An unexpected treat, a near-perfect example of what happens when a really superb writer takes an existing team into a new direction ... and surprises everyone, including the audience. Especially the audience.
The other IMDb members have reworked the elements of the story. I like the subtle touches. The riff off the name "cold case." The transition between what appears to be a flashback to real time is perfectly crafted, a work of art. I think they give awards for that. The way the travails of John Reese seem specific, but are in fact universal and most viewers with a little life experience will be able to see themselves in the character .. which, I suspect, for the whole point of the story.