Ep 2. The Green Bay Chopper

In the small town of Rome, Wisconsin, where peculiar occurrences are not uncommon, season 1 episode 2 of the hit show Picket Fences titled "The Green Bay Chopper" presents us with another perplexing mystery that engrosses the local community.

The episode starts off with the team of law enforcement running into a gruesome scene – a man found gruesomely murdered, clearly the victim of a horrifying crime. Sheriff Jimmy Brock, portrayed by Tom Skerritt, takes charge of the investigation, determined to bring justice to the peaceful town.

As the inquiry unfolds, it becomes evident that this murder is not an ordinary case. It appears to be the work of a serial killer who leaves a signature behind – amputating the victims' thumbs. The brutality and sadistic nature of the crime sends waves of terror and disbelief through the community, leaving them questioning the safety of their seemingly idyllic home.

Facing the pressure to solve the case swiftly, Sheriff Brock and his team, including his wife Jill (Kathy Baker), their deputies Maxine Stewart (Lauren Holly) and Kenny Lacos (Costas Mandylor), as well as District Attorney John Littleton (Don Cheadle), delve into the long list of possible suspects or connections between the victims. They work tirelessly to unravel the enigma surrounding the murderer's identity and motive.

Meanwhile, the town of Rome must confront the unsettling reality that such a heinous crime could occur in their midst. Fear begins to breed suspicion within the community, as neighbors and friends suddenly question each other's trustworthiness. The citizens grapple with the notion that the murderer could be someone they know, heightening tensions and paranoia.

Amidst the chaos, the Brock family experiences their own internal struggles. Kimberly (Holly Marie Combs), Jimmy's teenage daughter, whose rebellious nature often causes clashes with her parents, becomes increasingly engrossed in the case, curious about the darker aspects of human nature. Jimmy's other son, Matthew (Justin Shenkarow), takes a different approach – he channels his fears and anxieties into the creation of a comic book.

As the investigation intensifies, "The Green Bay Chopper" sheds light on the profound effects this murder has on the lives of Rome's inhabitants. Individuals from all walks of life are affected, from the local butcher to the school principal. This crime not only disrupts their sense of security but also forces them to confront their own secrets, hidden desires, and hidden anguish.

Throughout the episode, the audience is drawn into the intricate tapestry of Rome as the characters' stories intertwine. The local judge, Douglas Wambaugh (Fyvush Finkel), provides moments of humor and levity within the town's distressing situation, navigating the increasingly bizarre circumstances with his witty banter and eccentric personality.

"The Green Bay Chopper" presents an intense and thrilling narrative, exploring the dark corners of the human psyche within a tight-knit community. Picket Fences skillfully crafts an intricate murder mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, provoking them to question the true nature of good and evil lurking just beneath the surface of small-town life. As Sheriff Jimmy Brock races against the clock to identify the killer and preserve his town's innocence, the consequences of the murder continue to reverberate throughout Rome, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of its residents.

With compelling performances, well-crafted suspense, and thought-provoking storytelling, Picket Fences captivates audiences in season 1 episode 2, "The Green Bay Chopper." It embodies the show's ability to merge crime-solving and exploration of the human condition, inviting viewers into this enthralling world where ordinary and extraordinary collide.