A murder is discovered on a social-networking website, and sorting out all the suspects and those who have moral responsibility complicates convicting the killer.A murder is discovered on a social-networking website, and sorting out all the suspects and those who have moral responsibility complicates convicting the killer.A murder is discovered on a social-networking website, and sorting out all the suspects and those who have moral responsibility complicates convicting the killer.
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- DA Arthur Branch
- (as Fred Dalton Thompson)
- Walt Gaines
- (as Kevin Michael Collins)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode appears to be based on the 2004 Rachelle Waterman case.
- GoofsThe NY State Trooper is shown wearing a badge. NY State Troopers do not wear badges - as this is their tradition.
- Quotes
Detective Nina Cassady: I recognize the logo on this bra. Frisky Kitty; lingerie shop off Time's Square.
Detective Ed Green: [his interest in how she knows piqued] Really?
Detective Nina Cassady: I went there for my sister-in-law's bachelorette gift, but thanks for assuming I have crappy taste in lingerie.
"Avatar" is very good and does very well with exploring this subject, this is a subject too where it doesn't matter at all that it has been done a lot in similar shows when it is such a big issue. It is not to be confused with the 'Special Victims Unit' episode that is also called "Avatar" from its Season 9, as this is actually a good (more than that) episode that handles its subject disturbingly but also tactfully. This episode may not be perfect, but it does more right than it does wrong.
Cassady and Milena Govich still don't do much for me, and actually personally never warmed to either. Everything else is just so pull no punches and they practically get lost because their personalities are not strong enough. Govich's chemistry with Jesse L Martin (who is as always great, no qualms with him) lacks spark.
However, the good things are numerous and the best of them are truly great. The production values are still fully professional, the slickness and subtly gritty style still remaining. The music is sparingly used and is haunting and thankfully non-overwrought. The direction shows some nice tension in the second half. The script is well balanced, taut and intelligent, and it doesn't hold back. Other than Govich, the acting is very good. Was not expecting to see Devin Ratray to give such a chillingly unflinching performance.
While "Avatar" is very intriguing in the first half, it is even better in the second half with there being more complexity and tension. There is real suspense and urgency in the hunt and the moral dilemmas of the case when things become complicated are intriguing and not simplistic. It is very disturbing as ought. It is very uncompromising in its approach to the subject, no sugar-coating whatsoever here, while not being too heavy-handed or nastily exploitative (which could have easily happened).
In conclusion, very good. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 3, 2022
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