After another rocky Nichols-starring 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' episode in "In Treatment", it is hard to not utter a gasp of relief seeing Goren and Eames, far more interesting characters and a far more interesting partnership, return with the season's fifth episode "Faithfully". And hopefully at a standard closer to their brilliant previous episode "Identity Crisis" than "In Treatment". It certainly had potential to, with the concept of the story appealing more.
"Faithfully" is a great return and it was great to see Goren and Eames back in a case that is mostly worthy of them. It is not quite as brilliant as "Identity Crisis", but it is considerably better than "In Treatment" and in the better half of Season 8 (another up and down season in the inconsistent period for the show that was Season 5 onwards). Not one of my favourite 'Criminal Intent' episodes by all means, but there is so much that is done wonderfully here.
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. Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are both typically excellent and their chemistry has playfulness and intensity.
The script is fun, thought provoking and taut, one that is lean enough while with enough meat to it. The case from start to finish is very compelling and intricate, keeping one on their toes and guessing without being difficult to follow or feeling manipulated. Had no idea who was responsible or what the motive was until right at the end.
By all means, "Faithfully" isn't perfect. It is occasionally a little heavy-handed, like the wince-inducing scene at the funeral reception.
Otherwise though, great. 9/10.