Season 9 was not one of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent's' best seasons, actually consider it one of the weaker ones. There are great episodes, such as the two parter "Loyalty", "Love on Ice" and "True Legacy". There are also disappointments, such as "Gods and Insects" and especially "Palimpsest" (the latter of which made the mistake of not feeling like 'Criminal Intent'). It is hard though to not expect a lot from "Three in One" when it's a season finale.
And a very good one it is too. "Three in One" doesn't quite end Season 9 on a bang (not in the way the original 'Law and Order's' Season 9 finale "Refuge" did), but it doesn't end on a whimper at the same time like 'Special Victims Unit's' Season 9 finale "Cold". While "Three in One" is not a 'Criminal Intent' high point, it is in the better half of the season and shows that the season was at its best with the dark character studies type of episodes.
"Three in One" is not flawless. There could have been a little more tension in the earlier parts.
Did think too that the ending was on the rushed side and was slightly anti-climactic, this was the final appearance of all three leads and it didn't feel like it.
Having said that, "Three in One" does a lot right. It is elevated to a greater level by the guest turns, what Season 9 had in common was that many episodes had the guest stars making more of an impression than the leads. Both F. Murray Abraham and Tom Lipinski give inspired performances, with Lipinski being genuinely creepy in a difficult role that could easily have been overacted. Abraham does dignity and pomposity effortlessly. Another thing that was special was the relationship between Abraham and Jeff Goldblum (also on fine form), which was beautifully done.
Furthermore, it is a visually slick episode, typical for 'Criminal Intent' and the 'Law and Order' franchise, and one with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable and the direction is accommodating yet tight enough. The script is intelligent and tight, as well as entertaining while the story is absorbing and darkly twisty.
Overall, very good if not amazing season finale. 8/10.
And a very good one it is too. "Three in One" doesn't quite end Season 9 on a bang (not in the way the original 'Law and Order's' Season 9 finale "Refuge" did), but it doesn't end on a whimper at the same time like 'Special Victims Unit's' Season 9 finale "Cold". While "Three in One" is not a 'Criminal Intent' high point, it is in the better half of the season and shows that the season was at its best with the dark character studies type of episodes.
"Three in One" is not flawless. There could have been a little more tension in the earlier parts.
Did think too that the ending was on the rushed side and was slightly anti-climactic, this was the final appearance of all three leads and it didn't feel like it.
Having said that, "Three in One" does a lot right. It is elevated to a greater level by the guest turns, what Season 9 had in common was that many episodes had the guest stars making more of an impression than the leads. Both F. Murray Abraham and Tom Lipinski give inspired performances, with Lipinski being genuinely creepy in a difficult role that could easily have been overacted. Abraham does dignity and pomposity effortlessly. Another thing that was special was the relationship between Abraham and Jeff Goldblum (also on fine form), which was beautifully done.
Furthermore, it is a visually slick episode, typical for 'Criminal Intent' and the 'Law and Order' franchise, and one with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable and the direction is accommodating yet tight enough. The script is intelligent and tight, as well as entertaining while the story is absorbing and darkly twisty.
Overall, very good if not amazing season finale. 8/10.