DIRECTED BY
AIRED ON
October 24, 1997
RUNTIME
0 minute
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VIEWS
369
LAST UPDATE
2024-08-28 13:04:40
PAGE VERSION
Version 4
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SUMMARY
Frank investigates the mysterious death of an archaeologist who uncovered an ancient Native American burial site. The case leads him to a group that believes in ancient prophecies predicting the end of the world, further entwining Frank with apocalyptic themes and his own dark visions.
STORY
Opening Scene:
The episode opens with a disturbing and surreal scene set in a rural area. A young woman, seemingly in a state of distress, is found wandering in a field. She is disheveled and incoherent, and her appearance suggests that she has been through a traumatic experience. Nearby, the remains of a violent crime are discovered, including the body of a man who has been gruesomely murdered.
Investigation Begins:
Frank Black, a former FBI profiler with the ability to understand the minds of criminals, is called to the scene. As he examines the crime scene and the victim, he notes the unusual and ritualistic nature of the murder. The crime appears to be part of a larger, more complex pattern, leading Frank to believe that the perpetrator may be motivated by a deeply personal or psychological issue.
Victim's Background:
The investigation reveals that the victim was a local farmer with no apparent enemies. Frank delves into the victim's background, interviewing family members, friends, and neighbors. He learns about the victim's life, his relationships, and any potential conflicts or issues that might have led to his murder.
The Woman's Story:
Frank interviews the young woman found at the crime scene, who eventually reveals that she was a witness to the crime. She provides a fragmented and confused account of the events, making it difficult for Frank to piece together a clear picture of what happened. Despite her state of distress, her testimony is crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Uncovering the Pattern:
As Frank investigates further, he discovers that the murder is part of a series of similar crimes in the region. Each crime shares certain ritualistic elements, suggesting that the killer is driven by a specific belief system or psychological need. Frank's profiling indicates that the perpetrator may have a history of mental illness or a fascination with ritualistic practices.
The Role of Nature:
The episode explores the connection between the crimes and the natural environment. Frank notes that the killings often occur in rural or natural settings, and the ritualistic elements of the murders seem to be related to the environment. The connection to nature plays a significant role in understanding the killer's motives and methods.
Identifying the Suspect:
Frank's investigation leads him to a potential suspect, a man with a history of mental illness and a strong connection to the local environment. The suspect is known for his unconventional beliefs and has been observed engaging in ritualistic practices. Frank delves into the suspect's background and finds evidence that links him to the murders.
Climactic Confrontation:
The investigation culminates in a dramatic confrontation as Frank tracks down the suspect to a secluded location where another murder is planned. The scene is tense and suspenseful, with Frank facing off against the suspect in a high-stakes showdown. The confrontation reveals the full extent of the suspect's psychological instability and his motives for committing the crimes.
Resolution:
After a tense and dangerous encounter, the suspect is apprehended, and the immediate threat is neutralized. The case is resolved, but the psychological impact of the crimes lingers. Frank reflects on the nature of the killer's beliefs and the connection between the murders and the natural environment.
Personal Reflection:
The episode concludes with Frank reflecting on the case and its impact on him personally. The investigation has highlighted the complexities of understanding and dealing with individuals who are driven by deep-seated psychological issues and ritualistic beliefs. Frank's reflections underscore the emotional and psychological toll of his work as a profiler.
Themes and Analysis:
"A Single Blade of Grass" explores themes of ritualistic violence, psychological disturbance, and the relationship between human behavior and the natural environment. The episode delves into the mind of a criminal driven by unconventional beliefs and the challenges of profiling such individuals. Through its intense narrative and psychological depth, the episode provides a gripping and thought-provoking look at criminal behavior and the factors that drive individuals to commit violent acts.
BEHIND THE SCENES
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QUOTES
Mike: You... are trouble. I'm sorry the kid here doesn't see it, but I sure as hell do. You are a time bomb. Tick-tick-ticking. And I have no intention to be around for the boom.
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REVIEWS
Shapes
Written by
Pike on 2018-02-24
★
I didn't like this episode, which shows us a psychic Frank Black, who sees an Indian mask at a construction site and directly deduces that the crime was committed in a hotel cellar. Really bad.
The clichés about Indians don't help the episode, which has a lot in common with the “Shapes” episode from the first season of the X-Files, which also failed to deal with Native Americans in any way other than cliché. Fortunately for the X-Files, the masterful “Anasazi” changed all that. But enough about the X-Files.
TRANSCRIPT
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2024-08-28 13:04:40 -
Pike:
Added the story.
