Extreme Unction (S03E03)
Airdate: 28 October 1994
Written by: Keith Mano
Directed by: Keith Gordon
Running Time: 48 minutes
The third season of Homicide: Life on the Street opened with a trilogy that, while ambitious, ultimately fell short of the high standards set by its predecessors. The first two episodes, though not devoid of merit, lacked the unique storytelling and stylistic flair that characterised the earlier seasons. As the concluding part of this trilogy, Extreme Unction was burdened with the task of elevating the overall impression of the season. Unfortunately, it failed to achieve this goal, presenting a resolution to plot lines established in previous seasons that felt disappointingly bland and unsatisfactory.
At the heart of Extreme Unction? is a serial murder case that thrusts the Murder Unit into a crisis when three high-profile victims are discovered within a mere 48 hours. The victims’ bodies are found near Catholic churches, prompting the Archdiocese, represented by Monsignor (played by Wayne Gruen), to offer a substantial reward for information leading to the killer's capture. However, Detectives Giardello and Russert wisely reject this offer, recognising that such rewards often lead to an influx of false leads and crank calls. The narrative takes a turn when Pamela Wilgis, portrayed by Lucinda Jenney, arrives at headquarters claiming to have witnessed one of the murders. Initially sceptical, Detective Pembleton's doubts begin to wane when Bolander uncovers evidence linking her to the crime during a visit to her apartment.
As Wilgis is interrogated in the "Box," Pembleton observes her shifting personalities and suspects she is feigning insanity to evade justice. Just as he is on the brink of extracting a confession, her lawyer intervenes, allowing her to prepare a public confession that plays on her traumatic past and mental health struggles. This revelation not only undermines Pembleton's investigation but also raises questions about his faith, leading him to confide in Sister Magdalena Weber about his doubts regarding God. The episode attempts to explore profound themes such as faith and morality but ultimately does so in a manner that lacks depth and resonance.
Meanwhile, Felton grapples with his inability to connect with children in his personal life. His concerns grow when he realises that his children require father figures at home. This internal conflict culminates while Howard talks with Russert, expressing her disapproval of Felton's affair with her and warns her of its potential repercussions on their careers. Seeing the point in Howard’s argument, Russert reluctantly ends the relationship, prompting Felton to return to his wife and children.
The ongoing saga involving Lewis and Munch’s bar also features prominently in this episode. Bayliss, as a silent partner, expresses frustration over excessive bureaucratic regulations affecting their business. His complaints about the city’s building inspector create tension among his partners, who worry about alienating city officials.
The resolution of the major murder case serves as a focal point for criticism. It is presented as one of the most sensational storylines thus far in the series; however, its conclusion feels sensationalist rather than satisfying. The revelation that the killer is both a woman and a manipulative sociopath strains credulity and detracts from the more nuanced exploration of her character’s mental state. While there are intriguing elements regarding her psychological condition and motives—left deliberately ambiguous—the execution falls flat. The standout moment occurs during her interrogation in the "Box," where Jenney's performance shines alongside Andre Braugher’s Pembleton. Their interaction captures an intense emotional exchange; however, this pivotal scene occurs too early in the episode, leading to an anti-climactic aftermath that fails to deliver on its initial promise.
Extreme Unction struggles under the weight of expectations set by earlier seasons while attempting to tie up loose ends from previous plotlines. Despite its ambitious themes surrounding faith, morality, and personal relationships, it ultimately delivers a lacklustre conclusion that does not resonate with viewers as deeply as intended.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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