# Cold Case season 1

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. The first episode focuses on Rush finding passions for opening cold cases, and throughout the season gaining more and more passion, making cold cases her main job within the Homicide Unit. For the first 4 episodes, Rush is paired up with Chris Lassing (Justin Chambers), who left after episode 4 because of health reasons. Justin Chambers who played Lassing left the show to star as Alex Karev in ABC's hit drama show Grey's Anatomy. Replacing him, in episode 6 was Scotty Valens (Danny Pino), who continued with the character throughout the series. Alongside them is Will Jeffries (Thom Barry), a long-time detective, Nick Vera (Jeremy Ratchford), a rough around the edges cop, and Lieutenant John Stillman (John Finn), a gentle yet caring boss who always plays by the rules. Recurring in this season, starting from episode 6 is Josh Hopkins, playing ADA Jason Kite, who eventually grew into a relationship for Rush as the season progressed.

## 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

| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code | US viewers (millions) |
| 1 | 1 | "Look Again" | Mark Pellington | Meredith Stiehm | September 28, 2003 (2003-09-28) | 475195 | 15.55 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Gleen" | Paris Barclay | Jan Oxenberg | October 5, 2003 (2003-10-05) | 176702 | 13.96 |
| 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 |
| The team reinvestigates the 1998 murder of 21-year-old 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 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Runner" | David Straiton | Veena Cabreros Sud | October 26, 2003 (2003-10-26) | 176703 | 14.08 |
| 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 inconsistencies 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. ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Love Conquers Al" | Greg Yaitanes | Kim Newton | November 9, 2003 (2003-11-09) | 176706 | 14.39 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 7 | 7 | "A Time to Hate" | Deran Sarafian | Jan Oxenberg | November 16, 2003 (2003-11-16) | 176707 | 13.95 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Fly Away" | James Whitmore, Jr. | Veena Cabreros Sud | November 30, 2003 (2003-11-30) | 176708 | 16.46 |
| 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. 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 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 10 | 10 | "The Hitchhiker" | Marita Grabiak | Sean Whitesell | December 21, 2003 (2003-12-21) | 176709 | 13.95 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 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. ||||||||
| 13 | 13 | "The Letter" | Tim Hunter | Veena Cabreros Sud | January 25, 2004 (2004-01-25) | 176713 | 15.75 |
| 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 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Disco Inferno" | James Whitmore, Jr. | Tyler Bensinger | February 22, 2004 (2004-02-22) | 176715 | 15.33 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 16 | 16 | "Volunteers" | Allison Anders | Jan Oxenberg | March 7, 2004 (2004-03-07) | 176716 | 15.98 |
| 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 to illegal abortions. Song featured in the intro: "Volunteers", by Jefferson Airplane Song featured in the finale: "Get Together", by The Youngbloods. ||||||||
| 17 | 17 | "The Lost Soul of Herman Lester" | Tim Matheson | Sean Whitesell | March 14, 2004 (2004-03-14) | 176714 | 15.92 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 18 | 18 | "Resolutions" | Alex Zakrzewski | Kim Newton | March 28, 2004 (2004-03-28) | 176717 | 14.26 |
| 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. ||||||||
| 19 | 19 | "Late Returns" | David Straiton | Jay Beattie & Dan Dworkin | April 4, 2004 (2004-04-04) | 176718 | 14.25 |
| Suspicious evidence found at the scene of a current murder prompts the team to reopen the 1992 murder of 22-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. Song featured in the intro: "Don't Stop", by Fleetwood Mac Song featured in the finale: "Ordinary World", by Duran Duran. ||||||||
| 20 | 20 | "Greed" | Karen Gaviola | Stacy Kravetz | April 18, 2004 (2004-04-18) | 176719 | 12.93 |
| The team reopens the 1985 murder of Charles Danville, a wealthy 35-year-old 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. ||||||||
| 21 | 21 | "Maternal Instincts" | Kevin Hooks | Laurie Arent | April 25, 2004 (2004-04-25) | 176720 | 14.83 |
| 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. Song featured in the intro: "Closer to Fine", by Indigo Girls Song featured in the finale: "Eternal Flame", by The Bangles. ||||||||
| 22 | 22 | "The Plan" | Agnieszka Holland | Veena Cabreros Sud | May 2, 2004 (2004-05-02) | 176721 | 14.39 |
| 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 |
| 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. ||||||||