Ep 18. The Last Drive-In (1)

In "The Last Drive-In (1)," the 18th episode of the seventh season of Cold Case, the unsolved case that is brought back to light is that of a young woman named Melanie. The episode begins with the discovery of a car in a lake, which leads investigators to reopen Melanie's case.

Melanie was a high school student in 1979 who disappeared after going on a date with a boy named Jimmy. Her body was never found, and the case went cold. Now, decades later, detectives Lilly Rush and Scotty Valens are determined to finally solve the mystery of Melanie's disappearance.

The investigation leads Lilly and Scotty to the drive-in movie theater where Melanie and Jimmy went on their date. There, they meet Jimmy, who still lives in the area and owns a garage. While he initially seems cooperative, Lilly and Scotty begin to suspect that Jimmy is hiding something.

As they continue to dig into Melanie's case, Lilly and Scotty discover that there were several people in Melanie's life who could have had a motive for her disappearance. Her father was overprotective and had a history of violence. Her ex-boyfriend resented her for breaking up with him. And another classmate had a crush on her and was jealous of her relationship with Jimmy.

Throughout the episode, the detectives interview each of these suspects, as well as others who knew Melanie. They gather evidence and clues that lead them closer to the truth about what happened to Melanie on the night of her disappearance.

In addition to the investigation, the episode also explores the personal lives of Lilly and Scotty. Lilly is struggling with a family situation that is affecting her work, while Scotty is dealing with the aftermath of a recent breakup. These personal storylines add depth to the characters and give viewers a glimpse into their lives outside of the case.

"The Last Drive-In (1)" is a compelling episode that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. The mystery of Melanie's disappearance is complex and multifaceted, with several twists and turns that will surprise even the most seasoned Cold Case fan. The episode also touches on issues of family, love, and betrayal, making it a well-rounded and emotionally engaging installment of the series.