Ep 13. Breaking News

Detective Lilly Rush and her team investigate the murder of a young pregnant news anchor, Martha Paxton, who was killed on air during a live broadcast in 2006. The episode titled Breaking News, is the 13th episode of the sixth season of the hit crime drama Cold Case. The episode starts with Martha on air, reporting from a local community center about a recent robbery. Suddenly, an explosion occurs, and the feed goes blank. The police later discover that someone had planted a bomb under her desk, which exploded and killed her instantly.

Detective Rush is assigned to the case years later when new evidence comes to light. The team discovers that Martha was a high profile news anchor and had received several death threats in the past, which had been ignored by the news network. Rush's team investigates the case and tracks down the people behind the death threats, but they all seem to have an alibi. The investigation then takes a different turn when the team discovers that Martha had been having an affair with a married man. They soon find out that the man, who happens to be a well-known politician, could be the prime suspect.

Throughout the episode, the team navigates through different witnesses and evidence to piece together Martha's final moments. From the surveillance footage of the community center to interviews with Martha's former colleagues, there are several clues that lead to a shocking revelation.

While investigating this case, Detective Rush also drifts away from her personal life. She has been avoiding her mother, who had recently contacted her for forgiveness and reconciliation. Rush had grown up believing that her mother abandoned her when she was young and had never tried to reconnect. However, the episode shows Rush confronting her mother and questioning her version of events. The subplot is a poignant reminder of how personal lives can often intersect with criminal investigations.

As the case progresses, the team discovers that Martha's death wasn't a result of a political conspiracy or foul play by her ex-boyfriend. It was a random act of violence committed by someone who was angry that the news anchor was an unmarried pregnant woman.

The episode ends with the killer being brought to justice, but Detective Rush is left to ponder the tragedy of a life cut short while doing her job. The murder of Martha Paxton is just another example of how journalists and reporters put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to bring the news to the public.

Breaking News is a thrilling episode that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The episode tackles complicated themes, including misogyny and journalistic ethics, while also weaving in a personal storyline that provides a poignant parallel to the case. The performances from the cast members, particularly Kathryn Morris as Detective Rush, are impressive, making this episode a standout in the series.