Ep 23. The Woods

In Cold Case season 2 episode 23, titled "The Woods," we meet a woman named Camille who has been missing since 1981. Nicknamed "Cam" by her friends, Camille was last seen leaving a party in the woods with her boyfriend, Travis, and their friend, Alex. The three of them were never seen again, until thirty years later when Alex's remains are discovered in the woods where they disappeared.

The team at the Philadelphia homicide unit is called in to investigate, and they quickly discover that the key to solving this case lies in uncovering what happened on the night the three friends disappeared. Interviews with Cam's former friends, including her best friend Jessie, paint a picture of a wild and reckless youth community that enjoyed partying in the secluded woods.

As the investigation unfolds, a complex web of secrets and lies is revealed. It becomes clear that the three friends were involved in drugs and illegal activities, and that their involvement in these activities led to their disappearance. Each member of the friend group was hiding something from the others, and every person interviewed has a different version of what happened that night. The team must sift through all these inconsistent stories to piece together the truth.

Along the way, there are some shocking revelations. The team discovers that Cam's boyfriend, Travis, had a secret girlfriend on the side who was pregnant with his child. They also learn that Alex was struggling with his sexuality and had a major crush on Cam, who may have been interested in him as well. Jessie, Cam's best friend, is revealed to have had a secret sexual relationship with Travis, which complicates matters further.

The detectives on the case, led by Lilly Rush, must navigate through these personal and emotional struggles to find a way to solve the case. There are numerous suspects to consider, including a drug dealer named JJ and a mysterious man known as "The Woodsman" who supposedly had a cabin in the woods where the group used to party.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks of the three friends on the night they disappeared. These scenes are beautifully shot and add a cinematic quality to the storytelling. In addition, the use of music from the era adds to the nostalgia of the scenes.

As the case builds to its climax, the team uncovers some shocking evidence that leads them to the truth about what happened on the night Camille, Travis, and Alex disappeared. The conclusion is satisfying and unexpected, as all the clues come together to create a heartbreaking and dramatic conclusion.

Overall, Cold Case season 2 episode 23, "The Woods" is a well-written and well-acted episode. It expertly weaves together the themes of friendship, secrecy, and drug use, and creates an engaging and emotional story that keeps you hooked until the very end. The use of flashbacks and music add to the overall quality of the episode, and the conclusion is satisfying and surprising. Fans of true crime and mystery shows will not be disappointed by this excellent episode of Cold Case.