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 ex-fiance, Amy Gazanian, all of which results in severe anxiety attacks for Backstrom.

Our Take

Weak by Backstrom’s standards — subplot padding with a thin throughline.