"Innocents Lost" really breaks no new ground, just tells another chapter. Stone, now retired, is still trying to find an inner equanimity and peace. Seeing an unorthodox therapist, consorting with a younger woman, staying grounded with his old colleagues--Jesse's existence is a quiet one. When a young girl whom Jesse feels responsible for ends up dead in an apparent overdose, he feels deep guilt and sets out to determine what went awry. He is also asked to consult on a murder case in the city where the police feel that their suspect is innocent. Retirement doesn't seem so uneventful after all! The story leads to some unexpected places--as the girl's life spiraled out of control, several key factors and nefarious influences led her astray. But how far is Jesse willing to take his off-the-books investigation, and to what purpose?
Those who have followed the series will see plenty of familiar and expected faces. Most noteworthy, we see his former co-workers (Kathy Baker and Kohl Sudduth) adjusting to the new Paradise Police Chief. But despite some nice moments, this remains very much Selleck's show! Jesse Stone must surely be one of the most laid back heroes to ever grace the small screen and Selleck has perfected the minimalism necessary to make this character stand out. In the film world of quick cut editing, these films defy expectation by unfolding at a very leisurely pace. "Innocents Lost" fits comfortably into its place in the Stone lexicon. This one is less about mystery and intrigue and more about spending time with Selleck and Stone--a pairing that has become virtually iconic.
