Lara's Review - Thin Ice

I really enjoyed this episode; it contained all those elements that make Crossing Jordan one of the best shows on TV. It had great cases, you thought they were going in one direction, and then threw you a fabulous curve ball, and then of course it had a combination of humour, sincerity, drama, and romance.

I loved the cases, they were both dramatic and intriguing, and they further revealed personal issues that the major characters have. The Shannon/Quentin (hereafter Case A) case, was a particularly significant in the context of today’s society, did you believe Shannon’s story, before the case had concluded? The episodes references to real cases, Mike Tyson and Kobe Bryant, provided a context for the case, and helped shape our conclusion. I enjoyed the twist of Shannon being murdered, and her boyfriend doing it, I would have liked to see more of the case being played out in the media, but that would be a different show.

While, case A was interesting due to the relevancy of the subject, it also provided a vehicle to further develop Lu’s character, she said something of particular interest ‘I just have a tough time with people who unnecessarily put themselves at risk. Especially women’, this is an interesting statement, I feel it comes more from Lu as a woman, than Lu as a psychologist, these inferences that are occurring throughout the season are growing Lu into a complex 3D character quite quickly.

Jordan, once again, was back to her vigorous pursuit of the truth, though with her character arc this season, which has focused on a maturity, we see that while she continues to drive to reveal the truth, she is not as single-minded as in previous seasons, she has learnt when to walk away (as with her confrontation with Lily), but she always pushes the boundaries of the law, as far as she can.

Bug and Nigel’s case (case B) was as intriguing as the first, it provided a perfect vehicle for Nigel’s issues with is father to be raised once again. Nigel’s vigorous pursuit of the truth occurred as he channelled his thoughts and emotions through the pilots son, and his (the son’s) desire to be reunited with is father. The interaction between Bug and Nigel proved these characters provide more than comic relief for Crossing Jordan. The two characters can provide some of the most dramatic and emotional scenes, it shows a deep friendship between the two, and while there is still humour, it serves to heighten the dramatic tension of the scene.

I enjoyed Bug’s advice to Nigel, he passes on what he has learnt by letting go of his feelings towards Lily, he has relinquished the control, and for that he is a happier person, it is bittersweet advice, because it almost means letting go of hope, and that is perhaps the hardest thing to do.

The Jordan/Woody/Lu triangle continues, and I will continue to say that I have no problem with Woody this season, I think Jordan catching Woody and Lu in his office was both inevitable and unintentionally (by the characters). Woody and Lu were always going to have problems due to the unresolved issues between Jordan and Woody. When Woody gave Jordan the letter in last weeks episode, I didn’t see it as a gesture of romance, but a gesture of friendship, despite any feelings Woody may have towards Jordan, he wants to be with Lu (at the present time). But, as I have commentated before, Jordan is Woody’s ‘great love’, he has put her on a pedestal, and will do anything for her. This is a debate for another time, but I will say that the direction the story is going is interesting, and this episode provided another stepping-stone as the season drives to a conclusion. Let’s bring on JD!

Perhaps the one thing I didn’t like in this episode is the interaction between Lily and Brandau, I am not sure what it is, but I always feel like it is forced, that the actors really have to work to make the scenes between them fluid and natural, which is strange. I am not sure if I am meant to feel uncomfortable or not. I didn’t like Lily’s reaction to Jordan, but she did concede in the end, however I feel like Lily is changing, the seed was planted in Death Toll, and with the episode description of Mysterious Ways, I feel like it will provide greater insight into Lily’s current intrapersonal struggles.

Side note: Loved Beethoven’s 5^th as Brandau’s ring tone for Walcott, classic!

The final scene between Garret and Jordan, felt like a throw back to earlier seasons, there was a comfort in their relationship that has been missing for most (if not all) of the season, while I doubt that the issues Garret has are over, I feel like his personality is beginning to re-emerge. Garret and Jordan have a deep connection and understanding, it is unique to them, as all relationships are, other characters can not intrude on their relationship, just as Garret cannot intrude on the relationship between Jordan and Woody, or Bug and Nigel, each understanding is different and holds individual significance and importance.

Something I noticed throughout the episode was the use of mirrors, and mirror imagery. What is truth and what is false was held in the mirrors, particularly in case A, there were a number of quick pan shots where the focus went from the mirror to the character and back again, particularly in the interrogation scene. Not only did this heighten the dramatic tension, but it provided an insight into the characters, it allowed the audience to judge their guilt or innocence.

The CGI effects in the snow scene were beautiful, it worked in Loves Me Not, and in Thin Ice, it provided a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for a dramatic scene between Nigel and Bug.

As always the music, served its perfect purpose, the use of Frankie Valli’s ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ in the opening scene set the tone for Jordan’s reaction to Woody and Lu’s relationship, it reflected her new level of maturity. And the score throughout the episode provided both the dramatic tension and those elements of comic relief when needed.

Overall I think it was one of the best episodes of the season in providing the audience with all the elements that make Crossing Jordan a great show. The right combination of drama, humour, and romance allowed the actors to cover a wide range of emotions. The episode kept in context with the personal arcs that have developed over the season while providing intriguing case storylines to follow.