User Reviews

'Best Friends' was one of the first episodes of Cold Case I ever saw. By the time it ended, I had a voracious appetite for the show and I think I've consumed every one to date. It was quite honestly one of the best episodes of television I've ever seen. A heart-wrenching Love Story (my weakness) pitted against the 1932 mentality toward race and homosexuality.

Aside from that, I have a certain affinity for the period, where up in Harlem the Renaissance was waning (straggled by the depression) but 'Billie' would have fit right in. Not that life anywhere would have been all peaches and cream, but had they made it to NYC, it would have been at least a scintilla easier. Actually, the race difference may have offended Harlem residents (even the gay ones) a little more than the lesbian relationship.

Every time I watch this episode, I sit back and wonder what could have been for them had they made it to New York. That's the thing about great TV, when it makes you think, and wonder.

Undoubtedly one of the best hours of television I've had watching TV shows in quite some time.

The love between young Rose and Billie was so believable, as was the theme of such a "forbidden" type of love in the 1930s. Samantha Streets played a perfect young Rose - intrepid but with an adventurous heart who gave in to true love despite her fear and the disdain of society. Tessa Thompson literally blew me away as Billie Doucette; the young lesbian with a preference for men's attire and a cocky, self-assured attitude who lost her "tough" exterior in the presence of beautiful Rose, who captured her heart. Piper Laurie played an older Rose - reticent to reveal the truth, but then speaking aloud the broken heart she'd held silently inside for so long - with so much conviction she made me cry.

I actually longed for more from this storyline and the characters (as played by the original actors). The entire story was warm, alive, poignant, dramatic, and enjoyable. I already am wishing I could see it again.

I haven't watched much of "Cold Case", but have always really enjoyed the episodes I caught on television. After watching "Best Friends", I am a solid fan of this show and its writers/casting directors/actors/etc.

On another note - I would love to get a copy of the poem(s) used in the episode - anyone have any idea where I could get my hands on them? I simply want to add them to my quote book/poem collection. Thanks.

I was absolutely blown away by this episode and is undoubtedly one of my favorites. I've always liked to watch Cold Case for various reasons. Most story lines are captivating and show a sensitivity to numerous themes such as LGBT issues, racism, etc that other crime TV shows seem to lack. Everything about "Best Friends" is remarkable. The plot, the acting, the excellent editing and the love poems. My favorite part is the ending when Rose suddenly turns into the younger version of herself and the couple walk off together holding hands and smiling at each other. Other worthy of praise episodes who deal with gay themes include: "A Time to Hate", "Daniela", "Forever Blue"... I totally commend Cold Case for its gay-friendly and ant-racist attitude.

I am a relative new comer to Cold Case and have just finished season 2. It is a fantastic show powerful and moving. The use of flashbacks to tell the story from different angles is an excellent idea. It is very moving at the end to see one of the detectives seeing the victim as they finally get justice. I'm a 36 year old male and am not ashamed to admit that many of the episodes have moved me to tears. Some honourable mentions –

Ravaged Wishing Yo, Adrian

But my absolute favourite episode and in my humble opinion one of the best hours of TV I have ever seen is Best Friends. From start to finish it was amazing.

Firstly the cast. Samantha Streets and Tessa Thompson as Rose and Billy where truly outstanding. They really made you feel the love between them. And Piper Laurie as old Rose again a wonderful performance as you really felt her love and pain.

The poetry. I have never really been a poetry fan but the poems in this episode where brilliant and really added to the emotion of the story. There where 5 wonderful and touching poems. Firstly Billy's poem after she had sent Rose away and how is made her ache. Second Billy's poem of watching Rose at the school gates and how she is the only girl she sees. Third Billy's poem after Rose had told her she loves her. Fourth Billy's poem after she has been beaten be Roses ex and his gang. And finally Roses heart breaking poem to Billy after she has survived and lost Billy.

(Does anybody know where to get a full transcript of all the poems thanks or even a sound file)

The story. Two teenage girls in the early 30,s have a same sex mix race relationship. They face obstacles from all sides. Rose's bigot brother, and her ex and Billy's ex. Determined to be together and seeing only one way for it to happen. There so many great scenes – Rose and Billy's first sighting of each other with Billy giving Rose a smile and a wink.

Rose and Billy's first meeting where Billy is clearly taken by Rose but tries to hid it in front of the club owner.

Billy meeting Rose outside here school showing her a love poem she has written her and her fear that her ex may hurt her.

The montage in the rain over Billy's poem to Rose who has told her she loves her.

Rose tenderly taking care of Billy after her ex Ted and his gang have beaten her.

The heart breaking decision they make to be together.

Which brings us to the ending. Lily meets Rose on a park bench and after 70 years Rose finally reveals her love, pain and guilt.

Rose "I wonder if it was wrong the feelings I had for her?" Lily "No. It was just the wrong time"

Valens "What happened that night? In the truck?" Rose "I betrayed my girl" Lily "How" Rose "I survived"

Lily leaves and Rose quietly passes away and there is Billy waiting for her. I've imagined the dialogue in this scene – Billy "It's OK Rose I'm here, I've been waiting, I love you"

Finally they can be together. And hand in hand they walk of happy. I was in tears.

Please let me know what you thought of this wonderful episode.

I don't watch Cold Case but was flipping channels and caught this. I'm not into the gay thing either but this was phenomenal! From beginning to end it was captivating and just well written, acted and directed. It was just different and I've never seen a TV episode like this before. I can't help but wonder if this truly was someone's life story, it was just so different then anything on tv. Bravo.

This is one of my favorite episodes. I watch this episode every time I find it's being shown. I think it's both beautiful and sad. It was beautiful to see the love grow between these two women of different race, culture and background. I thought it was sad that they were not allowed to love each other. Sadly, it still exists today that two consenting adults can't love who they want to love. Sad that siblings parted because one can't love and accept the other for who she is. I also thought it was beautiful that they would choose to kill themselves just to be together in the afterlife free from hate and judgement. This episode is well directed and it handled a controversial subject beautifully.