On the most part the second half of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent's' Season 3 is very good to outstanding, an improvement over the season's very solid but not exceptional first half. It is hard to not expect much from watching any episode of 'Criminal Intent', it was great in its prime and has one of the franchise's most justifiably popular characters. The show, and this season too, had so many great concepts and the show (like the 'Law and Order' franchise in its prime in general) has often been great in how difficult issues are tackled.
"Conscience" is a very good episode on the whole. Did think though it was a slight let down after five great/outstanding previous episodes when the season kicked into gear, those episodes handled their stories in a more uncompromising manner which "Conscience" slightly lacked in comparison. As indicated though, the step down is not a massive one and "Conscience" was elevated to a greater level by the main guest star, the climax and one chemistry being particular well done.
The photography is slick and subtly gritty as usual and while the locations are limited in number they are still pleasing to look at and the more intimate ones aren't claustrophobic. Like the Season 3s of the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit', the editing has come on a fair bit from since the show first began (and it was never bad to begin with), crisper and more fluid. The music is haunting while not going over the top and not being intrusive, too constant and melodramatic music would have ruined the mood and would not have let the dialogue do the talking as effectively.
Vincent D'Onofrio is terrific, when was he ever not in this role (although he was a little too subdued in "Shrink Wrapped" he was still very good), he is the embodiment of Goren. Kathryn Erbe contrasts with him beautifully and their chemistry is still great fun (to me it's always been by far the best and most interesting of the numerous lead partnerships on 'Criminal Intent'). Once again, the writing is taut and thoughtful, without being wordy (which is great for a show that is quite talk-heavy). The final third and especially the climax are brilliantly written.
Story is mostly very interesting and "Conscience" is another episode to handle a difficult subject tactfully where one feels much sympathy for the situation. The story and episode highlight is the climax, one of Season 3's and even 'Criminal Intent's' best because of its intensity and wide emotional impact. John Savage gives a powerful guest turn and his chemistry with D'Onofrio is pretty electric.
Really not that much to criticise with "Conscience". While the subject is handled with tact, the execution of the case is also a little safe and too careful. Wouldn't have said no to more surprises and risk taking.
In conclusion, very good if not mind-blowing. 8/10
"Conscience" is a very good episode on the whole. Did think though it was a slight let down after five great/outstanding previous episodes when the season kicked into gear, those episodes handled their stories in a more uncompromising manner which "Conscience" slightly lacked in comparison. As indicated though, the step down is not a massive one and "Conscience" was elevated to a greater level by the main guest star, the climax and one chemistry being particular well done.
The photography is slick and subtly gritty as usual and while the locations are limited in number they are still pleasing to look at and the more intimate ones aren't claustrophobic. Like the Season 3s of the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit', the editing has come on a fair bit from since the show first began (and it was never bad to begin with), crisper and more fluid. The music is haunting while not going over the top and not being intrusive, too constant and melodramatic music would have ruined the mood and would not have let the dialogue do the talking as effectively.
Vincent D'Onofrio is terrific, when was he ever not in this role (although he was a little too subdued in "Shrink Wrapped" he was still very good), he is the embodiment of Goren. Kathryn Erbe contrasts with him beautifully and their chemistry is still great fun (to me it's always been by far the best and most interesting of the numerous lead partnerships on 'Criminal Intent'). Once again, the writing is taut and thoughtful, without being wordy (which is great for a show that is quite talk-heavy). The final third and especially the climax are brilliantly written.
Story is mostly very interesting and "Conscience" is another episode to handle a difficult subject tactfully where one feels much sympathy for the situation. The story and episode highlight is the climax, one of Season 3's and even 'Criminal Intent's' best because of its intensity and wide emotional impact. John Savage gives a powerful guest turn and his chemistry with D'Onofrio is pretty electric.
Really not that much to criticise with "Conscience". While the subject is handled with tact, the execution of the case is also a little safe and too careful. Wouldn't have said no to more surprises and risk taking.
In conclusion, very good if not mind-blowing. 8/10
