Ep 1. Sam

(Cardinal is a Canadian crime drama that follows detective John Cardinal, as he navigates the often dangerous and murky world of criminal investigations.)

As the third season of the hit Canadian crime drama Cardinal opens, we find ourselves once again following the tenacious and obsessive Detective John Cardinal. This time, though, Cardinal is faced with a case that hits much closer to home than any he has tackled before.

The episode opens with Cardinal receiving a frantic call from his wife, Catherine, who has discovered a young girl's body on her morning run. Cardinal rushes to the scene and immediately recognizes the victim as Sam, a friend of his daughter Kelly's. Shocked and distraught, Cardinal vows to find out who is responsible for this senseless act of violence.

From there, we're launched into a tense and gripping investigation, as Cardinal and his team begin to gather evidence and follow leads. As always, the show's creators do an excellent job of immersing us in the characters' world, showing us every detail of the investigation as it unfolds.

One thing that sets this season apart from the previous two is the focus on Cardinal's personal life. We see him struggling with his daughter's distance and his wife's burgeoning artistic career, all while trying to solve one of the most troubling cases of his career. This added layer of complexity makes the story all the more compelling, and keeps us hooked from start to finish.

As the investigation progresses, we're introduced to a number of key suspects, all of whom seem to have some connection to Sam. There's her ex-boyfriend, who already has a record for violent behavior. There's the creepy neighbor who's been spying on her. And there's the strange man who keeps showing up at the crime scene and claiming to know something about what happened.

As Cardinal and his team start to put the pieces together, the tension ramps up even further. We're treated to some truly heart-pounding moments, as well as some shocking reveals that will leave viewers reeling.

One of the things that makes this season so successful is the strong ensemble cast. Billy Campbell once again shines as Cardinal, bringing his trademark intensity and emotional depth to the role. Karine Vanasse is also excellent as Cardinal's partner, whose sharp wit and keen instincts make her a valuable asset to the investigation team. And all of the supporting actors do a great job of bringing their characters to life, making the world of the show feel all the more real and lived-in.

As the episode draws to a close, Cardinal finds himself facing a number of challenges, both professional and personal. He's closer than ever to solving the case, but he's also more broken than he's ever been. It's a testament to the strength of the writing that we're left wanting more, eagerly anticipating the next episode to see what happens next.

Ultimately, Cardinal season 3 episode 1 is a powerful and gripping start to what promises to be another unforgettable season of one of Canada's most beloved crime dramas. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer looking for your next binge-worthy watch, this is definitely an episode that's not to be missed.