First, a romance novel played a role in both episodes. In SIB, Frannie uses the plot of a novel called "Sword of Desire" (if I remember correctly) to justify Thatcher's interpretation of the murder. In ALS, the caregiver reads "Sword of Desire" to the old woman, and Stan sees parallels between the novel and the murder they are investigating. The "Sword of Desire" in each episode can't be the same novel- the plots are top different- but it is an amusing coincidence.
Second, when Fraser demonstrates his knife throwing skills in SIB, he says that he only needs to remember the five P's in order to throw accurately: "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance." He says the same thing in ALS when they catch the murderer- the killer's mistakes prove the truth in the five P's.
Did anyone see other connections between the episodes?
Why is this episode called "Likely Story" anyway?
We first see Fraser, Kowalski and Dief sitting in a park around dinner on an open fire. Fraser then hilariously attempts to tell a ghost story that'd've been great in the arctic with winds howling around the mountains but sound a bit out of place here.
Rays'reaction to Luanne and Fraser's reaction to Ray were really interesting! Ray: "I don't know who has less sex, me or you. But at least I think about women all the time. Is that worse or better?"
F.: "That's an interesting question."
And later, while they're camping in mrs. Tucci's yard, we get a fine display (doubtlessly not the first in DS) that partners instinctively feel each other's reactions sans seeing them. You do not get to see this in movies.
This is also the first time that I've seen Callum Keith Rennie looking kindly in the series. It is a relief from the perpetually wild scowl and the unfocused, crazed oh-god-who-am-I-gonna-shoot and I-will-deal(usually in a violent manner)-with-this-situation-no-matter-what attitude. What with his earlier displayed acting talent and all, I could imagine him as a lead man in a screen movie now. (No offence: I'm new to the series)
When I first turned on the VCR, I saw the last few minutes. I retrospect, I believe that Fraser was both tactful and honest in "finishing" his story in response to Ray's question. That actually his friend can be likened to that terrible giant troll(?) that eats little princesses and eats everything he can find, and for once has understood that he shouldn't attack innocent women who like him. "Unless of course..."
"Fraser."
"Yes."
"That is one dark story!"
"So it is." And for once, Fraser's seriousness concerns the remark, the story and what the allegory sketches.