Television Review: A Many Splendored Thing (Homicide: Life on the Street, S2X04, 1994)

A Many Splendored Thing (S02E04)

Airdate: 27 January 1994

Written by: Noel Behn
Directed by: John McNaughton

Running Time: 46 minutes

Season 2 of Homicide: Life on the Street was notably brief, comprising only four episodes. This unusual arrangement was orchestrated by NBC as a test run to ascertain whether the critically lauded series could enhance its ratings. By the time A Many Splendored Thing, the season's fourth and final episode, was broadcast, the show had already passed this test with remarkable success. However, the season finale proved to be somewhat lacklustre in comparison to its predecessors. This episode exhibited a tendency that would become increasingly evident in subsequent seasons: an overemphasis on "quirky" narratives and a disproportionate focus on the detectives' personal lives, which ultimately detracted from the gritty realism that characterised much of the series’ earlier work.

The title of the episode, A Many Splendored Thing, refers to the all-consuming nature of love, which becomes an obsession for Detective Munch after his catastrophic breakup with his girlfriend Felicia. The aftermath of the breakup is further complicated by Munch's partner, Bolander, who is euphoric over his relationship with Linda, a woman half his age. The May-December romance becomes the talk of the Murder Unit, with even Giardello, who is revealed to be a widower, weighing in on the topic. Bolander's enthusiasm is palpable, and he asks Howard and Assistant State Attorney Danvers to accompany him and Linda on a double date, which quickly becomes awkward when Munch crashes the party, ranting about his frustrations to the amusement of Linda.

Another kind of love becomes a topic of discussion in relation to the murder case being investigated by Bayliss and Pembleton. The victim, Angela Frandina (played by Katy Selverstone), is found strangled in her apartment with a cryptic message that names her killer as "Ed". Detectives discover that Angela used to work in a specialised leather boutique and supplemented her income by working as a phone sex operator. Her colleague, Tanya Quinn, played by Adrienne Shelley, provides valuable insight into Angela's life, revealing that she was involved in the BDSM community. Bayliss seems troubled by the victim's involvement in what he considers to be perverse sex, and his discomfort is palpable throughout the investigation. The killer is eventually revealed to be Jeremy (played by Scott Neilson), the boyfriend of the victim's neighbour, who was seduced by Angela and lost control during sex, leading to her tragic demise. In a poignant twist, Tanya, who also practises BDSM, gives Bayliss a leather jacket as a token of appreciation from the community, which he wears in the final scene as he explores the seedy part of city, seemingly trying to confront his own prejudices and biases.

The third plot deals with the bizarre shooting of a man in a library, which is investigated by Lewis, with the character of Crosetti making what would be his last direct appearance in the series. The motive for the murder is the victim's refusal to give away a pen to Forman (played by Saul Kousa), a mentally ill man obsessed with pens, whom Lewis will ultimately save from committing suicide.

Despite its intriguing narrative threads, A Many Splendored Thing does not quite meet the high expectations set by previous episodes. Directed by John McNaughton—known for films such as Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer and Wild Things—the episode showcases competent direction but lacks the elevated standards that fans have come to expect from Homicide.

Among the cast members, Adrienne Shelley stands out for her portrayal of Tanya Quinn. Unlike Bayliss, who grapples with societal norms regarding sexuality, Tanya embodies confidence in her unconventional lifestyle. Her interactions with Bayliss reveal both her strength and vulnerability; she listens to his warnings about potential dangers while remaining unapologetically herself. Tragically ironic is Shelley's fate; she was murdered in 2006, making her performance in this episode resonate on an unsettling level as it features an actual victim of homicide.

While A Many Splendored Thing offers glimpses into complex themes surrounding love and obsession alongside compelling character dynamics, it ultimately falls short of delivering the gripping realism that defined earlier episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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