their own business, still are bitter by the way they were discriminated by their neighbors. Cherise, will never forget the way Melanie turn against her when pressure was put on her friend. Cherise has kept a dark secret all these years because of what happened on the day Melanie disappeared. As she comes forward to the detectives, the mystery is solved when Melanie, who was taken to West Virginia is found and reunited with her parents and Cherise.
Erica Shelton wrote one of the best chapters in the series, without a doubt. Directed with sensitivity by Marcos Siega, this episode offers good ensemble playing. Judith Scott, Bobbie Hosea, and Richard Steinmetz, make an impression, as well as the rest of the cast.
The first black family to move in an all white neighborhood is met with hostility. The new owners of the house next to Melanie Campbell, are the Pierces who come to Philadelphia from Brooklyn. The Campbells are horrified to see their neighbors' reaction. They are downright nasty to the newcomers. Melanie couldn't be happier in finding a great playmate in Cherise Pierce. Both girls bond quickly, the way children do. Unfortunately, their friendship will be put to a test.
There are many neighbors who resented the invasion of their turf. Among them was Dale Wilson, a teenager that was embarrassed by Melanie when she steps to defend her friend Cherise. There is another real estate agent interested in creating panic among the white neighbors because he is selling a new development that appears to be for white only.
The Pierces, now grown and with their own business, still are bitter by the way they were discriminated by their neighbors. Cherise, will never forget the way Melanie turn against her when pressure was put on her friend. Cherise has kept a dark secret all these years because of what happened on the day Melanie disappeared. As she comes forward to the detectives, the mystery is solved when Melanie, who was taken to West Virginia is found and reunited with her parents and Cherise.
Erica Shelton wrote one of the best chapters in the series, without a doubt. Directed with sensitivity by Marcos Siega, this episode offers good ensemble playing. Judith Scott, Bobbie Hosea, and Richard Steinmetz, make an impression, as well as the rest of the cast.
