Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt

More Melancholy Mystery As Selleck Returns In His Eighth Outing As Jesse Stone
Tom Selleck is back in the role he was born to play for this eighth outing in the popular Jesse Stone series. 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. I don't know who author Robert B. Parker might have envisioned inhabiting his iconic small town police chief, but Selleck has certainly owned and perfected the role over the course of these last seven years of TV movies. Starting in 2005, these movies have proven that there is still an adult audience looking for thoughtful drama. I do think each chapter thus far has enough to recommend it on its own merits. You'll appreciate the films to varying degrees as with any serialization--some you may love, some just like. Here's a run down before I comment of "Benefit of the Doubt."

2005: Stone Cold
2006: Night Passage
2006: Death In Paradise
2007: Sea Change
2009: Thin Ice
2010: No...

Back in Harness...
"Benefit of the Doubt", the eighth Jesse Stone TV movie, finds the former Paradise police chief back on the job, rehired after a mysterious explosion wipes out his successor. Jesse sets out to solve the mystery, working somewhat at odds with the state homicide squad and an inquisitive town councilman.

Like previous installments of the Jesse Stone franchise, Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone spends a lot of time drinking coffee and contemplating the beautiful seascape of Paradise with his aging dog, when he's not breaking into his own office, stepping on official toes, romancing the secretary at the local car dealership, or reaching out to former employees. Most of the recurring cast of the Jesse Stone movies make appearences, including Kathy Baker, William Devane, and William Sadler. However, this story is mostly about Jesse's refusal to accept the easy answer about the death of the previous chief. His dogged pursuit of justice and his considerable detecting skills lead him...

Outstanding
I thought they might be pushed for an interesting story line, but this one starts it all over again, and leaves the way for a sequel ,so easily.There are surprises right away, that you are not ready for, and pave the way for some interesting dramatics.
The dog is a star again, and surprises everyone.
An interesting twist on the villains, and you are never quite clear about what is going on, and why.
Jessie's love life is interesting, but boy did he blow it, with the secretary for Gino.That would have been too exhausting to cope with;Jessie too.
Seeing "Suitcase" as a fisherman, is hard to deal with, but his later decision, is awesome.
The opening Ocean scenes are fantastic, and well done!

Looking forward to the next "Movie"--

Kevin

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