Caso abierto

Cold case is a great comfort show: it's repetitive and predictable but in a good way, the cases are mostly interesting, and the detectives take up just the right space. The use of flashbacks and the signature emotional finals with period music are a very nice touch.

Low-key, well written and very well acted.

Kathryn Morris is a find, and the supporting cast is way above average.

Anyone who really likes CSI and Without a Trace will enjoy this gem.

This is one the only mystery/crime drama I saw during the 2000s, and it was pretty good for what it was. It starred Kathryn Morris as Detective Lily Rush, whom took on the task of solving cold cases at the Philadelphia Police Department.

As Lily Rush, Morris displays much intelligence, care and precision while digging up clues from the old cases and interviewing those involved years ago - all the while trying to track down the criminal after spending years in hiding. This plot device gave the series a unique twist and a refreshing perspective - something different than much of the crime dramas aired during that time frame.

The show captures the humanity and emotions of all those involved in the crime; therefore, you can't help but feel connected to their plight and problems. You also get to see the personal stories of Lily Rush and her superiors and associate - all contributing some sort of added suspense to the show. The series touches a lot of subjects from wars to racial controversies (which were overused I think), and from family dysfunction to friendships gone awry. There are some episodes with political tones as well, but too bad they tend to slant a certain way every time.

The episodes were written with much intrigue and surprises, with a well-acted cast of characters and guest stars to boot. The cinematography was brilliantly done, carefully differentiating the past when the "cold case" took place and the present time.

A good mystery drama, overall.

Grade B+

First there was "Cold Squad" set in Vancouver masquerading as.... Vancouver! Now while Vancouver is only barely Canadian it was refreshing to see a Canadian-made show set in Canada rather than New York having Vancouver's Coast Range mountains in the background as in one infamous example in a Jackie Chan movie. (I bet all those people in Brooklyn and Harlem enjoy the snow-capped peaks they can see from Manhatten.) "Cold Squad" was a reasonably good police procedural and worth a look.

Then there was "Cold Case" set in Philadelphia masquerading as Philadelphia - or so I think, never having been to Philly. The star was and is most appealing, the soap opera aspects not too overdone, the use of music unsurpassed, and the writing! Perhaps the best written show now on television, writing not merely skillful as in "Law & Order" and "CSI" but filled with compassion, heart, sympathy and simply that most elusive quality of love.

I admit that several of the episodes have so moved that I have found tears in my eyes by the ending. I know it is emotionally manipulative in use of music, plot and scene but it is quite simply superb. This programme, at best, touch the heart.

P.S. Having seen the first show of the new (2005-06) season I must modify my above opinion. This is not, in my opinion, "perhaps the best written show now on television"; this is probably the best written television programme ever.

I didn't get into Cold Case until half way through the first season but I LOVE it! It has quickly become my first choice when I turn on the TiVo - surpassing all the Law & Orders and Without a Trace..... I found the use of music to bring you back to whatever era the crime was committed to be terribly effective and the last few minutes of each episode are haunting.

My favorite "effect" ( not sure what to call it ) is when they are talking to a family member or suspect currently but briefly flash to what they looked like at the time of the crime - it helps to keep track of all the characters. Lily Rush's acting is, at times, stiff but improves as the series progresses - almost as if she is getting more comfortable with herself......

The episode "Fly Away" was the best. The first scene is a mother and 7 year old daughter crashing thru a high window and landing on the sidewalk - it was so scary and haunting that I couldn't watch it a second time around and I kept thinking about it for days later. ( I do that often with this show - how many times does that happen watching TV these days? )

In short, I think this series is excellent and will continue to watch avidly :)