Ep 8. Red Glare

In Cold Case season 2 episode 8, titled Red Glare, the team investigates the murder of a young couple during the Red Scare in the 1950s. The episode begins with the discovery of a skeleton that leads to the identification of the remains belonging to Michael Ridley and his wife, Gina. Things take a turn as the team discovers the couple's involvement in a little-known communist party, which could have been the main reason for their murder.

Lilly Rush, the lead investigator, starts piecing together the couple's history, trying to understand their movements before their disappearance. She discovers how the couple's involvement in the Communist Party created opposition with their American neighbors, some of whom might have tuned against them with unfounded allegations. The opposition fueled by the anti-communist movement was intense, with citizens reporting neighbors to the government due to mere speculations of ties with communism.

Rush and her team discover that the Ridleys' neighbor, Darlene Beckett might have played a part in their death. Darlene had made allegations against the couple to the government and was vocal in her belief that they were undermining the country's interests. Darlene's attitude made it appear as if the couple was already guilty of treason.

However, a trail of new evidence suggests that while Darlene might have been vocal about her beliefs as a citizen, she might not have been entirely truthful about her involvement. The team discovers the couple's involvement in an underground communist party, which Darlene could have known about, leading them closer to finding out the motive behind the murders.

The show depicts the societal context of the 1950s anti-communist movement, which creates a tense environment, as citizens fear for their safety, their livelihoods, and even their life. The Red Scare created paranoia amongst Americans as they looked for people to blame for perceived threats to their freedoms and way of life. The show also explores the rise of the underground communist movement, which created an air of secrecy and suspicion among its members.

Rush and her team also discover that the Ridleys' involvement in the communist party was largely due to Michael's relative who was a party member. The show highlights how vulnerable people could easily succumb to peer pressure or association and get caught up in groups whose ideologies they do not fully understand.

The climax of the episode reveals the real motive behind the murders, which ties up all loose ends. The team investigates and questions several individuals previously linked to the murders, ultimately revealing the events that led up to the killings. The guilt-ridden murderer confesses, and while the punishment for their actions is swift, it would always be a reminder of the ugly nature of humanity and how quickly distrust and fear could rob someone of their life.

Cold Case season 2 episode 8, Red Glare is an exciting and suspenseful episode that pulls viewers into the intense atmosphere of the Red Scare. The show masterfully blends historical context with criminal investigation, making viewers consider the effects of society's influence over individual actions. This episode emphasizes the power of fear and how quickly it can lead to judgment and harm. It is undoubtedly a must-see for true-crime and history enthusiasts.