Cold Case season 1

Cold Case
Season 1
No. of episodes	23
Release
Original network	CBS
Original release	September 28, 2003 (2003-09-28) – May 23, 2004 (2004-05-23)
Season chronology
Next → Season 2
List of episodes

The first season of Cold Case , an American television series, aired on CBS from September 28, 2003 to May 23, 2004. Cold Case is a drama about Lilly Rush, an enigmatic and highly effective detective on the Philadelphia Homicide Squad. Rush's instinctive understanding of the criminal mind and her singular passion for uncovering the truth makes her the perfect fit for investigating cold cases, yester-crimes that have remained unsolved – some only a few months old, others going back decades. Rush and her team use their wits to take on aging evidence and witnesses with buried secrets, uncovering fresh clues, digging into old wounds and doggedly pursuing the truth. Joining Rush on her mission are a team of talented detectives: Scotty Valens, Rush's confident and street-smart partner; Nick Vera, rough around the edges but a sharp investigator; Will Jeffries, an experienced veteran who's been around the block; Kat Miller, no-nonsense and resourceful; and Lieutenant John Stillman, Rush's mentor and sometime father figure. With their assistance, Rush is able to take on the toughest cases, giving voice to victims unable to speak for themselves – making sure none is ever forgotten. Season one regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry and Jeremy Ratchford. In 3 episodes, Justin Chambers had played Chris Lassing, Lilly's partner on the Philadelphia Homicide Squad, but left the show to star as Alex Karev in ABC's hit drama show Grey's Anatomy .

Characters

Actor	Character	Main cast	Recurring cast
Kathryn Morris	Det. Lilly Rush	entire season	—
Danny Pino	Det. Scotty Valens	episodes 6–23	absent in episode 9
John Finn	Lt. John Stillman	entire season	—
Thom Barry	Det. Will Jeffries	entire season	—
Jeremy Ratchford	Det. Nick Vera	entire season	—
Justin Chambers	Det. Chris Lassing	episodes 1–4	absent in episode 3
Doug Spinuzza	Louie Amante	—	episodes 2, 16
Josh Hopkins	ADA Jason Kite	—	episodes 6, 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, 23
Ameenah Kaplan	Leticia Castillo	—	episode 15
Susan Chuang	Dr. Frannie Ching	—	episode 21
Kevin McCorkle	Det. Gil Sherman	—	episode 4, 6, 18

Episodes

See also: List of Cold Case episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Prod. code	US viewers (millions)
1	1	"Look Again"	Mark Pellington	Meredith Stiehm	September 28, 2003 (2003-09-28)	475195	15.55 [1]
Detective Lilly Rush from Philadelphia Homicide force is transferred to the Cold Case Unit. She kicks off her career as a Cold Case detective by reopening the 1976 murder of Jill Shelby, a 15-year-old girl who was found beaten to death at a party hosted by her wealthy neighbors, one of them being her boyfriend, after one of the neighbors' former housekeepers comes forward, claiming to have witnessed the murder. Lily must battle both the rich society and people reluctant to go back to that fateful night to solve the case. Song featured in the intro: "More Than a Feeling", by Boston Song featured in the finale: "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?", by Creedence Clearwater Revival. This is one of the few times that a song featured in the finale was played in its entirety. Loosely based upon the Martha Moxley case. Kate Mara guest stars as Jill Shelby. The episode begins with the flashback and it says "PHILADELPHIA 1976" on the screen and after showing the victim dead, it fast forwards to the present and it now says "PHILADELPHIA 2003" on the screen and the show's logo and main cast appears on the screen shortly thereafter meaning that the opening where the woman can be heard yelling is not used on this episode which would not be used again in the season 3 episode Death Penalty: Final Appeal. This episode has one scene that shows Jill Shelby giving the middle finger which was not blurred out when it originally aired on CBS but has been blurred out when this episode has been rerun on other networks including Start TV. A homicide featured in an early scene in the episode is later investigated in the episode The Badlands, which occurs one year later. First appearance of Kathryn Morris, Justin Chambers, John Finn, Jeremy Ratchford and Thom Barry. This is the first episode to air in the regularly scheduled 8:00 pm slot which would last until the end of season 3.
2	2	"Gleen"	Paris Barclay	Jan Oxenberg	October 5, 2003 (2003-10-05)	176702	13.96 [2]
The team reinvestigates the 1983 murder of 25-year-old Dana Deamer, a young wife and mother who was killed in an explosion outside her own house while picking up what was supposed to be a box of laundry detergent shortly before she was to testify in court against a man who indecently exposed himself to her in public. The daughter believes the man is culpable, but when the team delves into Dana's personal life, they discover a shocking secret that could lead them to the true killer. Song featured in intro: "Owner of a Lonely Heart", by Yes Song featured in the finale: "Straight from the Heart", by Bryan Adams.
3	3	"Our Boy Is Back"	Bryan Spicer	Stacy Kravetz	October 12, 2003 (2003-10-12)	176704	12.82 [3]
The team reinvestigates the 1998 murder of college student Gail Chimayo when her killer, a serial rapist who has been inactive for the past five years, sends them a letter announcing his return to Philadelphia and his intentions. Song featured in the intro: "How's It Going to Be", by Third Eye Blind Song featured in the finale: "Heroes", by The Wallflowers.
4	4	"Churchgoing People"	Mark Pellington	Meredith Stiehm	October 19, 2003 (2003-10-19)	176701	11.62 [4]
The team reinvestigates the 1990 murder of 49-year-old Mitchell Bayes, a church organist, when his Alzheimer's-stricken widow begins having flashbacks from the night he died. The team soon learns dark secrets about the family that could lead them to the killer. Song featured in the intro: "Faith", by George Michael Song featured in the finale: "Live to Tell", by Madonna. Final appearance of Justin Chambers as Det. Chris Lassing.
5	5	"The Runner"	David Straiton	Veena Cabreros Sud	October 26, 2003 (2003-10-26)	176703	14.08 [5]
When a drug addict brings in an audio tape capturing the recording of a fatal shooting, the team reopens the 1973 murder of a young police officer, 21-year-old Joe Washington, who was killed after responding to a call at a drug-infested housing project. Rush soon discovers several inconsistences with the statement and fears a dirty cop may have been involved. Song featured in the intro: "Midnight Train to Georgia", by Gladys Knight & the Pips Song featured in the finale: "Lean on Me", by Bill Withers. Loosely inspired by Daniel Faulkner's murder by Mumia Abu-Jamal.
6	6	"Love Conquers Al"	Greg Yaitanes	Kim Newton	November 9, 2003 (2003-11-09)	176706	14.39 [6]
The team reopens the 1981 murder of Paige Pratt, a 16-year-old high school track runner, after a petty crook, hoping to receive a reduced sentence, comes forward claiming to have evidence that her boyfriend, then 21-year-old Al Clarkson was wrongly convicted of her murder. Rush and her new partner, Scotty Valens, get off to a rocky start. Song featured in the intro: "Keep On Loving You”, by REO Speedwagon Song featured in the finale: "She's Got a Way", by Billy Joel. Loosely based upon the 1995 murder of Adrianne Jones by Diane Zamora and David Graham. First appearance of Danny Pino as Scotty Valens and Josh Hopkins as ADA Jason Kite. Summer Glau guest stars as Paige Pratt. The flashbacks are filmed with a camcorder.
7	7	"A Time to Hate"	Deran Sarafian	Jan Oxenberg	November 16, 2003 (2003-11-16)	176707	13.95 [7]
A woman asks Lilly to reinvestigate the unsolved murder of her son Daniel Holtz, a 21-year-old former college baseball player, who was beaten to death outside of a gay bar in 1964 after it was discovered that he was homosexual. Things get personal however, when the team discovers a police nightstick at the crime scene, implying that a policeman may have been involved. Songs features in the intro: "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)", by Betty Everett / "Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)", by The Shangri-Las. Song featured in the finale: "Turn! Turn! Turn!", by The Byrds. Brandon Routh has a guest role as young Hank.
8	8	"Fly Away"	James Whitmore, Jr.	Veena Cabreros Sud	November 30, 2003 (2003-11-30)	176708	16.46 [8]
The team reinvestigates the 2001 death of 6-year-old Toya Miles, who died after falling through her bedroom window, along with her then 23-year-old mother, Rosie, who survived, but suffered severe head trauma, putting her in a two-year coma. Her recent awakening makes Lilly and the squad try to put the pieces together to determine if this young mother or someone else is responsible for the tragedy. No arrest, as it is proven that the victim's death was an accident which marked the first time during the show's run that no one was arrested during the finale. Song featured in the intro: "Sleep", by Azure Ray Song featured in the finale: "Heaven (Candlelight Mix)", by DJ Sammy.
9	9	"Sherry Darlin'"	Rachel Talalay	Sean Whitesell	December 7, 2003 (2003-12-07)	176705	16.11 [9]
When Lilly receives an anonymous phone call from a man who claims to have killed an elderly woman in 1989, the team investigates the disappearance of Krystal Hogan, an 81-year-old grandmother who went missing that same year. The team discovers that Krystal lived with her orphaned step-grandson, then 19-year-old James Hogan, whose lifestyle she disliked. Song featured in the intro: "Lovesong", by The Cure Song featured in the finale: "The End of the Innocence", by Don Henley feat. Bruce Hornsby. Silas Weir Mitchell has a guest role as James Hogan. Valens does not appear in this episode.
10	10	"The Hitchhiker"	Marita Grabiak	Sean Whitesell	December 21, 2003 (2003-12-21)	176709	13.95 [10]
The team reopens the 1997 murder of Matthew Mills, a 20-year-old hitchhiker killed on his way back to Philadelphia after winning big in Atlantic City, when new evidence is uncovered linking a current case to his murder. Scotty learns a lesson in humility after he makes a poor call that hinders the investigation, and the team makes a stunning discovery that could also close the case. Song featured in the intro: "Walkin' on the Sun", by Smash Mouth Song featured in the finale: "I Believe", by Blessid Union of Souls.
11	11	"Hubris"	Agnieszka Holland	Stacy Kravetz & Kim Newton	January 11, 2004 (2004-01-11)	176710	15.20 [11]
The team reopens the 1995 murder of 21-year-old Holly Richardson at the request of one of her college professors, whose career ended in disgrace after he was suspected of her death after their affair was discovered. The professor hopes to clear his name after another young woman is killed in an identical fashion as Holly, though the team is skeptical about his innocence. Song featured in the intro: "Wonderful", by Adam Ant Song featured in the finale: "Don't Look Back in Anger", by Oasis.
12	12	"Glued"	Peter Markle	Tyler Bensinger	January 18, 2004 (2004-01-18)	176711	12.80 [12]
Lt. Stillman asks Lilly to reinvestigate one of his first cases as a homicide detective: the 1980 murder of 8-year-old Timothy Barnes, who was knocked out and left on the snowy ground and died tragically of hypothermia. Suspects include his own parents, a group of troubled teenage boys, and his priest. Song featured in the intro: "Running on Empty", by Jackson Browne Song featured in the finale: "Follow You Follow Me", by Genesis. This episode has similarities to Latasha Harlins, the African-American girl who was murdered in 1991 by a Korean store clerk after being accused of stealing a bottle of orange juice.
13	13	"The Letter"	Tim Hunter	Veena Cabreros Sud	January 25, 2004 (2004-01-25)	176713	15.75 [13]
After a young woman comes forward with new information about the death of her grandmother, Lilly and the squad reopen the unsolved 1939 rape and murder of a 25-year-old black woman, Sadie Douglas. During their investigation, the team uncovers racial tensions and a secret romance that could help identify the killer. Song featured in the intro: “Dream Lucky Blues”, by Julia Lee. Song featured in the finale: "Blue Moon", by Ella Fitzgerald.
14	14	"Boy in the Box"	Karen Gaviola	Meredith Stiehm	February 15, 2004 (2004-02-15)	176712	17.33 [14]
The team reopens the case of the 1958 murder of an unidentified 6-year-old boy, whose body was found in a cardboard box in a field outside Philadelphia, after a suitcase is found containing a photo of the boy, among other things. The team discovers that the boy may have been part of the government's radiation experiments on orphans. Song featured in the intro: "You're The Nearest Thing To Heaven", by Johnny Cash Song featured in the finale: "Sweeter Than You", by Ricky Nelson. Autumn Reeser has a guest role. No arrest, as it is proven the victim's death was an accident. This was based on the real-life case of the 1957 murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli, known only as "the Boy in the Box" until his public identification on 8 December 2022, a still-unsolved Philadelphia case. Loosely inspired by the radiation experiments conducted at the Walter E. Fernald State School.
15	15	"Disco Inferno"	James Whitmore, Jr.	Tyler Bensinger	February 22, 2004 (2004-02-22)	176715	15.33 [15]
The team reinvestigates a mysterious 1978 fire that killed 22 people and destroyed a disco nightclub when the newly discovered remains of 22-year-old Benny Rosen reveal that he was killed by a gunshot to the head, which leads the team to deduce that the fire was actually a cover-up. The investigation reveals that the victim’s profession was conflicting with his personal life. Song featured in the intro: "Disco Inferno", by The Trammps Song featured in the finale: "Last Dance", by Donna Summer. This episode features 23 homicides, the most in the series. Loosely based on both The Station Nightclub fire and the Happy Land fire.
16	16	"Volunteers"	Allison Anders	Jan Oxenberg	March 7, 2004 (2004-03-07)	176716	15.98 [16]
Human remains found during a building demolition prompt the team to investigate the unsolved 1969 double murders of 22-year-old Julia Hoffman and 23-year-old Gerald Gary, two hippies who belonged to a group that facilitated access of illegal abortions. Song featured in the intro: "Volunteers", by Jefferson Airplane Song featured in the finale: "Get Together", by The Youngbloods. Amber Benson, Katee Sackhoff, and Maggie Grace have guest roles.
17	17	"The Lost Soul of Herman Lester"	Tim Matheson	Sean Whitesell	March 14, 2004 (2004-03-14)	176714	15.92 [17]
After a high school basketball phenom receives threatening phone calls, the team reopens the 1987 murder of his father, 17-year-old Herman Lester, another star basketball player who was found stabbed to death hours after leading his team to victory in the State Championship. The team tries to determine if there is a link between the phone calls and the murder. Song featured in the intro: "Walk This Way", by Run DMC and Aerosmith. Song featured in the finale: "Walk Like a Man", by Bruce Springsteen. Loosely based on the Death of Benji Wilson.
18	18	"Resolutions"	Alex Zakrzewski	Kim Newton	March 28, 2004 (2004-03-28)	176717	14.26 [18]
The team reinvestigates the 2000 murder of 39-year-old Greg Cardiff, a husband and father who was killed in a hit-and-run accident just a few minutes into New Year's Day, after a recovering alcoholic comes forward as the possible culprit. During the investigation, however, the team finds evidence that the victim was poisoned and already dead when the car hit him. Song featured in the intro: "Save Tonight", by Eagle Eye Cherry. Song featured in the finale: "Hands", by Jewel. John Kapelos has a guest role.
19	19	"Late Returns"	David Straiton	Jay Beattie & Dan Dworkin	April 4, 2004 (2004-04-04)	176718	14.25 [19]
Suspicious evidence found at the scene of a current murder prompts the team to reopen the 1992 murder of 20-year-old Vanessa Prosser, a young and highly politically involved woman who was killed on the night of the 1992 presidential election. The team learns that the victim was dating a congressman with a dark secret. Loosely based on the Chandra Levy case. Song featured in the intro: "Don't Stop", by Fleetwood Mac Song featured in the finale: "Ordinary World", by Duran Duran. Laura Allen and Lee Garlington have guest roles.
20	20	"Greed"	Karen Gaviola	Stacy Kravetz	April 18, 2004 (2004-04-18)	176719	12.93 [20]
The team reopens the 1985 murder of Charles Danville, a wealthy stockbroker who was shot and killed during an apparent carjacking gone wrong, after new evidence points towards premeditated murder. The team uncovers evidence that the victim may have been cheating his clients and having illicit relationships with his protégés. Song featured in the intro: "Karma Chameleon", by Culture Club Song featured in the finale: "All Through the Night", by Cyndi Lauper. Loosely inspired by the movie Wall Street . TJ Thyne, Barbara Niven and Michael Paré have guest roles.
21	21	"Maternal Instincts"	Kevin Hooks	Laurie Arent	April 25, 2004 (2004-04-25)	176720	14.83 [21]
When a juvenile delinquent comes forward claiming to have witnessed his mother's death, the team reinvestigates the 1989 murder of the young mother, 30-year-old Rebecca Morgan. The team soon discovers that the victim is not who they thought she was. Based loosely on the Cathleen Krauseneck case. Song featured in the intro: "Closer to Fine", by Indigo Girls Song featured in the finale: "Eternal Flame", by The Bangles. First appearance of Susan Chuang as Dr. Frannie Ching
22	22	"The Plan"	Agnieszka Holland	Veena Cabreros Sud	May 2, 2004 (2004-05-02)	176721	14.39 [22]
The team reopens the 1999 murder of Nash Cavanaugh, a 35-year-old military academy's strict swim coach who drowned in the academy pool, after the homicide division receives a note suggesting his death was a homicide. The team learns that the victim was a pedophile who preyed upon his weaker students. Song featured in the intro: "Machinehead", by Bush Song featured in the finale: "Wise Up", by Aimee Mann.
23	23	"Lover's Lane"	Nelson McCormick	Meredith Stiehm	May 23, 2004 (2004-05-23)	176722	14.53 [23]
When DNA evidence reveals a man was wrongfully convicted of murder, the team reopens the 1986 murder of Eve Kendell, a 15-year-old girl who was raped and killed during a date with her boyfriend, 16-year-old Mark Adams, who was also assaulted but survived, at a popular lover's lane. The team soon discovers the victim was a regular object of relentless attention, leading them to believe that her murder may have been a crime of passion. Song featured in the intro: "And We Danced", by The Hooters. Song featured in the finale: "Leather and Lace", by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. Loosely based upon the 2000 murder of Krystal Dawn Steadman at the hands of Thomas Soria Sr. and Jr. The location of the attack was based on the early attacks of the Zodiac Killer. Mae Whitman guest stars as Eve Kendell.

References

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