Nick Amaro was a very promising character when introduced in Season 11 and settled quicker than Rollins did. Did find however that while Rollins' character writing gradually improved, Amaro's in his mid/late episodes declined when his family problems got in the way and when he was treated like Stabler 2.0. It was around this period where it was especially patchy, where he did become too aggressive and self-righteous which was a far cry from the Amaro of Season 13.
"Amaro's One Eighty" was something of a turning point episode for both Amaro as a character and his character development. This is him here at his most interesting all season and where he didn't frustrate me. Really did fear that it would be another "Cold", another episode with a cop in the firing line for a criminal offense, but it is a much better episode than that. "Amaro's One Eighty" also says goodbye to Cragen, and it is a goodbye that was a lot more satisfying than Munch's in "Wonderland Story".
There is a lot to like about "Amaro's One Eighty". The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips, the second half being full of it. The script is mostly taut and intelligent, while enough of the story is interesting and well paced.
On top of being a good look at a detective that has his reputation compromised while on the job. The character development for Amaro is good and it is development that advances his character and not regresses or distorts him, the turning point is handled well. As is the tension with Tucker, which thankfully doesn't feature too much and doesn't make Tucker too much of a villain. The episode contains some great work from Danny Pino, who takes centre stage in an all round well acted story. Kelli Giddish has also come on a lot. Also really liked how Cragen's last appearance was handled, low key and moving and far more satisfying than Munch, Cragen is not underused for one thing.
Unfortunately, "Amaro's One Eighty" is let down by its predictabilility. The concept is not an innovative one in the first place and the execution of it isn't either, the outcome is not in doubt and there is a lack of suspense. What would have improved this was if what happens in the opening wasn't revealed immediately, knowing pretty much exactly what happened well before the rest of the team did did dilute the tension in my view.
Really didn't buy that nowhere near enough is done with the other detective character, nearly forgotten about when what they did was as bad as what Amaro is accused of. Cragen's final decision regarding who to replace him comes out of nowhere and is too much too soon, considering she despite her track record and being the longest serving team member had just had a trauma that she had not recovered from.
Summing, not great but good. Much better than the last time a similar scenario was attempted on this show six seasons prior. 7/10.
"Amaro's One Eighty" was something of a turning point episode for both Amaro as a character and his character development. This is him here at his most interesting all season and where he didn't frustrate me. Really did fear that it would be another "Cold", another episode with a cop in the firing line for a criminal offense, but it is a much better episode than that. "Amaro's One Eighty" also says goodbye to Cragen, and it is a goodbye that was a lot more satisfying than Munch's in "Wonderland Story".
There is a lot to like about "Amaro's One Eighty". The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips, the second half being full of it. The script is mostly taut and intelligent, while enough of the story is interesting and well paced.
On top of being a good look at a detective that has his reputation compromised while on the job. The character development for Amaro is good and it is development that advances his character and not regresses or distorts him, the turning point is handled well. As is the tension with Tucker, which thankfully doesn't feature too much and doesn't make Tucker too much of a villain. The episode contains some great work from Danny Pino, who takes centre stage in an all round well acted story. Kelli Giddish has also come on a lot. Also really liked how Cragen's last appearance was handled, low key and moving and far more satisfying than Munch, Cragen is not underused for one thing.
Unfortunately, "Amaro's One Eighty" is let down by its predictabilility. The concept is not an innovative one in the first place and the execution of it isn't either, the outcome is not in doubt and there is a lack of suspense. What would have improved this was if what happens in the opening wasn't revealed immediately, knowing pretty much exactly what happened well before the rest of the team did did dilute the tension in my view.
Really didn't buy that nowhere near enough is done with the other detective character, nearly forgotten about when what they did was as bad as what Amaro is accused of. Cragen's final decision regarding who to replace him comes out of nowhere and is too much too soon, considering she despite her track record and being the longest serving team member had just had a trauma that she had not recovered from.
Summing, not great but good. Much better than the last time a similar scenario was attempted on this show six seasons prior. 7/10.