This is a spectacular example of how the writers used a previous story line to continue the narrative. In this case, to clarify a very inverosimil element of the previous episode surrounding Jim's death.
The writers must have known the circumstances were questionable at best. A police detective would never discharge his weapon in the situation present: night time from outside, shooting into a dark house, while not identifying the target.
Turns out in this episode, the ghost is the step daughter of the same detective. His grief leads him to alcohol and a marked lessening of his ability to function. Following the formula of the series, Melinda seeks to erase the guilt of both characters, while she herself is grieving.
Add to that Jim's refusal to cross over, even though urged by his dead brother, and you have a program stuffed full of content.
The writers must have known the circumstances were questionable at best. A police detective would never discharge his weapon in the situation present: night time from outside, shooting into a dark house, while not identifying the target.
Turns out in this episode, the ghost is the step daughter of the same detective. His grief leads him to alcohol and a marked lessening of his ability to function. Following the formula of the series, Melinda seeks to erase the guilt of both characters, while she herself is grieving.
Add to that Jim's refusal to cross over, even though urged by his dead brother, and you have a program stuffed full of content.
