Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise

I'm a big fan of the "Jesse Stone" novels and TV movies. Nobody was happier than I when Hallmark agreed to take over the franchise from CBS and to put the money up for another episode. Not having the Hallmark Channel, I had to wait for the DVD to eventually come before I could see it. The purchase turned out to be everything I'd hoped for, and I think this is one of finest of the nine episodes.It was wonderful seeing my family back in action because that's what they are: My family. From Robert Harmon, the director of all of the "Jesse Stone" television films, to Jeff Beal who does the music for each one, to Michael Brandman for writing the teleplay with Tom Selleck and turning out such a fabulous series, and to the actors who have appear in the many shows from Kohl Sudduth, Gloria Reuben, William Saddler, Christine Tizzard as the breath-taking Amanda, Leslie Hope as Lt. Sidney Greenstreet, and Kerri Smith as the nun with a solid heart of gold. I definitely missed Stephen McHattie as Lt. Healy from this episode, along with Kathy Baker as Stone's Dispatcher, and Reggie the dog. On a slightly different note, Leslie Hope took McHattie's position as Head of the State Police, and Leslie is certainly a lovely redhead to gaze one's eyes upon. Ned the dog also joined the cast and did good.The story centers around two cases that draw Jesse Stone's attention. The problem is that Stone has done too good of a job cleaning up Paradise and now has to look elsewhere for challenges as a police officer. Lieutenant Greenstreet gives Stone a stack of cold cases that are till open. One draws the small-town cop's curiosity. Four prostitutes were murdered in the exact same way, but the serial killer only confessed to the first three, claiming the fourth one was done by a copycat. Jesse also runs into a wayward teenager who's smoking pot on a bench alongside one of the local streets in Paradise. I think she wanted to get caught. When Jesse stops and talks to her, he discovers that her mom is an alcoholic. He decides to add the teenager to his list of people to help. While all of this is going on, the viewer discovers that Reggie has died, and Jesse makes a visit to the Boston Animal Shelter and rescues Steve the dog, (an Irish Setter) who'd belonged to the fourth murdered prostitute.Like the other eight episodes, this one also struck a strong cord with me. I certainly enjoyed the suspense and how Jesse Stone goes about resolving the issues of both cases. More than that, however, was just being around this wonderful family and feeling at home. Jesse Stone has faults as a character, but still manages to do the right thing in every instance. He's a good human being with a lot of heart, and Tom Selleck plays the character to perfection. All the emotions that Jesse feels can be seen in his eyes, and Tom conveys this aspect of his terrific acting ability one-hundred percent. You can feel every mood that Jesse experiences through Tom's soulful eyes. In fact, it wouldn't be too difficult to say that Tom Selleck becomes Jesse Stone whenever he puts on the Paradise Police Department hat.I should add that there are a good many gorgeous ladies in this episode and will keep the men glued to the screen while the wives or girlfriends get a feel of Tom Selleck at his best. Remember, this was the man who almost became Indiana Jones. But, with regards to the ladies, there are: Gloria Reuben, Kerri Smith, Christine Tizzard, who kind of steals the show as Gino Fish's receptionist in her tight dresses, and Leslie Hope as the lovely Lt. Sidney Greenstreet. Imagined being cuffed by Leslie Hope. That's a thought that won't go away. It's Tom's show, so he gets to have all the fun!This is why the fans of Jesse Stone and Tom Selleck don't want to see the series end. But, as the old saying goes, "All good things must eventually end." We can only hope (there's that word again) that there will be at least one more Jesse Stone episode and that it goes out with a BIG bang. Of course, that's the dilemma, isn't it? How do you stay true to the novels that are still being written and to Bob Parker's memory, while creating something that will have the fans talking for years to come? I'm glad I'm not the writer of this series. If everything moves forward, this will be a tough episode to write. No doubt about it!One last note. Jeff Beal, who does the music for each episode, put out a limited edition soundtrack of the "Jesse Stone" shows a few years ago. I got my copy. The music might still be available on Amazon.Highly recommended to all "Jesse Stone" fans out there!

Try to watch this entire series in order. This helps with the character development. And the story. This is an excellent watch!

This entire series in fantastic, highly entertaining

Love it and whole series! I want more!!!

The character Jesse Stone is great. I've watched many times and always entertaining.

I loved the series and would definitely give IT 5 stars, but I felt like this episode was just made to complete the series and answer a few dangling questions. Though helpful in doing that, it was not of the same quality. I got the impression some of the scenes were just spliced from previous episodes.

Everyone I know got addicted to this series. Great acting, great plot lines. You just cannot find shows like this any longer.

Well delivered package with disc all in good order