While Season 3 started off very well indeed and the first half of it was a solid one with two great episodes, it wasn't until the previous episode "Unrequited" where the top-tier brilliance that 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' frequently showed before and since properly emerged. On the whole, the second half of the season (which started with "Unrequited") was better, more consistent and more settled than the first with one exception. "Unrequited" was one of the finest examples.
Likewise with another Season 3 high-point "Pas De Deux", nothing to do with ballet just to say, that is every bit as brilliant. A fine example of how to not making a story that sounds familiar on paper feel tired or derivative (two things that it could easily have been). All thanks to two very interesting supporting characters and an equally interesting dynamic between the two that forms the heart of the story. Not to mention the ending, this is what classic 'Criminal Intent' is all about.
As said above, it was very difficult to not be fascinated by the dynamic between DePalma and Margie. Which was a mix of chilling and affecting because of the difference between the two, DePalma is somebody one hates from the start whereas part of me felt for Margie because of how troubled she was. Both are interesting characters and more complex than they seem on paper, especially Margie. Charles Rocket does cunning so well, at his most cunning he is quite chilling, and Margie is touchingly played.
"Pas De Deux" is also a masterclass episode for Goren, who is as spot on perceptive as ever but also very funny. Especially when in the interrogation room, which was pretty priceless. The story is both fun and suspenseful, with lots of unexpected twists and turns and one of the cleverest and best endings and interrogations of the whole of 'Criminal Intent'.
The dialogue is taut and entertaining, especially with Goren and DePalma. Eames made a welcome return in "Unrequited", after a temporary absence in the first half of the season, and with such a sparkling rapport between her and Goren it was like the absence did not happen.
It also looks very competent and is fittingly scored and sympathetically but also tightly directed.
Overall, brilliant episode and one of Season 3's best. 10/10
Likewise with another Season 3 high-point "Pas De Deux", nothing to do with ballet just to say, that is every bit as brilliant. A fine example of how to not making a story that sounds familiar on paper feel tired or derivative (two things that it could easily have been). All thanks to two very interesting supporting characters and an equally interesting dynamic between the two that forms the heart of the story. Not to mention the ending, this is what classic 'Criminal Intent' is all about.
As said above, it was very difficult to not be fascinated by the dynamic between DePalma and Margie. Which was a mix of chilling and affecting because of the difference between the two, DePalma is somebody one hates from the start whereas part of me felt for Margie because of how troubled she was. Both are interesting characters and more complex than they seem on paper, especially Margie. Charles Rocket does cunning so well, at his most cunning he is quite chilling, and Margie is touchingly played.
"Pas De Deux" is also a masterclass episode for Goren, who is as spot on perceptive as ever but also very funny. Especially when in the interrogation room, which was pretty priceless. The story is both fun and suspenseful, with lots of unexpected twists and turns and one of the cleverest and best endings and interrogations of the whole of 'Criminal Intent'.
The dialogue is taut and entertaining, especially with Goren and DePalma. Eames made a welcome return in "Unrequited", after a temporary absence in the first half of the season, and with such a sparkling rapport between her and Goren it was like the absence did not happen.
It also looks very competent and is fittingly scored and sympathetically but also tightly directed.
Overall, brilliant episode and one of Season 3's best. 10/10
