Ep 1. Family

In the third season premiere of Cold Case, the episode titled "Family" takes the audience on an emotional journey as detectives Lily Rush and Scotty Valens work to investigate the 1998 disappearance of a teenage girl named Angela Ramirez.

Angela was a troubled teen who lived with her mother and younger brother, and had a history of running away from home. Her mother, Amanda, was a drug addict who often left her children alone with their abusive stepfather, Bobby. When Angela disappeared, Amanda claimed she had run away again and did not report her missing for over a week.

As the detectives begin to dig deeper into the case, they uncover a web of lies and secrets within the Ramirez family. Angela's younger brother, Carlos, was the only witness to her disappearance but has remained silent for years. Her stepfather, Bobby, has a violent history and has been in and out of jail. Amanda's drug addiction has also made it difficult to get truthful answers from her.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives interview various witnesses and family members who shed light on Angela's unstable home life. They discover that Angela had a strained relationship with her mother and stepfather, who often fought in front of her. It is revealed that Bobby had physically abused Angela in the past, which leads them to suspect foul play in her disappearance.

Desperate for answers, Lily and Scotty turn to Carlos for help. Through gentle questioning, they are able to get him to open up about what happened to his sister. Carlos' account of the night Angela disappeared leads the detectives to a shocking revelation about Amanda and Bobby's involvement in her disappearance.

As the investigation reaches its conclusion, the detectives are faced with the difficult task of deciding whether or not to bring charges against Angela's mother and stepfather. The emotional toll of the case is evident as Lily and Scotty grapple with the heartbreaking reality of what Angela endured at the hands of her own family.

Overall, "Family" is a compelling and emotional episode that tackles the difficult topic of family dysfunction and abuse. The stellar performances from the cast, particularly that of guest star Tania Raymonde as Angela Ramirez, make this episode a standout in the series. The episode's themes of family, trust, and betrayal make it a thought-provoking and impactful start to the third season of Cold Case.