‘Black Snow’ Recap: ‘Predators’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from Episode 102 of ‘Black Snow’ – ‘Predators’ – Courtesy of Sundance Now/AMC Networks.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Black Snow’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
For the most part, television crime stories that focus on cold cases that are re-opened to bring the truth to light… tend to move at a brisk pace once the stage is set for the mystery ahead, and understandably so. Because in essence, these are types of cases, that don’t feature what we are used to in crime stories. There’s no real action to be found right away, no sense of urgency. There’s just the investigation ahead so why not just let loose and entertain the viewers at home with a powerhouse story that both entertains and satisfies. But while that does indeed make for fine entertainment, it does leave one to wonder… if a slow burning cold case story can be compelling and powerful and it turns out, they most certainly can.
​
As evidenced by the next episode of the Sundance Now/AMC Networks series, Black Snow. Because ‘Predators’ just so happened to be a story that focused heavily on the investigation at hand and what that process looks like and that brought forth two key storytelling elements that managed to deeply engage us. One of which… involved showcasing the kind of police work that goes into a cold case investigation. After all, there are no fresh clues, no ticking clock. Just what the past has to offer, and that prompted James Cormack to take his time and go over the evidence with a fine-toothed comb. Which was indeed fascinating to watch since it showed us the care that must go into this kind of case so that the details missed before are made evident and this also allowed, for the other element to come to life.

Because this also involved a bevy of interviews with the townsfolk and the people that knew Isabel best back in the 1990s. Which brought forth, painful memories, the kind that were shown to us via flashbacks Which added depth and meaning to the past and showcased the impact Isabel had upon everyone’s lives and this part of the investigation also dredged up, powerful emotions. Because old friends and family were forced to think about Isabel. Someone that meant the world to them and that brought about waves of emotions as old wounds were reopened and pain was released in the process. All of which showcased how a crime drama of this sort, can make a slow investigation quite impactful. Courtesy of education and by leaning heavily into the long-lasting fallout that grief through loss creates within our souls, and what’s amazing is that the wonder of this story… didn’t end there.

Thanks to James’ incredible attention to detail. Because his pouring over every second of Isabel’s life paid off in spades. Since there were clues to be found in this story that indicated that this was a calculated act, one that took time to plan and execute. For all the old videos taken of Isabel and any other visual evidence she was present within, revealed, the presence of a vehicle of note. One that was basically an old beater that clearly… followed Isabel just about everywhere she went. Which meant the person behind the wheel was indeed a predator of sorts. One that was watching and waiting for an opportunity to strike, and on the fateful night Isabel died, that car was somehow involved in the whole mess and well… that led to quite the cliffhanger. Since James did get a plate and information, and that will lead to a conversation and clearly… there’s more going on here than meets the eye. Courtesy of a reminder of a promise made. 

All of which are elements that assembled, a powerful tale. One that really did showcase that cold case dramas can be quite compelling when great care goes into the writing. Because this was engaging from beginning to end, courtesy of wondrous balance within the script. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that every actor brought their A-game to the table in this story, to sell the pain of the past and the concern of the present. Since all discussions about Isabel are also bringing forth cautious hope and worry that said hope will be shattered. But what matters most, is that the case managed to move forward in an equally as compelling and powerful manner. All through a simple clue and a reality that few of us ever think about when it comes to crime. That it often takes place in plain sight, and it often happens in such a smooth manner that no one notices. But thankfully, someone finally noticed here and now that James has something to work with, it will be interesting to see where this case takes us next.

---

Watch ‘Black Snow’

Powered by JustWatch