(S06E21) I normally don't watch this show, which means I never review it. That being said, I'm glad I tuned in last night because it was fantastic. It case you couldn't pick up on it, the title (and the entire story) are an homage to the Kurosawa classic Rashômon. The episode, just like the film, gave the deatils of the crime from everyone's point of view. The "mama" in Rashomama refers to the victim, a prominent Vegas lawyer who happened to be the mother of the groom at a wedding.

It took the team almost 9 hours to process the crime scene, and then it all fell apart because Nick, Greg, and Sara decided to get a cup of coffee. While they were sitting in the diner, someone stole Nick's SUV and it had all the evidence in it. That's, um, what do you call it? Oh, right - not good.

I'll say this - never does this show lack creativity. The way the body was discovered? Awesome. As the groom and bride drove away in their "Just Got Married" convertible, the car dragged the obligatory empty cans... and the groom's mother. See? Awesome.

After the the chief gave Grissom and Nick a good ol' talking to, it came down to checking out the wedding DVD and having everyone rehash their version of the story. Who they interviewed? What evidence they collected? What conclusions they came to? Everyone's story started out the same, but they all took different turns to complete the puzzle. It was really well written. I found it funny that everyone had a different view of weddings and love as depicted through the flowers. Sara thought the flowers were fake. Nick thought they were fragrant, beautiful, and aromatic. Grissom didn't see the flowers; just the bugs on them.

However, Greg's flashback and re-telling was by far the best. Remember how I argued (long ago) that Nick should be killed off and Greg needs more screen time? Well this proved it. The show was getting a little stiff for me when I made that argument, so maybe I was harsh in advocating Nick's demise... but Greg is just too funny. His flashback was in black and white and he told it from the perspective of a 1950's film-noir detective. It was great.

Oh geez, almost forgot. Am I the only one who had completely forgotten about Chris Hardwick? He played the best man (and the guy who stole the SUV), but I was pretty sure he was done with anything show business related. Especially since I only remember him for hosting Singled Out and Shipmates.

Regardless, this was still a fantastic episode. Usually I take notes when I'm watching a show that I review. If I fill up one page and then start jotting down more in the margins and in between the lines, it's a good sign. I'm definitely looking forward to the final few episodes to see what happens because I'm into it again. I think taking some time away from this show made it fresh again. Plus, this whole thing has everyone asking questions. Good stuff.