Directed by Paul Shapiro. Written by Patrick Harbison.

EPISODE RATING: (1 to 4) ***1/2

A woman appears to have committed suicide by backing her car into the path of an oncoming truck. Shortly after, Frank is sent an audio tape by detective Giebelhouse that was found in the deceased's car stereo. At first listening, the tape seems to contain nothing but inaudible static. However, through FBI technology, he discovers the tape actually holds "pink noise"...a way of bringing out extreme emotional responses to subconscious fears and anxieties.  

Frank and Giebelhouse, soon joined by Emma Hollis, believe that this is what killed the young woman, along with a second victim who had in his possession one of the tapes. However, Giebelhouse and Emma begin to fear for Frank's own mental well-being after learning that he too has been sent an audio tape, and has begun having flashes of his late wife Catherine...

Fans of the second season (such as myself) found year threes virtual white-washing of several key events from number rather frustrating, so 'The Sound Of  Snow' came has a relief. This one does a terrific job of giving Frank closure to the death of Catherine and his guilt because of it. The show wisely builds to this, giving Frank (and the audience) quick glimpses of Catherine before we get to the conclusion, in which they have a warm exchange (albeit a little too quiet). Megan Gallagher never really got many chances to shine in the two seasons her character was actually...well...alive. Sure, there were a few fine opportunities for the actress, but nowhere near enough. She's a welcome presence here, and her big scene with Henriksen is one of her best ever.

The return of Giebelhouse is another wonderful touch. He grew into a endearing character throughout the first two seasons, and with his NYPD-Blue-ish tough cop dialogue and manner, he was a nice change for all the cryptic, occasionally pretentious speechmaking characters like Frank and Watts uttered. It's nice to see him and Frank working together again, and coming across as a real friend, instead of just being a work associate.

It's interesting to see the fabled Yellow House again...although it's color has changed since Frank sold it. I have to wonder who would actually what to buy the place, knowing that several people have murdered there in the past! The cabin where the Black family hid out during the plague onslaught is also here, and a crucial part of the story. More about the plague is dealt with in several dialogue exchanges here too. This show does a better job of following up the events of 'The Fourth Horseman' and 'The End Is Now' than 'The Innocents' and 'Exegesis' did!

The episode isn't flawless...Jessica Tuck's performance as the apparent brains behind the audio tape attacks gives a rather overly-melodramatic portrayal of the character, who doesn't really make much sense anyway. Things are tied up a bit too easily, and The Millennium Group's involvement seems a little tacked on.

But nevertheless, this is one of the strongest shows of the season. Starting with one of the most creepily compelling pre-credits teasers of the year, 'The Sound Of Snow' is something that fans should have seen earlier in the season, but it was worth waiting for.