As everyone has already said this is an episode about an agoraphobic journalist who disappears without a trace. The resulting story is a fantastic and wonderful piece of whimsy. From the start where Elena walks in on Jack talking (assumedly) to Anne on the phone and holding a garish electric blue tie in his hand, apparently a gift from the aforesaid lady, which he (clearly embarrassed) at first tries to hide by sticking it under his left arm and then hurriedly into his left pocket so that the end of it dangles free, to the scene in the bowling alley at the end where Jack and Danny burst into song performing a duet of "That's Amore", it is altogether wonderful. I have absolutely no idea why anyone should dislike this piece, unless perhaps they have no sense of humour. The whole episode was pleasingly uplifting and it is so nice to see Jack relaxed for once. Mr LaPaglia is an excellent comedy actor and so it was really good seeing him make use of this area of his undoubted talent within "Without a Trace" for a change. The script was v. funny, so all the cast had some good lines to deliver. The three female FBI Agents being referred to by the Mob Boss as "Charlie's Angels" was inspired. But Jack's conversation with the agoraphobic journalist as she lies in the bowling lane is the high spot and a must-see for all WAT fans.
14 Reviews
a wonderful and unusual episode of a great show
tremendous-117 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
i'll not mention much about the plot, but this is a great episode of a great show. It's always so refreshing to see the show's producers go out on a limb and try something a little different. If only more shows occasionally tried to lighten the mood - as Without a Trace has shown, it doesn't mean you need to lessen the power and brilliance of the show!
However I am disturbed by another users comments that the homosexuality in the show disturbed him - especially considering he is a fan of the show! So he much prefers people getting killed and kidnapped and shot and raped to two people in love? how sad! but yes, top notch show - need to watch the episode again to catch some of the small and subtle parts.
However I am disturbed by another users comments that the homosexuality in the show disturbed him - especially considering he is a fan of the show! So he much prefers people getting killed and kidnapped and shot and raped to two people in love? how sad! but yes, top notch show - need to watch the episode again to catch some of the small and subtle parts.
The mobster
columbogus-994-7084766 March 2011
The mobster is played by Jonathan Banks, Frank from the Wiseguy series. I think he does a fabulous job as the cranky mobster who doesn't really understand his daughter but loves her anyway.
You have to feel for Jack and Danny as this case rolls along. Trying to find the woman who was afraid to leave her home. I think Jack sums it up pretty well when he told her something along the lines of she was a lousy agoraphobic.
The end scene with everyone, mobsters, cops, long lost daughter, her potential lover and the FBI at the bowling alley was classic. Danny and Jack singing along to the end song was icing on the cake.
You have to feel for Jack and Danny as this case rolls along. Trying to find the woman who was afraid to leave her home. I think Jack sums it up pretty well when he told her something along the lines of she was a lousy agoraphobic.
The end scene with everyone, mobsters, cops, long lost daughter, her potential lover and the FBI at the bowling alley was classic. Danny and Jack singing along to the end song was icing on the cake.
I almost thought Joss Whedon wrote this episode...
tlyon-230 March 2006
OK, so I admit that I sometimes feel this show is formulaic and stilted, but this episode was simply amazing. I've watched since show 1, and this episode was a delight, a shock, and a real change for the regular cast.
After the first 20 minutes or so, I started to wonder if Joss Whedon had written the episode - or maybe Tim Minear or Jane Espenson. First, the appearance of Christina Hendricks who turned in outstanding performances on Firefly, and also Angel. (Joss likes his actors - once he finds one he likes, they tend to reappear...). Then the odd moments of humor, the completely out of context punch line delivered with a straight face that turns dialog into surprising chemistry. Finally, that finale, with "That's Amore" and cops and mobsters bowling. Well, it turns out that Diego Guitterez is no stranger to Whedon World, having served as an assistant to Joss on Buffy and Angel, and having written episodes of Buffy, and served as an executive editor for Point Pleasant (working with Marti Noxon & Ben Edlund - also Whedon World associates...). It would seem Mr. Guitterez has learned some of the best aspects of his craft from some of the best practitioners, and I cannot wait to see more from his pen.
After the first 20 minutes or so, I started to wonder if Joss Whedon had written the episode - or maybe Tim Minear or Jane Espenson. First, the appearance of Christina Hendricks who turned in outstanding performances on Firefly, and also Angel. (Joss likes his actors - once he finds one he likes, they tend to reappear...). Then the odd moments of humor, the completely out of context punch line delivered with a straight face that turns dialog into surprising chemistry. Finally, that finale, with "That's Amore" and cops and mobsters bowling. Well, it turns out that Diego Guitterez is no stranger to Whedon World, having served as an assistant to Joss on Buffy and Angel, and having written episodes of Buffy, and served as an executive editor for Point Pleasant (working with Marti Noxon & Ben Edlund - also Whedon World associates...). It would seem Mr. Guitterez has learned some of the best aspects of his craft from some of the best practitioners, and I cannot wait to see more from his pen.
One of My Favorites
rachel-roberts-17 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This has to be one of my all time favorite episodes ... the cast, the writing, the story ... all great. Although the show is known for it's serious nature, it's a lot of fun to see an amusing turn once in a while. Not to mention the great series cast and guest cast. As a Firefly fan I am always trying to catch any of the cast in any part they play ... and YoSaffBridge (Christina Hendricks) did a great job in this one. I too wondered if Joss Whedon had something to do with it and was interested to see that it was someone who had written for him in the past who had penned this episode. Although the entire episode was terrific, one of my absolute favorite parts was the conversation Jack had with Rachel in the bowling alley ... what great lines and delivery. Not to mention Jack and Danny singing at the end. Kudos to everyone involved for a really terrific episode!
The funniest episode ever.
malicENBandarland24 March 2008
This has to be the funniest episode of Without a Trace i have ever seen. first with the whole the azn dude from Heros with the physical comedy and the accent...absolutely hilarious. and then the mobsters and the lesbians and the "that's amore" and jack and danny singing it at the end. it was amazing.
The acting in it was great although i was wondering about the martin drug problem thing because in the last episode before this one, danny confronts him about it and then nothing.
i have to agree with the user above, i could totally see Joss Wheedon directing this episode. see this is why i keep watching WAT because it'll be bad for awhile and then they'll throw in an absolutely perfect episode. it kind of reminds me of the later seasons of X-Files.
The acting in it was great although i was wondering about the martin drug problem thing because in the last episode before this one, danny confronts him about it and then nothing.
i have to agree with the user above, i could totally see Joss Wheedon directing this episode. see this is why i keep watching WAT because it'll be bad for awhile and then they'll throw in an absolutely perfect episode. it kind of reminds me of the later seasons of X-Files.
Coffee Anyone?
nickuitenbroek22 May 2019
What a confection!
rookinherrookery19 May 2020
Pathetic and childish episode
simoncross28 November 2006
This episode has just aired in the UK.
What a disappointment. The heavy-handed touches of humour were ill-judged, childish and detracted from what could have been a pretty good storyline. I cannot believe that Jerry Bruckheimer allowed this episode to take place. I have seen every previous episode of this show, and even the episode where Jack played his own older self was way ahead of this episode. The lesbian kiss was pathetic sensationalism.
There was also no continuity from the previous episode. There was nothing in the storyline investigating Martin's dangerous behaviour or possible drug addiction. There was similarly nothing explicitly written about Jack's burgeoning relationship with Ann. Usually Without A Trace is pretty good at this sort of continuity.
The next episode needs to be a considerable improvement.
What a disappointment. The heavy-handed touches of humour were ill-judged, childish and detracted from what could have been a pretty good storyline. I cannot believe that Jerry Bruckheimer allowed this episode to take place. I have seen every previous episode of this show, and even the episode where Jack played his own older self was way ahead of this episode. The lesbian kiss was pathetic sensationalism.
There was also no continuity from the previous episode. There was nothing in the storyline investigating Martin's dangerous behaviour or possible drug addiction. There was similarly nothing explicitly written about Jack's burgeoning relationship with Ann. Usually Without A Trace is pretty good at this sort of continuity.
The next episode needs to be a considerable improvement.
Totally strange episode
Stibbert13 March 2006
OK, this is the first time I'm commenting on a single episode, but after seeing this and reading that people disliked it I just couldn't help my self.
I actually liked this episode. It was something totally unexpected so I see why some might get disappointed. This episode is a less serious, easy watched one. The story is simple and it's really more of a clishé and the whole episode is kind of a romantic comedy with a twist. The writing is not the best you'll see, but the acting is good.
From the first moment I could tell this episode was different, it kind of had this humorous feel to it. All through the episode there are these small jokes and the great acting and the looks they send and the way they deliver their lines makes it all really funny.
This is a really strange episode. It is really the least you would expect from this show. I can see if you're expecting a standard rock solid episode this might be disappointing and I believe this to be one of those episodes you either hate or like.
The story is about a agoraphobic lesbian who goes missing. This I guess could've been a really serious episode exploring and provoking in one way or another with this whole homosexuality theme, but instead they go for a humorous twist. I mean, Jack and Danny singing a long to "That's amore" got to be funny!
I think a quote by Danny is really suitable to sum up this episode in every way:"We're morbid, Jack. Unless something really bad is happening to somebody it just doesn't feel like a day at the office. It's a nice change."
I actually liked this episode. It was something totally unexpected so I see why some might get disappointed. This episode is a less serious, easy watched one. The story is simple and it's really more of a clishé and the whole episode is kind of a romantic comedy with a twist. The writing is not the best you'll see, but the acting is good.
From the first moment I could tell this episode was different, it kind of had this humorous feel to it. All through the episode there are these small jokes and the great acting and the looks they send and the way they deliver their lines makes it all really funny.
This is a really strange episode. It is really the least you would expect from this show. I can see if you're expecting a standard rock solid episode this might be disappointing and I believe this to be one of those episodes you either hate or like.
The story is about a agoraphobic lesbian who goes missing. This I guess could've been a really serious episode exploring and provoking in one way or another with this whole homosexuality theme, but instead they go for a humorous twist. I mean, Jack and Danny singing a long to "That's amore" got to be funny!
I think a quote by Danny is really suitable to sum up this episode in every way:"We're morbid, Jack. Unless something really bad is happening to somebody it just doesn't feel like a day at the office. It's a nice change."
Who played the gangster?
Gennavette4 January 2007
I loved this episode. Very light. Very funny. The music in the opening scene clued us in that this was going to be lighter than usual.
I enjoyed the story line and the acting. It seems everyone in the cast got to have a little fun and show what they can do in comedy. They all measured up.
The reason I'm looking it up: Who was the actor who played the gangster-father at the end? He looked and sounded so familiar. I thought it might be Aidan Quinn but can't find a listing confirming it. Would this be part of the entertainment, too -- a big-name actor playing an uncredited role? I love the way they say hey to each other at the end.
I enjoyed the story line and the acting. It seems everyone in the cast got to have a little fun and show what they can do in comedy. They all measured up.
The reason I'm looking it up: Who was the actor who played the gangster-father at the end? He looked and sounded so familiar. I thought it might be Aidan Quinn but can't find a listing confirming it. Would this be part of the entertainment, too -- a big-name actor playing an uncredited role? I love the way they say hey to each other at the end.
Good episode!
control_freak28 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
*** possible spoilers***
I really enjoyed this particular episode... it was really different and refreshing for the series.
i love jack, and this was a great episode for him. it veers away from the 'dark jack with issues' and he is even light-hearted... *gasp*.. did i just use 'light-hearted' and 'jack' in the same sentence???
--well, in particular, i loved the bright tie bit... the bits of Spanish were effective in that scene.. --the bowling alley scene at the end was great: the 'rock-paper-scissors' thing was hilarious! cant believe no one mentioned that! jack's and his joke about his issues, and of course, "that's amore!" i love how that was the only line they knew!
ah... good episode...
I really enjoyed this particular episode... it was really different and refreshing for the series.
i love jack, and this was a great episode for him. it veers away from the 'dark jack with issues' and he is even light-hearted... *gasp*.. did i just use 'light-hearted' and 'jack' in the same sentence???
--well, in particular, i loved the bright tie bit... the bits of Spanish were effective in that scene.. --the bowling alley scene at the end was great: the 'rock-paper-scissors' thing was hilarious! cant believe no one mentioned that! jack's and his joke about his issues, and of course, "that's amore!" i love how that was the only line they knew!
ah... good episode...
i loved this episode
MovieLoonie20 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the writing was brilliant. I noticed that it was written by someone that is not listed as a writer. Spec script? I think the last name was Rodriguez, but i'm not sure. Anyways, whoever wrote this episode has a career in comedy writing, thats for sure. I thought this episode was hysterical. Nice for a change. It also dealt with an issue that is not widely accepted in some circles - as you can see from previous posts - homosexuality. I am a hetero, myself. But i thought that the subject was dealt with in a real classy manner. Not used as a punchline, or as something 'unnormal'. Love is love is love. I thought this was a brilliant episode, and i will be sure to watch every week now, looking for this writer. Hopefully he has written more than one episode. I look forward to following his career! The episode had a strange wrap up to the storyline - as far as what happened in the bowling alley -- but it was a beautiful ending. The girl finds her true love, the father accepts them, they sing 'that's amore'! What more could you ask for. It was such a wonderful episode. I have never commented on an episode of a TV show, but this one deserves recognition. Brilliant! Funny! Touching! Just top notch television. Without a trace has a new fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rather Jolly Over All . "Dear Abby" Comes Out of the Closet. ;)
elcutach13 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The main problem I have with this episode is a persistent one which recurs time and again. Incomplete guest credits. Spot an interesting player and never can find out who they are. La and Order is notorious for these mystery guests.
So often some of the more interesting character actors such as Johnathan Banks who this time played the missing woman's mobster father. I have spotted him often since he first came to view in the seventies, mostly in various villainous roles; he has been around since the seventies. Recently he even played a US Army general in several episodes of E-Ring. Another recent appearance in The 4400 was in a more typical role as an international criminal operator and gun runner,
An even more important problem is omission of credit for the two female guest stars-- the missing woman and her assistant, who is secretly in love with her employer. At the end the columnist reconciles with her mobster father (Banks) and she decides to wear a lesbian coat from thenceforth. But who are they, the credit list above does not identify them. Did they come from soap operas, regional theatre, or where? In any case, flashing the guests' names at the beginning doesn't do much when the cable networks and stations persist in running coming attraction lines and teasers over them.
I much prefer the old custom in the fifties and sixties of showing the principal guests at the end with mug shots. And those swing and squeeze promo inserts at the end thatquinch up all the minor gsts' credit doesn't help either. Well, that is my favorite broad casting beef.
In rhw wvent though, concerning this episode, it is good to have an episode in which no one croaks with a happy ending to boot.
So often some of the more interesting character actors such as Johnathan Banks who this time played the missing woman's mobster father. I have spotted him often since he first came to view in the seventies, mostly in various villainous roles; he has been around since the seventies. Recently he even played a US Army general in several episodes of E-Ring. Another recent appearance in The 4400 was in a more typical role as an international criminal operator and gun runner,
An even more important problem is omission of credit for the two female guest stars-- the missing woman and her assistant, who is secretly in love with her employer. At the end the columnist reconciles with her mobster father (Banks) and she decides to wear a lesbian coat from thenceforth. But who are they, the credit list above does not identify them. Did they come from soap operas, regional theatre, or where? In any case, flashing the guests' names at the beginning doesn't do much when the cable networks and stations persist in running coming attraction lines and teasers over them.
I much prefer the old custom in the fifties and sixties of showing the principal guests at the end with mug shots. And those swing and squeeze promo inserts at the end thatquinch up all the minor gsts' credit doesn't help either. Well, that is my favorite broad casting beef.
In rhw wvent though, concerning this episode, it is good to have an episode in which no one croaks with a happy ending to boot.
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