Fun with Titles: Pacific Bay’s "The Ties That Bind" and "No Place Like Home"

On today’s episode of obsessing over Criminal Case: Pacific Bay, I’d just like to write about why I particularly like the case titles The Ties That Bind and No Place Like Home. These two cases are a part of the Rhine Canyon arc that explores Andrea’s past. The Ties That Bind – Pacific Bay’s 44th case – is the case in which Andrea becomes a suspect. The 45th case, No Place Like Home, is the case in which Randolph returns to his home planet. What I like about these two titles is that they pertain not only to the case, but also to Andrea’s character arc.

The Ties That Bind refers to Spangler’s manner of death and Andrea’s troubled relationship with her past. Colonel Spangler, the victim in this case, died because he was burned to death. The Ties That Bind refers to the spelunking harness that was tied around Spangler as he burnt to death in order to prevent him from escaping. On another level, The Ties That Bind refers to Andrea’s past that continues to bind and haunt her. Andrea’s encounter with an alien still bothers her in the present day, thirty-six years later! After finding closure, hopefully Andrea’s past stays as a past memory instead of something that binds her.

No Place Like Home refers to Randolph’s wish to return to his home planet and Andrea’s relationship with her hometown. Ever since he crash landed on earth, Randolph has been trying to return to his planet, Krep-9. Though not explored in detail, I like to think that the title also speaks of Andrea’s relationship with Rhine Canyon. At the beginning of the arc, Andrea seems to be reluctant to admit the fact that Rhine Canyon is her hometown.

Frank: So, Andrea, Ana told us you grew up in Rhine Canyon! Why didn't you tell us earlier?!

Chief Marquez (hands on her hips): I like my private life to stay private, you know that, Frank! Though I apologize for not saying anything before sending you to work with Ana, <Name>...

Case #39, Road to Nowhere, from the chapter Map to the Stars: part 1

There is even an instance where Andrea responds in anger when Frank presses her about the matter:

Frank (in disbelief): All these years and you never mentioned your hometown, what's so horrible about growing up in Rhine Canyon for Pete's sake?!

Chief Marquez (shouting): Enough with this, Frank! Now, <Name>, what did you discover about Spangler?

Case #39, Road to Nowhere, from the chapter Map to the Stars: part 1

I believe Andrea’s issues revolving around her alien encounter made her develop complicated feelings toward her hometown. She associated the bad memories with Rhine Canyon. As a result, she perhaps wished to be dissociated from Rhine Canyon and all-things-alien so that she doesn’t get reminded of the bad memories.

Nevertheless, there is indeed No Place Like Home. Andrea is still rather fond of her hometown too:

Chief Marquez: Rhine Canyon is a beautiful wilderness, if a little harsh...

Case #39, Road to Nowhere, chapter 1

Unfortunately, we get no real material that indicates a major change in Andrea’s attitude toward her hometown after she reunites with Randolph (especially because she gets her memories wiped again! Click here to read my issues with this). But I like to believe that Andrea has become more accepting toward her hometown.

That’s it for today’s post! Thanks for sticking around.