TV episode review
US airdate 6 November 2008 (ABC)

The death of a black girl at the hands of a Puerto Rican sparks race riots...

The US version is starting to find its own way, with even an episode like this one, which has its roots in one of the stronger instalments of the British original, taking on new life.

The producers aren't limiting themselves to the options presented in the UK voiceover, with a strong indication at the end of this episode that Sam may be in some form of limbo – he sees at least one dead person that’s come back to life – although the previous episode suggested some sort of quantum existence.

The 1973 location feels authentic, and the presence of Whoopi Goldberg adds to the lustre. Sam's partnership with his future mentor works well, and with far more episodes to play with, it would be good to see them reunited in a future story.

The relationships between Sam and his colleagues are building, with Ray still determined to make up for losing his promotion because of Sam's arrival, and Chris showing some steel. Jason O'Mara and Harvey Keitel are well matched as Sam and Gene with Keitel delivering the "Huntisms" with the necessary venom.

Well worth catching. Paul Simpson

VERDICT: 7/10