Episode 18: CLOSING TIME

Crow Rating: 4 Crows

Written By: Brad Markowitz & Edward Tivnan

Directed By: William Gereghty

Originally aired on WGN: 4/18/99

Music in this episode from: Econoline Crush

Story Line
A shady promoter persuades Draven to pick up his guitar again, but Soleil Hazard has a sinister purpose and the music Draven creates is pure evil.

Draven visits Funboy (Ty Olsson) in prison and, using his powers, forces him to relive the night he helped kill Draven and Shelly. Funboy is genuinely overcome by guilt and remorse. Before he can make amends, however, he is visited by the menacing Soleil Hazard (Gabriel Casseus), who seems to have a telepathic connection to the evil spirit of Top Dollar. Posing as a music promoter for Fadeout Records, Hazard approaches Draven at the Blackout Club and suggests he rejoin his old band. Draven refuses but is disturbed by the encounter, and by the incredible music that starts to fill his every thought. Meanwhile, Albrecht gets his Detective badge back along with his first assignment - to find Funboy -- who has broken out of prison. Albrecht warns Darla (Lynda Boyd), but she can't escape her former boyfriend, or the alcohol he forces her to drink. Draven, lost to the increasingly powerful sounds playing in his head, is oblivious to everything, including Sarah and Albrecht. Reunited with Hangman's Joke for a playoff competition against Econoline Crush (as themselves), Draven, turned into the Crow by the force of the music, spots Funboy in the audience with a knife at Darla's throat. Murderous and vengeful, the Crow takes off in pursuit, unaware that they are all being manipulated by Top Dollar's evil tune. Only Shelly can save them.

Personal Thoughts
This episode further explores Draven's inability to control the Crow within him. It is a very good story from the standpoint that it re-enforces Draven's mission of redemption. It also highlights the musical side of Draven. Mark and Katie Steward (Sarah) demonstrate the great chemistry between them.