Despite being rather bumpy, the case with 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' since Season 5, Season 6 was still watchable with some episodes being great and none of them misfired (a few are polarising though). Other than liking 'Criminal Intent' a lot, primarily Seasons 1-4, it was seeing Goren and Eames being closer to their previous seasons personas (indicated in what others have said elsewhere) and seeing an atypically cast Doris Roberts that interested me most.
"Privilege" on the whole is a very, very good episode, if not quite great or 'Criminal Intent' back at its very best. It is better than the previous episode "World's Fair" and really liked the character writing for Goren and Eames and was surprised by Roberts. Just to say, there are plenty of examples of actors guest starring on 'Criminal Intent' in different roles to usual and excelled. "Privilege" though was one, and the first, of three episodes in a row to have a rushed ending.
It's well made visually, with slick and intimate yet never too claustrophobic photography. The music doesn't come over as too intrusive or melodramatic. The direction has momentum but also breathing space. All the acting is fine. Cannot ever fault Vincent D'Onofrio, especially in his reaction to the matriarch's mistreatment when it hits home for him, or Kathryn Erbe, regardless of the material. The biggest surprise was Roberts, bringing pure class and emotional power to a character that is a far cry from the one she played on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.
There is a thoughtful, intelligently crafted and tightly structured script and a tense, twisty and affecting story that doesn't feel predictable. Goren is the most in character in "Privilege" he was up to this point of the season, am mentioning this as a few episodes have been heavily criticised for him being considered out of character (actually loved the episodes in question and loved his character progression this season). He and Eames, up to her usual sass and the most active she's been in a while, have such spark to their chemistry. Even Richard Kind is good.
Did feel though that the ending was too rushed.
And that Ross went backwards in character writing here, apart from a great exchange between him and Goren, just when he was starting to slowly grow on me. Just don't like his aggression, clear bias against Goren and that he is so critical of seemingly everything.
Overall though, very good and primarily for the acting. 8/10
16 out of 19 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
