Have always really liked 'Criminal Intent' and have done for a long time, for over a decade even. Namely in the early seasons, more compelling cases in my view, had more balanced chemistry and screen time between the leads and didn't take themselves as seriously as the later seasons did. The previous Season 2 episodes, following on from a consistently solid first season, were very good to outstanding. "Anti-Thesis" (a season and 'Criminal Intent' high point) faring best of all.
"Chinoiserie" up to this point of Season 2 is for me the weakest and one of the lesser episodes of Season 2, despite having one of the more intriguing on paper premises of the season. It is still very solid work, which just goes to show how good the previous four episodes of the season are, and has a lot to recommend it. "Chinosierie" starts off brilliantly, though generally it is a case of everything done well with no massive problems but not in a way that was special at the end of the day.
It perhaps could have done with more edge and tension and some of the middle act after the opening are on the ordinary, predictable side. Intriguing premise but the execution on occasions Ra
Things get a touch convoluted on occasions when it is revealed all is not what it seems.
However, the production values are still slick and doesn't look overblown or static. Opening up the drama enough despite the locations not being a large number. The music doesn't get excessive in quality or quantity, not being too constant or too melodramatic. The script is smart and provokes thought, as well as going along at a tight pace. The story drifts a bit in the middle act, but it has a riveting opening sequence and plenty of twists and turns that genuinely surprise and ring true.
When things go a completely different direction in a way one doesn't expect, "Chinoiserie" finds its groove again and Goren and Eames' satisfaction at the end in a denouement that leaves one floored matches our own. Goren is still a great character with great chemistry with Eames (more of her wouldn't have gone amiss though). Vincent D'Onofrio is a joy and Kathryn Erbe does very well as usual at providing a more subtle contrast. The supporting cast are also dead on, with Frank Wood managing to give charm to a snobbish character and Elizabeth Wilson chilling the bone.
Overall, good if not quite great. 7/10