It was a pleasure to see Alexandra Eames again, after she made a big impression earlier on in the season in "Acceptable Loss". Did not like how the team treated her at times, but as a character she was a big asset to that episode. Have not always been a fan though of Amaro's character writing in Season 14, liked him in the previous season but this was a case of overdoing his flaws. Do remember "Poisoned Motive" being very good on first watch.
My mostly positive feelings from first watch of "Poisoned Motive" are still the case now, so a very good episode if not a great one but with lots of great things. Eames did make a much bigger impression in "Acceptable Loss", despite this episode as an overall whole being superior and Amaro's character writing continues to be a problem. Loved however that it was action packed and tense, as well as that it evoked a lot of emotion inside.
Eames is too underused here, what is the point of her returning and then give her hardly anything to do.
Also felt that Amaro's sackable offense worthy and borderline criminal unprofessionalism in the prison was overdone and that it was also skated over, really don't like it when people get away with too much (having had it frequently with Stabler in his latter seasons). The perpetrator's identity seemed obvious as soon as they were introduced, the motive was less foreseeable though and did shock me.
So much is great about "Poisoned Motive". The acting is very good, although the regulars are without complaint (particularly Mariska Hargitay and sympathetic and tough Ice-T) it's the terrific supporting cast that are even better. Especially genuinely unnerving Jessica Camacho. The story is one of the best of the season, the action thrills, the tension of the opening and of the suspenseful climax hits hard and the aftermath of the opening is truly emotional, did well up in the scene at the hospital.
The story is never dull and there are times where it is touching, especially the team's abundantly clear genuine care for Rollins (particularly Fin). Visually it is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe. The script is tightly structured, made me think and as usual had an uncompromising edge, particularly in the climax. It also flows very naturally.
In conclusion, very, very good. 8/10.
My mostly positive feelings from first watch of "Poisoned Motive" are still the case now, so a very good episode if not a great one but with lots of great things. Eames did make a much bigger impression in "Acceptable Loss", despite this episode as an overall whole being superior and Amaro's character writing continues to be a problem. Loved however that it was action packed and tense, as well as that it evoked a lot of emotion inside.
Eames is too underused here, what is the point of her returning and then give her hardly anything to do.
Also felt that Amaro's sackable offense worthy and borderline criminal unprofessionalism in the prison was overdone and that it was also skated over, really don't like it when people get away with too much (having had it frequently with Stabler in his latter seasons). The perpetrator's identity seemed obvious as soon as they were introduced, the motive was less foreseeable though and did shock me.
So much is great about "Poisoned Motive". The acting is very good, although the regulars are without complaint (particularly Mariska Hargitay and sympathetic and tough Ice-T) it's the terrific supporting cast that are even better. Especially genuinely unnerving Jessica Camacho. The story is one of the best of the season, the action thrills, the tension of the opening and of the suspenseful climax hits hard and the aftermath of the opening is truly emotional, did well up in the scene at the hospital.
The story is never dull and there are times where it is touching, especially the team's abundantly clear genuine care for Rollins (particularly Fin). Visually it is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe. The script is tightly structured, made me think and as usual had an uncompromising edge, particularly in the climax. It also flows very naturally.
In conclusion, very, very good. 8/10.