It’s about murder, manipulation, and mayhem as nothing is sacred in this week’s episode of CSI:NY, aptly named, Crushed. Logic, reason and true characterization fold under the weight of “drama” and convenience, leaving me to wonder if the writers are actually a group of unmedicated A.D.D. preschoolers pulling out every toy they see before they are even done playing with the toy they have.
The most obvious reference to the title is the opening scene. Writer Kim Clements has created a situation where a party of youngsters goes viral—in a sequence very reminiscent of last season’s Do or Die cell phones are whipped out and the messages sent (we get it, this generation uses social media and cell phones in ways inconceivable to those who were impressed by DOS). As over “700” show up things go Animal House pretty quickly and soon a balcony couples under the weight and crashes to the ground, supposedly resulting in the death of a young girl, Libby Drake (Valentina De Angelis).
Of course all is not as it seems, and it is revealed that Libby does more than throw and insane party. The second reference to the episode’s name comes as it is revealed that young virgin girls are being manipulated into changing their clothes to meet the “popular girl’s” standard and then to take off said clothes to meet the “popular boy’s” standard. It’s She’s All That without the happy ending. Libby Drake is the driving force behind this disgusting game. This is truly one of the most interesting cases I’ve seen on the show in a while, but Clements mediocre writing and apparent lukewarm understanding of crime drama keeps it from reaching its full potential.
I despise obvious character placement and as soon as Danny spoke to the young girl at the hospital—where she revealed for no particular reason that she was going to run in a marathon, therefore giving the audience a big heads up—I knew she was guilty. It made the entire “bait and switch” scene involving Paul Blart Mall Cop—while entertaining since I thoroughly enjoy and well used Danny/Don scene—superfluous. I would assume one would need more finesse and subtly when writing for a big name like CSI, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The cascade of conveniences continues, as let’s face it, they had practically zero evidence pointing to Rachel Webber (Shanley Caswell) as the killer. It seemed to boil down to her DNA being on the necklace and some sort of mustard on a window. Where was this girl’s lawyer? Are you seriously telling me that out of a group of 700 people this was the only girl who is a hardcore athlete? And she just willingly gave up a DNA sample? Then Mac’s “Don’t” as she tries to talk her way out of it, was completely unbelievable. We are meant to understand this is a generation that can create and exploit social media, taking over the world one text message at a time, but this girl doesn’t know to keep her mouth shut? That is not only lazy writing, but it is incompetent as well. Clements can’t stay focused on one story long enough to see it through to the end. Again, we have the magical confession at the end.
However, when the easily begotten confession doesn’t work for their story suddenly a guy is calling for a lawyer. The secondary story of the episode was equally as flawed. The final reference to crushing has to come from Jo. The reappearance of the case that drove her from the FBI was a real opportunity to add depth to Jo’s character. However, they went the typical, stale, and rehashed route. Jo is pissed so she gets to act like a total bit..uh…jerk. I don’t understand why they keep writing Jo like she is someone else. She has been well established as a laid back, easy going gal who is patient, understanding, and even compassionate. Yet she tears into a well-meaning Lindsay as if she was scraping poop off the bottom of her shoe. I’ve seen her be kinder to a murderer than she was to her co-worker. That was totally and completely out of character and utterly unnecessary. If the writers wished to show how truly effected Jo is by the case then why not show her at the end of the day crawling into bed with a sleeping Ellie, or putting her energy in helping and encouraging Lindsay? Why stick to a stereotype of a “woman scorned” and turn her into a walking cat fight? Been there, hated it when they done that (with both Stella and Lindsay—though it should be noted that Lindsay is the only one to ever go back and apologize). Now, not only do I feel like I’ve lost what little insight I had into her character, but I’ve lost a bit of my desire to know more about her as well.
They have a victim who is willing and able to identify her attacker, Mac even brings up the hotel staff, and bar tender to collaborate her statement, yet we have Jo calling foul when just moments ago based on a mustard smear they are getting an easy breezy confession from a killer and calling it good? And now the D.C. rapist John Curtis (Jason Wiles) is demanding a lawyer. It is so frustrating when they first make the rules and then break them.
The shining portions of this episode were Duane Clarks’ directing, as he maintains a decent pace and easy flow, Lindsay and Don Flack’s handling of rape victim Ali Rand (well portrayed by Beau Garrett), as well as Lindsay’s attempt to be the better person and apologize to someone who clearly doesn’t deserve it or, apparently from her lack of any true response, want it. Also included in the highlights of the episode is the potential of the case and again, at least they are attempting to tell emotional stories which is much better than last year, as well as the continued use of each cast member. I am glad they are finally giving Lindsay something decent to work with, but roll my eyes at the fact that they aren’t creative enough to do a better job of it.
This was an uneven episode that did as much as entertain as it did infuriate. That is an odd combination, and Clements really needs to iron out some of the kinks in her storytelling or go back to school and learn what it means to be responsible for an entire story.
Agree? Disagree? with my assessment of Jo and Lindsay? Could you think of a better way to demonstrate Jo's emotional upheaval or did the show hit the right note for you?
Next Week: Watch out Judge Judy because it's Judgement Day...yeah...sorry I went there...
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