Checking out an older episode in syndication, I'm reminded of what made the show so fine. This episode has plenty of camaraderie among the regulars -authentic affection and hijinks plus lots of flirting.
The formula of creating a murder mystery with that counterpoint is the secret -two sources of interest to hold one's attention trading off with each other. And as the crew search the victim's apartment, their investigative skills alternate with cute banter -humanizing the characters while still advancing the story (and its clues). It's not a comedy episode, but the balance is definitely skewed in favor of comedy.
Now the current edition suffers by comparison -mostly from the lack of cast chemistry. Cole and the other regulars have talent, but their interaction has not been developed and we don't care about them.
It may be a coincidence, but even the opening credits list shows that everyone's left the show except the last 3 in billing: McGee plus Rocky and McCallum. The stars are sorely missed.
The formula of creating a murder mystery with that counterpoint is the secret -two sources of interest to hold one's attention trading off with each other. And as the crew search the victim's apartment, their investigative skills alternate with cute banter -humanizing the characters while still advancing the story (and its clues). It's not a comedy episode, but the balance is definitely skewed in favor of comedy.
Now the current edition suffers by comparison -mostly from the lack of cast chemistry. Cole and the other regulars have talent, but their interaction has not been developed and we don't care about them.
It may be a coincidence, but even the opening credits list shows that everyone's left the show except the last 3 in billing: McGee plus Rocky and McCallum. The stars are sorely missed.