S19:21 "Skate Or Die" 2009-05-20

[DonnaJo]

"The murders of three homeless men appear to be the work of a serial killer. As Detectives Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Bernard (Anthony Anderson) investigate, they discover that one victim was wearing a distinctive pair of roller-skates that did not belong to him. Realizing that this could be a case of mistaken identity, they suspect the murders may have been committed by a copycat who knows the identity of the real serial killer. Also stars S. Epatha Merkerson, Sam Waterston, Linus Roache and Alana De La Garza"

Great episode - I really enjoyed it! We finally get to see Dr. Olivet this season. Kudos to the actor who played the paranoid schizophrenic. His ability to convey behavior of being both off and on his meds was outstanding. He was riveting.

I think Cutter will do anything to win. He allows himself to get head butted and boy...did it look painful. His actions and what Jack is going through, simultaneously trying to run his office & win the election displays beautifully the moral ambiguity of life and of the law. Something that Rene Balcer does so well and did so well when he was show runner of LOCI.

Next episode is the season finale, and we will see if Jack wins the election. I'm guessing yes, since there has been no announcement of his departure. I'm glad that the mothership has a definite timeslot next season (Friday nights 8:00pm). A nice lead in to "Southland." which looks like NBC's new favorite show.

Rumor has it that the initial 16 episode order might be extended to 22.

[outerbankschick]

I enjoyed this episode. "The Bi-Polar Roller". Oh my! He was amazing. I concur, DJ. The actor did a brilliant job of showing both sides of his illness. I was waiting for Olivet to rip Mike a new one over that stunt he pulled, though. She was livid.

I enjoyed the fund-raising stuff Jack was going through. Shows how difficult it is to be an honest man in politics!

[annabelleleigh]

Written by Ed Zuckerman (now G/E showrunner) and supervising producer Luke Schelhaas. A good solid piece of storytelling. I wish CI would become as reliable in that way.

I also enjoyed the Dr. Olivet crossover. Anything that unifies the three series into one consistent fictional world can only increase viewer enjoyment and strengthen the overall franchise. That's why I continue to ask why, why, why not more crossovers? I know the answer is always coordination of schedules (as well as ego management) yet I can't help but believe that a full crossover -- a two-hour special event -- would be highly promotable and profitable.

Mothership forever. ;-)

AL

[outerbankschick]

I'm in with the full crossover. I would absolutely love that! Think they could do it with two hours?

Anybody out there listening???

[annabelleleigh]

Maybe we could have a little fun thinking about -- and suggesting -- possible stories for a mothership-CI special event.

What might be the elements? For example:

What starts as a routine investigation out of the 2-7 precinct turns into a major case (of course) with a particularly cunning criminal (or criminals). One who's threatening the entire city? Terrorist(s)? (I think enough time has passed after 9/11 to approach this kind of story.) Race-baiting serial killer? Sociopathic scientist? Murderous, Messianic monster?

What legal or political issues might complicate the case?

Anyone want to play? Should we start a thread?

AL

[DonnaJo]

If you start a crossover thread you can count me in, AL. ;D