Jane Doe: Now You See It, Now You Don't

I gave it 5 stars due to plot, not script or acting, or scenes. The cast did a good job, but the plot needs to make sense.

The government does not allow the Declaration of Independence to travel. It is one of the most significant documents in our history, right up there with the Constiution. This is why it never leaves the National Archives building in Washington.

Now I am not an ultra-anal person who thinks that a movie needs to be 100% plausible, but the basis of the plot, the Declaration of Independence being stolen, needs to make sense. I can ignore reality, but only up to a certain point.

I enjoy the Hallmark Mystery Movie series, and "Jane Doe" is my favorite, due to the vivacious Lea Thompson, who brings a bright spirit to this "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" type formula of "mom is a government agent." Thompson has quit the CSA but, like Al Pacino in "The Godfather II," just when she thought she was out, they dragged her back in. This time, by some high quality technical techniques, the Declaration of Independence, is stolen while on display at a bank. Lea's old partner, played by Joe Penny, needs her help. She is thwarted by his current partner, a nervous woman who feels that her territory is being threatened. Let's face it - the Thompson character doesn't want the job - a false note in this for me was the fact that she continued on the case with such a difficult woman.

Thompson wears three hats, that of a loving mother, an employee for a game company, and the occasional agent work. Her husband, Billy Moses, is in the dark about her return to the agency. So there are a few more layers in this series than in the other two.

This particular series has more spark than the other two but probably less substance. The villain here was obvious in the first few minutes, and the way the crime was carried out had a very "Mission: Impossible" -- emphasis on the impossible, feel to it. Nevertheless, Thompson is darling and, with a strong leading man in Penny, "Jane Doe" offers a nice break from reality shows.

Honestly, never thought much of L.Thompson. However, it is perfectly possible that as an 80's actress, the roles offered to Leah were simply uninspired, and formula driven. Well good for Leah as Jane Doe. Either she has grown up, or a role with complexity has finally been offered to her. Whatever the case, she was charming, and her character echoed a strong, competent and complete personality. Generally television premieres are either completely inspired, or sadly dismal downers. Jane Doe's premiere, although somewhat formulaic, definitely has a spark.

L.Thompson seems wonderfully comfortable in her character, and the script was bold enough to hold my interest. I will watch for the next Jane Doe.

Cheers

I've watched this episode and the pilot episode. They are both entertaining and I liked them. But the writers need to come up with something fresh. Both the disappearing act in the pilot episode and this episode, as well as the hidden garage door trick, were both themes in episode of "Banack" (1972). Heck, even stealing the Declaration of Independence was used in "JAG". Other than that I enjoyed both episodes and will soon be looking at a couple more.

5/10 - this Lea Thompson Hallmark mystery wastes a fairly intriguing premise on a poorly written script