Bikers, Russians, and Senators, Oh My! 8X08 Review (*****out of 5)

There’s real power in this week’s episode of CSI:NY as story met craftsmanship. Crossroads encapsulated true marriage between writer, director, and actor, and made this fan girl drool all over herself!

Writer John Dove is an established alum on the show and has a clear understanding of the characters, crime drama story telling, and the show itself. He weaves together a story with twists and turns that seem plausible and interesting. He broke from the typical format, and gave us an opening that was incredibly entertaining—showing us a different point of view as the supposed killer dashes out of his apartment. Even the setting of the murder was unique and outside the norm, introducing us to how a judge (complete with robes and cigar) and jury inspect a crime scene during a trial. The implication that the Russian mob is somehow involved is a pretty solid way to redirect the story and investigation, though further digging reveals a deep, dark, disturbing secret. Our murdered judge isn’t quite the “upholder of justice” he was believed to be. The case held my attention and maintained a bit of mystery until the very end. Of course the accursed “easy confession” made its dastardly appearance *grumble* Mac’s gaze is just too powerful *grumble* but I am always more willing to forgive the horrendous insult to viewers when there has been a bit of effort put into the majority of the story. I appreciated that there were consequences doled out, ultimately ending in the suicide of one perpetrator—a surprise ending since the show doesn’t normally push the envelope in that aspect, preferring to have the team magically talk every one down.

And I’m assuming Dove is the one responsible for this week’s portion of the John Curtis story arc, but whoever it is utilized the characters and the story itself in a much better, more powerful, and stronger way. Jo’s interaction with Curtis and Serena Matthews (Jenn Proske) was more believable (and effective) than the dribble that was dished out last week. She isn’t technically involved in the case, but she is clearly involved in the case. I don’t need trite dialogue telling me that. Dove instead allows the actors to communicate that—allowing Sela Ward the chance to show off her acting skills, and us a chance to connect with her. Likewise, Anna Belknap was allowed to demonstrate Lindsay’s emotional upheaval and uncertainty as she faced what has to be a nightmare for her personally (thank you John Dove for that sweet moment of support between husband and wife). It is impossible to not consider her own experience with wanting to see a man who haunts dreams put behind bars. Phenomenal acting and spot on writing.

However, to me, the shining factor of this episode belongs to director Jeff T. Thomas. His experience with the show has been a grab bag of decent, boring, and interesting episodes, but he really took this story to the next level. He integrated his role in the story telling process without detracting but instead adding. The clever rolling of the cigar from one scene to the next was creative without being distracting. He used the directing of the episode to be part of the story rather just a vehicle. Consider for a moment the scene where we are first introduced to Senator Matthews (Jeffrey Nordling) and his daughter. Mac enters and Lindsay makes the introductions and a conversation about the case ensues. The camera moves around each character from outside Mac’s office—all except Lindsay, her shots are clear and straight on without the interference of the glass or blinds. Thomas brilliantly communicates Lindsay’s role in this case showing she is the one responsible—the one “seeing clearly.” While everyone else is running on emotion, their vision being blurred, she is the one who has to make the hard decisions. A fact that is later established when Lindsay’s testimony cast doubt on the victim and her accusations. That is subtle and beautiful storytelling at its finest (and the equivalent of a cinematic turn on! *fanning myself desperately*).

There were a lot of parts to this episode and it had the potential of being clunky and convoluted yet Thomas managed to weave together each part with a delicate and skillful touch. I felt like there was a respect and partnership between Dove and Thomas, and that bled into the actors and, as a result, to me the viewer. Were there flaws? Yes (I still think there are way too many people apologizing to Jo these days) but I can’t argue there wasn’t a great deal of talent put into this episode. In a three part story arc this was the Empire Strikes Back and I thoroughly enjoyed it (pause to picture Danny as Han Solo…).

Let the speculation begin! Now that we are left to believe there's something fishy going on with the victim Ali Rand where should the team be looking? The Senator? The Senator's daughter? Jo's old college who screwed up in the first place? or Ali Rand herself?

Next up: The exciting conclusion of Jo Vs the Volcano! (The volcano of course being John Curtis' grade school nickname...)