Ancient, Chinese, Secret

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

When a Chinese fortune teller is murdered in Portland’s Chinatown, clues lead Backstrom and the Special Crimes Unit to a laundry service serving as a front for an illegal gambling ring. During the investigation, fortunes also are told to each member of the S.C.U. team. But the information given to some members reveal more secrets about their pasts than others, and one burgeoning relationship is brought out into the open.

Our Take

This one leans too hard on the fortune teller gimmick, letting the case itself fade into a pretty forgettable gambling den mystery. The fun part is watching the squad squirm over their readings, and Backstrom’s dismissive sarcasm keeps things watchable. It’s a middling hour that coasts on character moments, so worth a watch if you like the team, but skip it if you’re here for the mystery.