"Soldier of Fortune" is another one of those 'Law and Order' episodes that sounds very intriguing and twisty on paper while not being exactly innovative. Different for 'Law and Order' at that time subject matter wise (but not overall), but with it being visited more than once since it doesn't feel as fresh. The title is also attention grabbing that pretty much sums up what "Soldier of Fortune" is about without making it too obvious. 'Law and Order' did show more than once that it could make something fresh out of a not too unique premise.
It has though done it much better than here, in episodes that have more tension and are more focused in how the stories are told. "Soldier of Fortune" is a long way from a bad episode, actually don't think any of the 'Law and Order' episodes up to this stage are bad (though there are some average ones). It just isn't an exceptional episode, and a bit of a disappointment after such a great previous outing, with the season going from one of its best episodes to one of the lesser ones.
A lot is good here. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. There is some nice direction, shining in the character interaction (i.e. The rapport between Briscoe and Green).
With one exception, the regulars are never less than very good. Jerry Orbach and Jesse L. Martin always deliver and Sam Waterston likewise. The supporting cast fare decently too, while never blowing the mind. The script is mostly taut and intelligent and the episode does start off very well, with a good deal of intrigue and atmosphere.
Just wish that those stayed consistent. The tension is not enough in the second half, the writing could have been tighter and the episode does try to cram in too many turns which made the latter stages feel over-stuffed and over-complicated. Especially if the subject is alien to you or one that has always gone over your head.
Did think that the ending was on the rushed side, again trying to include too much information in too short a space of time. Elisabeth Rohm's robotic acting again stands out like a sore thumb, am taking no pleasure in talking about her negatively in all four Season 12 reviews written to date but when the show has so many great things consistently and usually fares very well and more in casting when something so inferior is constantly a problem it's hard to ignore.
In conclusion, decent and above average but Season 12 and 'Law and Order' in general did better. 6/10.
It has though done it much better than here, in episodes that have more tension and are more focused in how the stories are told. "Soldier of Fortune" is a long way from a bad episode, actually don't think any of the 'Law and Order' episodes up to this stage are bad (though there are some average ones). It just isn't an exceptional episode, and a bit of a disappointment after such a great previous outing, with the season going from one of its best episodes to one of the lesser ones.
A lot is good here. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. There is some nice direction, shining in the character interaction (i.e. The rapport between Briscoe and Green).
With one exception, the regulars are never less than very good. Jerry Orbach and Jesse L. Martin always deliver and Sam Waterston likewise. The supporting cast fare decently too, while never blowing the mind. The script is mostly taut and intelligent and the episode does start off very well, with a good deal of intrigue and atmosphere.
Just wish that those stayed consistent. The tension is not enough in the second half, the writing could have been tighter and the episode does try to cram in too many turns which made the latter stages feel over-stuffed and over-complicated. Especially if the subject is alien to you or one that has always gone over your head.
Did think that the ending was on the rushed side, again trying to include too much information in too short a space of time. Elisabeth Rohm's robotic acting again stands out like a sore thumb, am taking no pleasure in talking about her negatively in all four Season 12 reviews written to date but when the show has so many great things consistently and usually fares very well and more in casting when something so inferior is constantly a problem it's hard to ignore.
In conclusion, decent and above average but Season 12 and 'Law and Order' in general did better. 6/10.
