'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' is a great show, or it certainly is at its best. Particularly notable for its fascinating lead character Robert Goren, brilliantly played by Vincent D'Onofrio. For me, of the very variable 'Law and Order' franchise, it's one of its best along with the original and prime (so early seasons) 'Special Victims Unit'. Consistently liked to loved the whole of Season 1 and was in no way let down generally by the second season, where the same strengths can be seen.
Although the season opener "Dead" is great, one of its main great things being one of the show's cleverest and creepiest killers, and the following episode "Bright Boy" was very good for namely the character of Robbie and his interaction with Goren, "Anti-Thesis" for me was the best of the three episodes up to this point of the season. One of the high points of Season and one of the best 'Criminal Intent' episodes, perhaps even one of the best episodes of this, the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' combined.
It is especially good for the character of Nicole Wallace, a deceptively attractive but actually very clever and frighteningly cunning. One of not many 'Criminal Intent' guest characters to fit under the term "Goren meets his match" and worthy of his intellect. While the mystery has plenty of twists and turns, is cleverly plotted, is never obvious and riveting, the truly sparkling cat and mouse game-like interactions between her and Goren (as always a character one can't help being fascinated by) are even better.
The interrogation has plenty of tension and is quite chilling, not to mention hugely entertaining, while the ending is one of the show's best ever scenes in my view. The script is intelligent and tightly structured, at its best with Goren and Wallace.
Despite the whole cast being terrific (wouldn't have said no to more of Kathryn Erbe perhaps though), it's Vincent D'Onofrio and Olivia D'Abo that shine most. Cannot get enough of D'Onofrio, who has always been a big delight in 'Criminal Intent' and essentially is the show, and for me this is one of D'Abo's best roles, didn't realise she had it in her.
Production values are stylish and have a brighter look than the first season while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction is deft and allows D'Onofrio and D'Abo to have fun.
Concluding, an outstanding episode and classic 'Criminal Intent'. 10/10
Although the season opener "Dead" is great, one of its main great things being one of the show's cleverest and creepiest killers, and the following episode "Bright Boy" was very good for namely the character of Robbie and his interaction with Goren, "Anti-Thesis" for me was the best of the three episodes up to this point of the season. One of the high points of Season and one of the best 'Criminal Intent' episodes, perhaps even one of the best episodes of this, the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' combined.
It is especially good for the character of Nicole Wallace, a deceptively attractive but actually very clever and frighteningly cunning. One of not many 'Criminal Intent' guest characters to fit under the term "Goren meets his match" and worthy of his intellect. While the mystery has plenty of twists and turns, is cleverly plotted, is never obvious and riveting, the truly sparkling cat and mouse game-like interactions between her and Goren (as always a character one can't help being fascinated by) are even better.
The interrogation has plenty of tension and is quite chilling, not to mention hugely entertaining, while the ending is one of the show's best ever scenes in my view. The script is intelligent and tightly structured, at its best with Goren and Wallace.
Despite the whole cast being terrific (wouldn't have said no to more of Kathryn Erbe perhaps though), it's Vincent D'Onofrio and Olivia D'Abo that shine most. Cannot get enough of D'Onofrio, who has always been a big delight in 'Criminal Intent' and essentially is the show, and for me this is one of D'Abo's best roles, didn't realise she had it in her.
Production values are stylish and have a brighter look than the first season while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction is deft and allows D'Onofrio and D'Abo to have fun.
Concluding, an outstanding episode and classic 'Criminal Intent'. 10/10
