"Charm City" was pretty unique at this point of 'Law and Order's' run. With it being a crossover with 'Homicide: Life on the Street', which had not yet been done before. So that was already an interest point. The premise did sound interesting, if potentially convoluted (actually know other fans that found the episode too convoluted). Despite Season 6 not being one of the best overall seasons of 'Law and Order' the first half did have a number of highs.
For me "Charm City" does fall short of being one of those highs and it is not as good as the excellent previous episode "Trophy", but it is for all its faults better than the three episodes that preceeded that episode. It is a long way from the show, franchise or season at their best, and it does fall into the potential trap of crossovers of feeling too much like it is from the other show crossed over with and not quite enough of the show it's part of. Will elaborate upon that a little more later if anybody is confused.
That does not mean that "Charm City" is a bad episode, it isn't and there are things done well. It's well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. All the regulars are great and Kyle Secor and particularly Andre Braugher are animated support.
As is Richard Belzer, although Munch's dry humour and personality worked a lot better in 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'. Kevin Geer is malevolence personified as Egan. There is some thoughtful writing and there is some intrigue and suspense, such as the start.
However, "Charm City" could have been a good deal more. Somehow it doesn't feel enough like a 'Law and Order' episode, it is obvious that it is a crossover and much of me felt like it was more 'Homicide: Life on the Street' than it was 'Law and Order', the regular cast feeling more like guest stars. It is not always easy to follow with too many things not explored enough.
Everything with the Cacodyl could have gone into a lot more depth for example, that really did stretch credulity in not just the how and why but also the way it's used and the consequences.
In conclusion, not a bad episode at all but not great. 6.5/10
For me "Charm City" does fall short of being one of those highs and it is not as good as the excellent previous episode "Trophy", but it is for all its faults better than the three episodes that preceeded that episode. It is a long way from the show, franchise or season at their best, and it does fall into the potential trap of crossovers of feeling too much like it is from the other show crossed over with and not quite enough of the show it's part of. Will elaborate upon that a little more later if anybody is confused.
That does not mean that "Charm City" is a bad episode, it isn't and there are things done well. It's well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. All the regulars are great and Kyle Secor and particularly Andre Braugher are animated support.
As is Richard Belzer, although Munch's dry humour and personality worked a lot better in 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'. Kevin Geer is malevolence personified as Egan. There is some thoughtful writing and there is some intrigue and suspense, such as the start.
However, "Charm City" could have been a good deal more. Somehow it doesn't feel enough like a 'Law and Order' episode, it is obvious that it is a crossover and much of me felt like it was more 'Homicide: Life on the Street' than it was 'Law and Order', the regular cast feeling more like guest stars. It is not always easy to follow with too many things not explored enough.
Everything with the Cacodyl could have gone into a lot more depth for example, that really did stretch credulity in not just the how and why but also the way it's used and the consequences.
In conclusion, not a bad episode at all but not great. 6.5/10
