Forever Blue

I have been a sometimes viewer of this series and I am always impressed by the quality of the episodes I have seen. This particular episode ranks right up there in the top echelon, and it will be one I definitely remember. The writing, directing, and acting by all regular and guest cast was top-notch. This is an intelligent episode and does not force-feed you the themes. The characters motivations and personalities are remarkably well-developed within a forty-five minute time span. The relationship between Coop and Jimmy, which was only shown within a quarter of the full episode, was also believable. A lot of heart went into this one - thanks to everyone who worked to diligently, I'll be watching out for more!

I watch Cold Case because of the real life experiences depicted. This one was very close to me and touched me deeply, so beautifully handled, thanks, Merideth. All the characters are well developed 3D especially Coop. The material is still difficult to approach, the US is far behind the developed nations of the world. only this kind of honest actual experiential portrayal and treatment makes an impact on the population. of course, not everyone sees things the same way but i am heartened that 3/4 of the men polled in the under 30 crowd voted the same as me 10. you're reaching the hard ones - i will forever reserve the "best episode" place for this episode. Please continue taking chances and accept my heartfelt gratitude.

I've watched a bunch of episodes of Cold Case since its premiered (especially now that it immediately follows The Amazing Race, but this was one of the best instances of writing and acting I've seen from the house of Bruckheimer. The casting, especially of the younger officers, was spot on, and the script and editing, the soundtrack, and the acting made this episode a tour d'force. If I were the producers I would submit this episode for Emmy consideration. It amazing how complete a portrait was made of Coop and Jimmy within the confines of s 48 minute episode; that takes a lot of talented people doing their best. I hope there's is advance warning of when this episode is repeated, because I'm sure I'll notice a lot that I did not notice the first time around.

What a stunning episode for this fine series. This is television excellence at its best. The story takes place in 1968 and it's beautifully filmed in black & white, almost a film noir style with its deep shadows and stark images. This is a story about two men who fall in love, but I don't want to spoil this. It is a rare presentation of what homosexuals faced in the 1960s in America. Written by the superb Tom Pettit, and directed by the great Jeannot Szwarc, we move through their lives, their love for each other, and their tragedy. Taking on such a sensitive issue makes this episode all the more stunning. Our emotions are as torn and on edge as the characters. Chills ran up my spine at the end when they played Bob Dylan's gorgeous, "Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now," as sung by the Byrds. This one goes far past a 10 and all the way to the stars. Beautiful.

No matter how many times I watch this outstanding and memorable episode, it always brings a range of emotions to the surface. It's heartbreaking, tragic, and infuriating. When one thinks of what closeted gay cops must have faced, feared, and been subjected to back then, usually by their own peers (the type who think they're god's gift to women and are typically anything but real men -- little dinkies too) it infuriates me. I hope it's different now, but I have my doubts. I'm sure there are openly gay cops now who have some stories to tell even in this supposedly enlightened and accepting day and age.

The two main actors who play "Coop" and "Jimmy" are excellent and one wishes their characters could have a happy ending, but of course that's not the case. Their love was doomed from the start and that's the tragic and heartbreaking part. Although "Coop" has some rough edges, he's the type of real man I could really fall for. As Jimmy states, "Coop was fearless." When you have the love of a man like that, you're really loved. Everything else is secondary.

I don't know if this episode received any Emmy awards for its exceptional acting and writing, but it should have. It stands out and is one of the best of the series, if not the best.