Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou “Monster in Bayou Pigeon” (A&E, Friday, January 31, 2025)

Cold Case Files Murder in the Bayou

A&E’s Cold Case Files has a knack for unsettling viewers with stories of crimes long past, and “Monster in Bayou Pigeon” looks to be no exception. This time, the series revisits the 1991 disappearance of Curtis “Cochise” Smith from Plaquemine, Louisiana. Smith, a 29-year-old father, vanished after a simple errand to buy diapers, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a gnawing void for over two decades.

Now, 25 years later, a grim discovery in the bayou throws the cold case wide open. A body is found, re-igniting the investigation and pointing fingers at a local with a considerable rap sheet. Cold Case Files often thrives on these delayed revelations, demonstrating that justice, though slow, can sometimes still find its mark. The episode sets out to offer a measured look at how the initial investigation faltered, the renewed efforts in light of the discovery, and the emotional toll on Smith’s family.

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Narrated by the ever-gravelly Keith David, the episode unfolds with methodical pacing, letting the facts speak for themselves. While the series has a penchant for dramatic recreations, they tend to serve the storytelling rather than sensationalize it. This measured approach allows space for the human element of these tragedies to emerge, reminding us that behind every cold case file, there’s a story of loss and the enduring hope for closure.

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For viewers fatigued by the flashy, high-octane style of many true crime documentaries, Cold Case Files presents a welcome contrast. It doesn’t reach for the easy thrills of twisty narratives or shocking reveals. It’s the quiet, persistent pursuit of answers that gives the series its weight, acknowledging the messy, often frustrating reality of criminal investigations and the long shadow cast by unsolved crimes. Will “Monster in Bayou Pigeon” definitively solve the mystery of Curtis Smith’s disappearance? We’ll have to watch to find out.

Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou “Monster in Bayou Pigeon” airs Friday, January 31st at 10:00 PM on A&E.

Andrew Martins, reviewer, recapper, deep diver, scifi specialist. Thinks Blakes 7 is better than Star Trek. Yes I do go to fan conventions and no I don't dress up. Well okay maybe I do a bit.