Ep 1. The Badlands

In the second season opener for Cold Case, titled "The Badlands," Lilly Rush and her team are tasked with investigating the murder of a teenage girl who vanished in the summer of 1988. The victim, Ginnie, was last seen in the Badlands of Philadelphia, a notorious area known for its high crime and drug activity.

As they delve into the case, the detectives discover that Ginnie's life was far from perfect even before her disappearance. Her boyfriend at the time, Rusty, was heavily involved in drug trafficking and frequently abused her. Despite this, Ginnie remained with him, hoping to change him.

The team traces Ginnie's movements leading up to her disappearance and speaks to those who knew her, including her brother, who reveals a dark family secret. Ginnie's family had been involved in a scheme to defraud the government by faking the deaths of family members and collecting their Social Security benefits.

Meanwhile, detectives Jeffries and Valens pursue a secondary case involving a gang-related shooting that may be connected to Ginnie's murder. They interview a young man who was present at the shooting and learn that his brother, who was also there, has gone missing.

As the investigation unfolds, the detectives unravel a web of lies and deceit that has plagued Ginnie's family and the community for years. Along the way, they face roadblocks and obstacles, including a corrupt cop and gang members who will stop at nothing to protect their own.

As Lilly and her team close in on the truth, they discover that Ginnie's murder was not a random act of violence but rather a carefully calculated plan that involved multiple people. With this new information, they race against the clock to bring Ginnie's killer to justice and provide closure to her family.

"The Badlands" is a gripping and emotional episode that explores themes of family, loyalty, and the devastating impact of violence. Through skillful storytelling and powerful performances, the show invites viewers to think critically about the complexities of human relationships and the many forces that shape our lives.