Television Review: Ghost of a Chance (Homicide: Life on the Street, S1X02, 1993)

Ghost of a Chance (S01E02)

Airdate: 3 February 1993

Written by: Paul Attanasio, Noel Behn & Tom Fontana
Directed by: Martin Campbell

Running Time: 48 minutes

The episode Ghost of a Chance, the second in the first season of Homicide: Life on the Street, opens with a hauntingly familiar scene that echoes the traumatic conclusion of its predecessor. Detective Tim Bayliss, portrayed by Kyle Secor, is thrust into the grim reality of his first murder investigation: the death of eleven-year-old Adena Watson. This tragic event is not just a fictional narrative but is inspired by the real-life 1988 murder of Latonya Wallace, as documented in David Simon's original book. The investigation into Adena's death will become a significant storyline throughout Season 1, lingering unresolved until the series finale.

For Bayliss, this case is profoundly traumatic. It represents not only his initiation into the world of homicide investigations but also forces him to confront the harrowing reality of child murder. The emotional burden intensifies as he must deliver the devastating news to Adena's mother, played by Gwendolyn Briley-Strand, and Adena’s siblings. The scene is poignant, highlighting Bayliss's struggle with his inexperience and the overwhelming pressure to perform under such dire circumstances. His vulnerability is palpable; he nearly succumbs to the weight of his responsibilities. However, Captain Giardello (played by Yaphet Kotto) steps in to defend Bayliss against superiors who question his suitability for such a high-profile case. This support is crucial for Bayliss, allowing him to navigate not only the complexities of the investigation but also the relentless scrutiny from media representatives like television reporter Griselda Battel (played by Taylor Young), who embody the vulture-like nature of public interest in sensational cases.

The case of Adena Watson introduces viewers to the concept of a "red ball," a term derived from Simon's book that signifies a high-profile criminal case demanding immediate attention from law enforcement. The Baltimore Police Department mobilises its resources in an "all hands on deck" approach, which forces Bayliss to collaborate with seasoned detectives, including Frank Pembleton (played by Andre Braugher). Pembleton's initial scepticism towards Bayliss serves as a narrative device that underscores Bayliss's struggle for acceptance within the department. The dynamic between them is charged; Pembleton’s ability to quickly eliminate an obvious suspect reveals both his experience and Bayliss’s growing pains as a rookie detective.

The title of the episode actually refers to the secondary plot, involving Detectives Howard (played by Melissa Leo) and Felton (played by Daniel Baldwin). This subplot centres on a woman shot dead , with Howard identifying Ralph Fenwick (Michael Sheldon) as a suspect but struggling to gather sufficient evidence for prosecution. This issue is addressed by Assistant State Attorney Ed Danvers (played by Željko Ivanek), show’s recurring character introduced in this episode. Frustrated and sleep-deprived, Howard claims to have received guidance from the ghost of Fenwick’s victim, leading her on a wild goose chase that ultimately becomes fodder for mockery from Felton and her colleagues.Howard, plagued by exhaustion and a sense of frustration, believes she sees the ghost of the murdered woman, leading her on a wild goose chase. Felton, however, redeems himself by following Fenwick and discovering the hidden murder weapon, resulting in Fenwick's arrest.

The episode also features a lighter subplot involving Detectives Munch (played by Richard Belzer) and Bolander (played by Ned Beatty), who respond to what they believe is a death at home only to discover Thomas Doohen (played by John Habberton) alive after fainting. Jessie Doohen (played by Gwen Weardon), Thomas's wife, expresses her disdain for their long marriage, providing comic relief while subtly hinting at deeper issues within their relationship. Later in the day, Munch and Bolander return to find Doohen truly dead from a heart attack, raising questions about whether Jessie played any role in his demise—a topic that sparks debate between Bolander and medical examiner Dr. Carol Blythe (played by Wendy Hughes), whom he had previously shown romantic interest in. This subplot introduces Officer Chris Thormann, uniformed policeman who will play a significant role in the next episode.

Under the direction of Martin Campbell, the episode expertly balances the serious and lighthearted subplots, showcasing the talents of the cast, particularly Kyle Secor as the troubled protagonist. The episode concludes with a somber and powerful note, as Bayliss attends Adena's funeral, a poignant reminder of what the show was about.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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