I say this as someone who has been watching this show for years; from being in middle school and watching it with my mom to binging full seasons today in my college dorm, and who has watched this series up to the current S24. This episode is my absolute favorite and I rewatch it again and again just because I love the experience of watching it that much.
But, I have learned that just because I like something, doesn't mean it's good. This episode is not good. The acting? Comedically over the top and hammy. The police work by our detectives? Not good. The detectives letting someone get away with murder? Bad. The dropped plotline about the custody of the toddler that was the stepping-off point for this episode? Also not good.
But I love this episode. Bijou Phillips as Dia Nobile is incredibly entertaining and has some of the best lines since the episode where Olivia got high on mushrooms. I'm the kind of person that can suspend my disbelief entirely if I'm having enough fun, and this episode, with its insane plotline, twists, and characters, definitely provides that. This episode takes "it's so bad, it's good" as far as it can and limps across the finish line.
But, I have learned that just because I like something, doesn't mean it's good. This episode is not good. The acting? Comedically over the top and hammy. The police work by our detectives? Not good. The detectives letting someone get away with murder? Bad. The dropped plotline about the custody of the toddler that was the stepping-off point for this episode? Also not good.
But I love this episode. Bijou Phillips as Dia Nobile is incredibly entertaining and has some of the best lines since the episode where Olivia got high on mushrooms. I'm the kind of person that can suspend my disbelief entirely if I'm having enough fun, and this episode, with its insane plotline, twists, and characters, definitely provides that. This episode takes "it's so bad, it's good" as far as it can and limps across the finish line.