I Am a Bird Now

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

Backstrom and the team at the Special Crimes Unit investigate the murder of a prominent member of Portland’s LGBT community – a drag queen Internet blogger named Jenna Rose. Backstrom declares the murder a hate crime, and the investigation takes an unsuspected turn when Backstrom’s tenant, Gregory Valentine, becomes a suspect. Meanwhile, Backstrom has to testify in front of the Civilian Oversight Committee, regarding his shooting of a suspect from a previous case. Heading the newly formed committee is his former fiance, Amy Gazanian, all of which results in severe anxiety attacks for Backstrom.

Our Take

This one wants credit for being progressive but settles for easy jokes about drag queens, which undercuts whatever the episode thinks it’s saying. The Valentine suspect angle gives the hour some tension, and Amy Gazanian is a welcome thorn in Backstrom’s side. Still, the mystery resolves too tidily. Watchable, but the show keeps flirting with depth it isn’t ready to commit to.