Millennium begins – CliqueClack Re-watch

Frank’s reluctance to discuss the Millennium Group with Bletcher — as well as his initial hesitation to reveal his motives for helping his friend and disclose more about his profiling “gift” — portended of things to come of course, little tidbits and mental implants that got me drooling for more when I first laid eyes on Millennium. It’s just one of the many things that is very attractive about the show, gruesome as it may be at times.

The kicker, of course, is the final scene … Frank opening up mail which has just been delivered and noting a particular envelope, knowing what’s probably inside. As Catherine takes off for a job interview, Frank kisses her, tells her to be careful and watches her leave. (The importance of the scene is amplified by their previous discussion about Frank keeping secrets from her about his work.) Out of the envelope Frank extracts pictures of his wife and daughter, Polaroids that have been taken in on their arrival Seattle.

Someone is stalking Frank and his family. But who it is … well …

Join me next week when I take a look at episodes #2 (“Gehenna”) and #3 (“Dead Letters”).

Notes:

• The strange thing at The Ruby Tip strip club: We’re informed that at least one of the viewing rooms has a camera. It stands to reason if there is a camera, there is a microphone as well. If not, I would find that very odd. Thing is, if there is a microphone, the dancer’s comment to Frank (her name is “Tuesday”) when referring to the camera (“Don’t tell them I told you”) was a pretty stupid move.
• When Frank encountered The Frenchman in the park, how did The Frenchman know who he was? In other words: Why did he turn tail and run? Was it the fact most of the people in the park were young, good looking guys looking to turn tricks and Frank — older and weathered — looked as if he was completely out of place? the police or somesuch? Frank gives chase but The Frechnman eludes him.
• Later, when Frank gave chase to The Frenchman on the expressway, came onto the bridge and eventually ended up losing him thinking he had gone over the side and into a river below, the scene we ended up with was doubtful and unrealistic. There was way too much quick thinking and fortuitous luck needed to have the killer end up dangling from beneath the bridge.
• When Frank came home to an empty house — Catherine and Jordan having gone to the hospital — I didn’t buy the front door being left wide open. Not for one moment.
• It’s an interesting aside in the pilot, but Frank notes to Bletch about his final case for the FBI involving one “Ed Cuffle.” Later in the series, this little bit of news becomes a factor …
• We hear about — and finally see — but a few moments of Peter Watts (Terry O’Quinn) in the pilot, but they are to terrific effect.

Quotes:

“You didn’t find the murder weapon but it was something he took from the crime scene.” — Frank
“A carving knife was missing from a kitchen set.” — Bletcher
“She was clothed … there was no evidence of sexual assault.” — Frank
“What else?” — Bletcher
“He cut off her fingers.” — Frank
“The man with the X-ray eyes …” — Pathologist Massey
“What did hair and fiber turn up?” — Frank
“Maybe you should tell me …” — Bletcher

Clacked by Michael Noble
on May 30, 2012 @ 18:54 EST5EDT