Eyewitness - The Larsons’ Dog - Advance Preview

Including “The Larsons’ Dog,” seven lives have now been lost to the killer Helen’s hunting. And this week on “Eyewitness,” she is determined to ensure Lukas isn’t next.

Her hunch that the case wasn’t closed now confirmed, Helen’s first step is to line up FBI protection for Lukas, which ends up being provided by Kamilah. But she’s also frustrated that she still can’t fit the pieces together in a way that makes sense. Lucky for Helen, Deputy Tony comes through with a new lead from Sita’s phone that, unbeknownst to the sheriff, again puts her on Ryan’s trail. And not a moment too soon as Ryan, resolved to eliminate Helen’s eyewitness, cozies up to an unsuspecting Kamilah so he’ll know when to strike.

Understandably, learning that the killer is alive and coming after him freaks Lukas out. Philip too, especially since he’s not getting any special protection as his presence at the cabin is still a secret. But the frightening ordeal seems to bring the boys closer together. The case, however, is having the opposite effect on Helen and Gabe’s relationship and matters are only made worse when Gabe makes a startling discovery about something Helen has been keeping from him.

There’s a scene in this episode that is hands down my favorite of the series to date. It’s between Helen and Ryan and finds them – despite the massive truth that remains unspoken and the underlying tension that creates – opening up to each other to a surprising degree. We get some intriguing information about Helen’s history in Buffalo and with Gabe. And while it doesn’t excuse his actions (and adding to them, I found his romancing the grieving Kamilah earlier in the episode pretty groddy), what Ryan reveals gives them some shading. It’s a nice bit of character work and the performances from Julianne Nicholson and Warren Christie are really great.

Also getting a chance to shine in this one is Gil Bellows. Gabe hasn’t had much to do besides offering calm support to both Helen and Philip. So watching what he learns about Helen unravel him is really interesting and Bellows tears into it. There’s also a big cliffhanger to end the episode that will definitely draw you back next week.

You can pay your respects to “The Larsons’ Dog” tonight on USA Network. In the meantime, come share your questions, speculations, and thoughts about “Eyewitness” in the comments section.