The Case of the Forbidden Mountain
- Episode aired Dec 7, 1998
IMDb RATING
9.5/10
36
YOUR RATING
Shirley and her dad head to Rwanda in order to gather more information on Shirley's mother.Shirley and her dad head to Rwanda in order to gather more information on Shirley's mother.Shirley and her dad head to Rwanda in order to gather more information on Shirley's mother.
Photos
John White
- Francis Boris 'Bo' Sawchuk
- (credit only)
Storyline
Featured review
Beyond Borders
This is my sixth favorite episode of the show, this was also the season 3 finale and the conclusion to the revolving arc of Shirley's lost mother that has gone on with the show for years and it finally pays off.
What I like about the episode is seeing Shirley for once not in her home town but overseas, it's always interesting seeing protagonists get outside their comfort zone because here they are really put to the test in not just their skills but also in their perceptions about life itself. There is good suspense as we see the clock is ticking in locating and saving Shirley's mother. I like how in this episode it's not just one detective but two as it's Shirley's father that we see is also in the race against time to save his wife.
The boy was a solid supporting character as he's a person that is borderline selfless and selfish as he's only willing to help Shirley for a price, though he does make an exception to the rule sometimes. I really like the back and forth between them because you realize how grounded the boy really is which makes him a pretty sympathetic character as we here of what loss he has endured. He really does watch her back; throughout the journey he is talking sense, telling her how things are and giving her opportunities to turn back as they get closer so does the danger. This is in a way both him and the show telling Shirley, this isn't a game this is reality.
The episode touches on some of the third world politics and how much of a toll the civil war going on has cost them. But I also feel this is about Shirley learning the hard way about her own mortality. It's true that in each case she solved there was a level of danger, but those cases were crimes on the street. Let alone by their nature where really the romantic side of pulp mystery where in their there was a guaranteed chance of survival for the protagonist, this though is a war zone, where there is no guarantees at all; which all the more makes us concerned not just for the life of Shirley's mom but Shirley herself.
Shirley is clearly getting in over her head, as Shirley has solved and survived cases time and time again, she's somewhat developed a nativity, where she thinks she can survive anything; but a high intellect and selfless intentions aren't a bullet proof vest.
When you're beyond borders no one is safe and even heroes are mortal.
Rating: 4 stars
What I like about the episode is seeing Shirley for once not in her home town but overseas, it's always interesting seeing protagonists get outside their comfort zone because here they are really put to the test in not just their skills but also in their perceptions about life itself. There is good suspense as we see the clock is ticking in locating and saving Shirley's mother. I like how in this episode it's not just one detective but two as it's Shirley's father that we see is also in the race against time to save his wife.
The boy was a solid supporting character as he's a person that is borderline selfless and selfish as he's only willing to help Shirley for a price, though he does make an exception to the rule sometimes. I really like the back and forth between them because you realize how grounded the boy really is which makes him a pretty sympathetic character as we here of what loss he has endured. He really does watch her back; throughout the journey he is talking sense, telling her how things are and giving her opportunities to turn back as they get closer so does the danger. This is in a way both him and the show telling Shirley, this isn't a game this is reality.
The episode touches on some of the third world politics and how much of a toll the civil war going on has cost them. But I also feel this is about Shirley learning the hard way about her own mortality. It's true that in each case she solved there was a level of danger, but those cases were crimes on the street. Let alone by their nature where really the romantic side of pulp mystery where in their there was a guaranteed chance of survival for the protagonist, this though is a war zone, where there is no guarantees at all; which all the more makes us concerned not just for the life of Shirley's mom but Shirley herself.
Shirley is clearly getting in over her head, as Shirley has solved and survived cases time and time again, she's somewhat developed a nativity, where she thinks she can survive anything; but a high intellect and selfless intentions aren't a bullet proof vest.
When you're beyond borders no one is safe and even heroes are mortal.
Rating: 4 stars
helpful•00
- hellraiser7
- Nov 8, 2019
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