Millennium Episode Review of The Wild and the Innocent by MillenniumIsBliss

Reviewed: The Wild and the Innocent

Contributor: MillenniumIsBliss

As I have mentioned, enough times to elicit numerous eye rolls, season one hits a lull between great episodes that stretches from Kingdom Come to Loin Like a Hunting Flame. However, if there is an episode that comes close to breaking out and becoming a 5 star episode, among this string of 3s and 4s, it is The Wild and the Innocent. It doesn't quite get there, but I give it a strong 4. Actually, I thought many would regard my view of this string of episodes as being harsh, but in looking in on the Millennial Abyss recently, I find that my ratings are actually fairly generous in comparison, and I give many 4s where the Abyss gives only 3s.

The Wild and the Innocent is not an episode that stood out in my mind as one of the great ones, and therefore I have only viewed it a total of 4 or 5 times, but I always forget how excellent it is, and how it does contain some very touching moments, and is actually one of the better human and emotional dramas the series has to offer. The setting of the episode does a great job establishing a bleak and sad tone throughout. The acting is excellent, as usual, and Heather McComb is fabulous as Maddie Haskel. With frequent and outstanding performances in shows like Millennium, X-files, and Profiler, I really thought Heather McComb was a rising star, but she has kind of drifted into obscurity, unless she is simply appearing in projects that I'm not familiar with.

The story in this episode unfolds nicely and holds the viewers' interest, culminating in an ending that is both touching and suspenseful. Maddie Haskel continues to grow on you throughout the story, as you see the pain and abuse she has survived and her dedication to finding her baby at all costs, right up to her final selfless acts, showing the degree of her love for her baby. As mentioned, Heather McComb is flawless in her performance, right down to her narration that works well in the episode. There are also many happy Black family moments, as there often are in season one, and that we find ourselves longing for throughout the remainder of the series. Lance is also wonderful, as the episodes continues to show us the depth, decency and understanding of his character, Frank Black.