Episode list

Set in 1940s New York City, "Once Upon a Crime" tells the story of a jaded private detective, Jake Lawton who is hired by an alluring femme fatale, Laurel Scarlett who happens to suffer from amnesia and is engaged to an arrogant socialite, Damien Thorne whom she doesn't completely trust. All three characters meet face to face at the hottest spot this side of Havana - the Copacabana Lounge.

Private detective, Jake Lawton tails Damien Thorne and his associate to a dive bar Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (Dumbo) but things don't turn out as planned. The next day, Laurel and Damien meet in the private dining room of the 21 Club for lunch. The sudden death of billionaire Thurston Holloway III and a mysterious invitation to an exclusive film premiere are the topic of conversation. Later that week, Laurel and Damien set off on their adventure to a mansion in upstate New York as a thunderstorm brews.

Laurel and Damien arrive at Holloway Manor and are greeted by Gerard, the butler and an assortment of strange characters who are all gathered for the exclusive film screening premiere. The film turns out to be the last and will and testament of billionaire Thurston Holloway III. A number of revelations are made including the fact that Laurel is the long-lost daughter of Holloway and stands to inherit billions, much to the chagrin of those present. As the thunderstorm increases in intensity, the power goes out momentarily and then Sheriff Woody arrives with the coroner's report and toxicology screen for Holloway, indicating foul play.

Madame Esméralda, a renowned psychic arrives on the scene to conjure the spirit of Thurston Holloway III in an impromptu séance. A number of spirits materialize before their very eyes - a ghostbuster, the king of rock 'n roll and the phantom. Finally, Madame Esméralda summons the spirit of Thurston Holloway III who warns that any of those assembled could have murdered him.

Jake Lawton conducts a full-blown investigation with the nine potential suspects gathered at the mansion. He unravels who had the means, motive and opportunity to murder billionaire Thurston Holloway III. Weeks later at St. Patrick's Cathedral, guests attend the wedding of Laurel Scarlett Holloway and Damien Thorne until the unexpected happens.

Damien Thorne makes a quick getaway with his reluctant bride Laurel in tow. Jake Lawton meets up with them later that night at the Copacabana just before they leave on their honeymoon. Several revelations are made and a final showdown between Jake and Damien has a startling resolution. Our story ends where it all began with Jake and a Newsie recounting the final sequence of events.