Episode 16: NEVER SAY DIE

Crow Rating: 3 Crows

Written By: David Ransil & Edward Tivnan

Directed By: Scott Summersgill

Originally aired on WGN: 2/14/99

Music in this episode from: The Flys

Story Line
The evil spirit of Rasputin is released by an unscrupulous Russian who plans to harness it for his own empowerment but needs access to the portal between the worlds that Draven opened in his loft to make the process complete.

An ancient order of Russian priests is the keeper of a manuscript that holds the evil predictions of the mad monk Rasputin. When the chief guardian, Father Andrew (Stephen Dimopoulos), is brutally murdered and the book stolen, the priests turn to the police for help. Albrecht, now demoted to a street cop, steps aside so Capshaw can take the case but she is highly skeptical of the tale of evil powers, spirit transference and a fearsome prophecy that seems to be coming true. While visiting her Mom at the police station Sarah overhears the story and hurries to warn Draven that whoever stole the manuscript will need access to the portal between worlds, which is in Draven1s loft. Alexander Sokolov (David Lovgren), who has the manuscript and intends to use it to harness untold evil power, comes to the loft but is deterred by Draven, who then tips Albrecht off to what is going on. Draven catches up with Sokolov at the waterfront but as part of the fulfillment of the prophecy, is trapped in a net, chained with weights and dropped off the pier. Albrecht and Capshaw arrive, but Capshaw is shot. The Crow emerges from the icy waters to pursue the fleeing Sokolov. They clash at the loft, where the portal is already open, allowing Rasputin to return in Sokolov1s body. Their battle carries them through the portal, back to 1918, where Rasputin1s resurrected spirit is finally defeated forever.

Personal Thoughts
After 4 fantastic episodes, this one was of a bit of a let down. It had a "by the numbers" premise.