Death and Other Details Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Memorable

By spicing up its format, Death and Other Details Season 1 Episode 7, “Memorable,” lets its lead actors shine. Imogene finds herself in Rufus’ shoes literally when walking through the events of the past.

What better way to see through someone’s eyes than to wear their glasses in a little in-show cosplay?

The idea of a detective’s mind palace isn’t exactly new, but seeing Imogene “wake up” as Rufus in his memories is an innovative attempt to make what could have been a straightforward flashback episode more interesting.

Since the premiere, it’s been a struggle to connect with the lead because Death and Other Details let its huge cast and multitude of subplots distract from the emotional core of the show. The style started to overcome the substance.

Now that we’re finally off that boat (at least for a little while), we can focus on the important things. This episode balances both with its high concept structure while also allowing Imogene to come to emotional terms with her mother’s death and her fear over what if she can’t remember what she needs to.

Confronting a child version of yourself is a little cliche but it works because it feels honest to Imogene’s character. Finally, she can open that door and relive her past to unlock what her mind hid from her.

Violett Beane, often underserved this season by the story’s lack of interest in Imogene’s interiority, finally gets to shine and prove she’s the star of Death and Other Details. The scene where she spends her final moments with her mom and relives the explosion brings tears to your eyes.

Rufus’ diminished role, as he gladly accepts his lashings for being a fraud while still trying to coach Imogene, suits Patinkin well. Rufus is much more likable in this caring mentor role than as a washed-up showboat.

Despite his warnings, going through the memories puts Rufus in a better light because we learn he didn’t want to give up on the case, the Colliers shooed him away claiming he was causing Imogene too much trauma. He and Imogene are redeemed from the guilt they carry and given a second chance.

Plot development-wise the episode also has a lot to offer as we learn Imogene’s mom was a whistle-blower who tried to work with Alexandra back when she was a prosecutor, a likely reason Alexandra had dirt on the Colliers. She also had a witness to Collier Mills’ crimes who was none other than Celia Chun.

This additional twist still doesn’t justify how bloated this season has been, but it does set it up for a stronger finish than it was on course for. The deal with the Chuns and Colliers and the murder of Imogene’s mom is fitting together in a tantalizing (if a little too convenient) way.

We know now why Celia wanted revenge on the Colliers, but isn’t it a little suspicous they all ended up on a boat Viktor Sams owns? With three episodes left it’s time to take down the puppet master behind all this death (and other details).

What did you think of this episode of Death and Other Details? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Death and Other Details airs Tuesdays on Hulu.

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