Television Review: Thrill of the Kill (Homicide: Life on the Street, S4X04, 1995)
Thrill of the Kill (S04E04)
Airdate: 10 November 1995
Written by: Jorge Zamacona
Directed by: Tim Hunter
Running Time: 48 minutes
It is not uncommon for television series to begin with a strong premise only to falter over time, leaving both original and new viewers puzzled about what initially made them so captivating. This phenomenon can sometimes be observed within individual episodes, where the overall quality dips significantly. Homicide: Life on the Street is a series that, despite its acclaim, is not immune to this trend. The episode Thrill of the Kill exemplifies this, being one of the more disappointing entries in the show, though far from the worst.
The episode commences with an effective cold open, introducing the audience to a young man, Newton Dell, played by Jeffrey Donovan, who is seen robbing a murder victim. The look on his face suggests a disturbing enjoyment in the act, hinting at a desire to repeat it. This opening scene is gripping and sets the tone for what promises to be a tense and thrilling episode.
As the episode progresses, it is revealed that Newton Dell has been committing a series of murders starting in Florida and moving northward along I-95. The FBI concludes that Baltimore is likely his next destination, prompting the local homicide unit to join the manhunt. This setup offers a promising premise, but the execution falls short. The creators should be commended for attempting something different, yet the serial killer's motive feels overly familiar and clichéd for crime dramas of the time. The main villain, while intriguing, largely conforms to established stereotypes.
One of the episode's strengths is its use of perspective, with the killings portrayed from the killer's demented viewpoint. Director Tim Hunter effectively employs a blue filter to signal this perspective, creating a visually distinct and unsettling atmosphere.
A notable highlight of the episode is Jeffrey Donovan's performance. As one of the more talented character actors of his time, Donovan brings depth to his portrayal of Newton Dell. His future success in shows like Burn Notice would further cement his reputation as a versatile actor. Donovan's presence in Thrill of the Kill adds a layer of complexity to the episode, making it more engaging than it might have been without him.
The script for Thrill of the Kill diverges from the typical format by not focusing on the regular protagonists. Instead, they are relegated to observer roles, often performing tasks that would typically be handled by uniformed officers or an Emergency Response Team. This shift in focus detracts from the episode's overall impact, as the audience is accustomed to seeing the main characters at the forefront of investigations. Furthermore, the capture of the criminal does not result from brilliant detective work but rather from the quick thinking of a heroic gas attendant (played by Carlos Antonio), portrayed in the scene inspired by a popular urban legend.
The episode includes a side plot involving Giardello and his relationship with his daughter Charice, who is preparing to leave for San Francisco. This subplot serves as a reminder that the show revolves around the Homicide Squad but also introduces unnecessary red herrings about the case becoming personal for Giardello. While intended to add depth, these elements feel like filler and do not significantly contribute to the main narrative.
Despite the promising start and some innovative elements, much of the episode's potential is squandered by its finale. The twist involving the killer's evil twin, while hinted at earlier, feels like a desperate attempt to introduce surprise rather than a well-integrated plot point. This twist comes across as unconvincing and soap opera-like, undermining the episode's credibility. Overall, Thrill of the Kill is an episode that, while not without its moments, ultimately disappoints due to its reliance on familiar tropes and an unconvincing finale. Thrill of the Kill remains an interesting watch, particularly for fans of Jeffrey Donovan, but it does not stand out as one of the show's stronger episodes.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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